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| Before having the students read the novel, it is valuable to provide students with opportunities to build background knowledge. The following activities will introduce students to some of the themes found in the book and will guide them in exploring their current knowledge. Major themes in On Thin Ice include polar bears, climate change, Inuit and the Arctic, and dreams.
Depending on the studentÕs background knowledge, they may be very familiar with some of these topics. Activities Where to Draw the Line? Students will consider a list of twelve statements regarding use of animals. The activity requires students to form ethical opinions about each statement. ReadyÐSetÐGo Students will consider topics of climate change and polar bears. In this activity students will write down:
Students will respond to a series of statements regarding topics covered in the novel, On Thin Ice. They will respond by agreeing or disagreeing with each of the statements. This activity is designed in order for students to think about these subjects prior to being exposed to the authorÕs opinion. Collect and keep pthe student reponses and review them after they have read the novel. Discuss if any of their opinions have changed and why. Note: Revisiting these activities at the end of the novel is an excellent way of determining growth in the studentÕs understanding. |