Let your kids search for Brian! In this survival activity, they analyze clues from Hatchet, conduct research, and try to locate him on a map of Canada. Staged as PBL (problem-based learning), students are posed with a simulated real-world problem and work independently to solve it. It's a great enrichment project!

Open the preview to take a closer look at three options.

Scenario 1 – You are the search team.

• In groups or individually, students take the role of the search team.
• They are presented with one short message from Brian (20 words or less) for every two chapters of Hatchet.
• Kids analyze the messages to find information pertinent to his location.
• Then they use maps and other reference material to hone in on his location so he can be rescued.
• If desired, you can share a specially created website for support. It houses necessary information and images, such as a Cessna instrument panel; map of Canada’s tree line, oil fields, and tornado alley; and the range of specific plants and animals.

Scenario 2 – You are Brian.

• As they read, students take the role of Brian.
• In this activity, he has a small one-way radio and can send one 20-word message to searchers for every two chapters of Hatchet.
• This summarizing project is great for close reading and comprehension.
• If desired, kids can also search as they generate clues.

Scenario 3 – You are Brian and the search team.

• This project combines the first two.
• For every set of two chapters, one group of students acts as Brian and writes a message.
• Everyone in the class conducts research for the search and rescue mission.

Note: As in many real-life situations, there is no clear-cut solution. However, students should be able to target a specific area of Ontario after analyzing clues from Hatchet.

Print and digital resources provide the support you need for this activity:

• Lesson plans
• Missing poster
• Map of Canada
• Prompts
• Messages (single page, as well as individual messages to display)
• Student response sheets
• 19 pages of maps, images, and information to print, display, or share with students
• Link to website with maps, images, and information stored in a handy digital format

Resources can be used in a variety of ways.

• Whole class project
• Small group activity
• For fast finishers, gifted and talented, or enrichment

Your students will love it – and you will too!

• Let’s face it: kids want to be in the driver’s seat. This problem-based learning activity gives them the independence they want.
• They also thrive on survival stories.
• Activities will tap into their critical and creative thinking skills.
• Furthermore, they will give your early finishers something to do.

Listen to what other educators are saying about these resources.

• “We took the role of the search team and had a great time researching, sorting clues, and thinking about our reading. Love this activity!” – Gail T.
• “What a fabulous resource to incorporate cross-curricular skills. This encourages higher level thinking and problem solving in a fun way.” – Shawna H.
• “My students have loved becoming researchers to find Brian. The online website included is their favorite part!” – Russell S.

Looking for more? The Hatchet bundle also includes word work and open-ended comprehension questions.

Enjoy teaching Hatchet!

Brenda Kovich

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