Homonyms are words that sound identical when pronounced phonetically but have different meanings and often different spellings. The novel “Holes” identifies and explores the use of some homonyms, providing a fun opportunity to discuss these with your class. Prepare a list of songs and lyrics that use the word hole or its homonyms and sing them together as a class. For instance, “A Whole New World,” “There’s a Hole in the Bucket” and “Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On,” all use the word "hole" or the homonym “whole.” Discuss the differences between each of these words to illustrate the function of homonyms. Use this activity to give students practice at identifying and seeing the differences between homonyms.
The novel “Holes” contains a large character list, which begins to grow as the novel continues. As a class activity, create a character list to help your class navigate through the large number of characters in the novel. Draw a large grid on the dry erase board in the front of your class, and instruct your class to name the characters from the novel. Then ask your class to identify the nickname of each character from the camp and write down the nicknames in a column to the right of each name. Ask your class to list some traits of each character and write these traits down to the right of each nickname. Use this to prompt a discussion about each of the characters and the differences between them.
Palindromes are words or phrases that are spelled the same when spelled forward or backward, such as “racecar” or “level.” The novel “Holes” discusses some palindromes while discussing the character Stanley’s name, which is his last name, "Yelnats," spelled backward. Instruct the students to write out their first names but spell them backwards. Then prepare a list of actual palindromes and ask each student to select one and write it out, also spelled backwards. Use this project to help students identify the difference between most words and actual palindromes.
In “Holes,” the character Stanley locates a fossilized fish skeleton. Instruct your students to come to class with objects to make their own fossils, such as a leaf, a coin or a shell. Give each student a small sheet of clay to work with and demonstrate how to press their object into the clay. Once done, remove the object and fill the impression with plaster of Paris. Leave the project to dry overnight, then remove the plaster of Paris fossil for each student. Use this activity to prompt a discussion about how fossils are formed.