While reading "Paddle to the Sea," select a nearby river to complete a class research project. Using a map, show students how to locate the river's headwaters, outlet and path. Take a field trip to the river to investigate the local flora and fauna by completing a survey of fish, birds and other species that inhabit the river and its surroundings. Have students research any communities, industries and recreation areas along the river and plot these on the river map. Present the river project orally to other classes in school or to parents.
Journaling is another study activity that can be used to aid comprehension when reading "Paddle to the Sea." Students will need a notebook and a map of North America to complete the task. After reading a section or chapter of "Paddle to the Sea," students must plot Paddle's travel on their map and record the animals and people that Paddle encountered, as well as their significance. Students should also research the definitions of any unfamiliar words. Journals can be completed as class or homework activities and can be used by students to predict what might happen next in the story.
In this activity from EdSitement, students research the migration of the Ojibwe people. Students will require a map of North America and access to the Internet and books to conduct their research. The aim is to plot the Ojibwe route from their original settlements along Hudson Bay to their arrival in the Great Lakes region. Students should also write a short accompanying essay outlining the reasons for this migration, including climate change, European trade and war with other tribes.
In this activity, students develop their writing skills by producing an article that might have appeared in a French newspaper when Paddle arrived in France. Students should include a headline and photograph with a caption in their report. Encourage students to be as creative as possible, for example, by using quotes from imaginary eyewitnesses. Display the newspaper reports on a classroom wall.