CEClang.77


TITLE:  MAP OF SHIP TRAP ISLAND

AUTHOR:  Linda Kramer, Central Mid High School;
         Norman, Oklahoma

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  English I; ninth grade.

OVERVIEW:  Whether reading for pleasure or information,
the student's ability to closely read for details
affects his understanding.  This activity is designed
to help students analyze information and cooperate in
producing an accurate visual representation of details.

PURPOSE:  This activity gives students the opportunity
to share their talents and abilities in the authentic
assessment of reading comprehension.

OBJECTIVE(s):  Students will be able to:
1.  Recall specific details from an assigned
    reading.
2.  Analyze details for their relationship to each
    other.
3.  Design a map of the setting of the story, using
    details listed.
4.  Justify their design.
5.  Cooperate with each other to reach these
    objectives

RESOURCES:
Copies of the story "The Most Dangerous Game" (found in
most any English I literature anthology), paper,
pencils, map pencils.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   Students read the short story "The Most Dangerous
     Game", by Richard Connell.
2.   Students are given a list of "clues", pages on
     which details of the setting are very important.
     Students reread the story closely, taking notes
     about these details.
3.  In groups of three, students share their notes,
     looking through the story once more for any
     omitted details that should go on their maps.
4.   Students are provided with a list of instructions
     for making their maps of Ship Trap Island. The
     instructions includes details to locate, and how
     to make their key.
5.   Students are supplied with paper, colored pencils,
     and time for designing and executing their map of
     Ship Trap Island.
6.   Students share their completed maps with the
     class, justifying their locations of details.
7.   Students complete an observation chart of their
     group's performance.  Students determine their own
     grade for the activity.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  Given the many setting clues in
the story, which give the students the details on their
maps, it is always amazing at how different their maps
turn out.  The students enjoy defending their
positioning of the "chateau" at one place or another on
the island, and listening to the other groups'
rationale for a different location.  Richard Connell's
exciting short story is made more concrete and
enjoyable by this map-making activity.