Study Guides and Lesson Plans for "Island
of the Blue Dolphins"
About Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell:
In the Pacific there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the
sea. Around it, blue dolphins swim, otters play, and sea elephants and sea birds abound.
once, Indians also lived on the island. And when they left and sailed to the east, one
young girl was left behind.
This is the story of Karana, the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of
the Blue Dolphins. Year after year, she watched one season pass into another and waited
for a ship to take her away. But while she waited, she kept herself alive by building
shelter, making weapons, finding food, and fighting her enemies, the wild dogs. It is not
only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal
discovery.
Author Scott O'Dell won the Newbery Medal for Island of the Blue
Dolphins in 1961. In 1976, the Children's Literature Association named this riveting
story one of the 10 best American children's books of the past 200 years.
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Read reviews of Island of the Blue
Dolphins
Also available in Spanish (Isla
De Los Delfines Azules)
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Complete lesson plans for teaching Island of the Blue Dolphins. Includes introduction
to the unit, unit objectives, reading assignments, unit outline, study questions (short
answer), study/quiz questions (multiple choice), vocabulary worksheets, daily lessons
planned, related nonfiction reading assignment, oral reading evaluation, biographical info
about the author, three detailed writing assignments (inform, persuade, personal opinion),
vocabulary review games & activities, unit review games & activities, at least one
group activity assignment, discussion questions on all levels (factual, critical,
interpretive, personal response), 2 short answer unit tests, 2 multiple choice unit tests,
1 advanced short answer unit test, unit and vocabulary crossword puzzles, unit and
vocabulary extra worksheets & games, bulletin board ideas, ready-to-copy student
materials, answer keys, and more! CD-ROM: 159 pages
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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott
O'Dell is a favorite middle grade novel.This companion gives background on the author,
questions to guide reading, clues to themes, plot, characters, and setting of the book, a
glossary, writing and other activities, and more. If you loved Island of the Blue
Dolphins, you need this reading companion. 64 pages.
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Teaching Guide designed to develop an appreciation for literature and to improve
reading skills, exploring critique and literature elements. 80 pages.
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Easy-to-use, reproducible lessons on literary terms, comprehension and analysis,
critical thinking, related scriptural principles, vocabulary, activities, plus a complete
answer key. Ring-bound, 56 pages.
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Everything You Need for Successful Literature Circles That Get Kids Thinking, Talking,
Writing, and Loving Literature This one-of-a-kind guide to running literature circles,
based on Louis Sachar's Holes, shows teachers how to organize small discussion groups that
work. Includes stimulating questions and writing prompts that motivate students to think
and respond thoughtfully. As students dive into lively discussions, they learn to identify
themes, analyze vocabulary, recognize the author's craft, and respond meaningfully to the
text.
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