Encourage students to delve into the characters from "The Trumpet of the Swan" with student-written diaries. Ask each student to choose a character from the novel -- Louis, Sam, Serena or Louis' father -- and write a diary from that character's point of view. The diary entries may take place during the events of the story or afterwards. Encourage students to consider how the character they chose thinks and speaks when writing the diary entries.
Teach students about trumpeter swans with a research project. Ask students to work in groups to learn more about the trumpeter swan. Assign each group a topic to research and present to the class, such as the trumpeter swan's habitat, diet and where they live. Encourage students to prepare posters, Power Point presentations and videos to teach the rest of the class about the trumpeter swan.
Help students connect to "The Trumpet of the Swan" with an art activity. After reading the novel, ask students to choose their favorite scene from the story. Provide students with paper, markers, crayons, paints and other art supplies. Invite them to illustrate their favorite scene or to create a piece of artwork inspired by the scene. When the illustrations are completed, ask students to present their work to the class. For students who are not artistically inclined, offer alternative assignments, such as writing a poem.
In "The Trumpet of the Swan," Louis the swan cannot speak but learns to play the trumpet so he can communicate with the other swans and find a mate. Discuss other individuals who overcame obstacles to achieve their goals. Research famous people in history who dealt with difficult obstacles, such as Helen Keller. Ask students to create short biographies of inspirational individuals and share them with the class.