Virginia Hamilton
Lesson plans for The House of Dies Drear and other books

Biography and Background

Biography Writer's Worship with Patricia and Frederick McKissack
Students learn how to research and write a biographical sketch, including research and writing strategies. They can also receive a Certificate of Achievement. Sample biography of Frederick Douglass is available onsite.

Anthony Burns

Anthony Burns
Suggestions for a thematic approach, a pre-reading activity, and interdisciplinary post-reading activities.

The House of Dies Drear

Click here : these lesson plans are on a separate page.

M. C. Higgins, the Great

M. C. Higgins, the Great
Ten questions for writing and/or discussion.

M. C. Higgins, the Great . Adobe Reader required for these resources.

Introductory Material
Author biography, background information, character list, vocabulary words.
Chapters 1-2 Worksheet
Students complete a character sketch and learn about word origins.
Chapters 3-5 Worksheet
Students respond to quotations and work with roots and affixes./li>
Chapters 6-8 Worksheet
Students compare and contrast characters and practice clarifying word meanings.
Chapters 9-11 Worksheet
Students complete and timeline and writing task. They practice with word roots and affixes.
Chapters 12- 14 Worksheet
Students visualize scenes from the novel. They clarify the meaning of words in the text by contrasting them.
Characterization Graphic Organizer
Students analyze the characterization of specific characters.
Figures of Speech Graphic Organizer
Given definitions of simile, metaphor, and personification, students categorize specific examples from the text and write a simile and a metaphor of their own.
Imagery Graphic Organizer
Students find examples of images that appeal to the sense.
Whole-Novel Discussion and Activities
5 discussion questions and 4 post-reading activities.
Multiple Choice Test
10 questions.