Gary Paulsen Author Study
In honor of Gary Paulsen’s birthday on May 17, we have compiled a list of Scholastic teaching resources to help you do an author study with your class.
Start your author study by reading a short biography of Gary Paulsen and choosing some of his books to read. Then use the activities and lessons below to have fun with Paulsen’s stories of adventure and survival, some of them based on his actual experiences in Alaska! Extend the lesson by reading Paulsen's true Iditarod Journal.
Articles
Books for Teaching Imagery with Gary Paulsen
by Jennifer Chandler
Teacher created book list includes tips for classroom use.
Meet Gary Paulsen
Meet adventure writer and master storyteller Gary Paulsen, who has raced twice in the Iditarod. This and Paulsen's many other experiences in the outdoors and growing up have shaped his writing about life.
Resources
Soldier's Heart Discussion Guide
Use this Discussion Guide to talk with your class about the moving story of Charley Goddard in Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen.
Dogsong Extension Activities
Extension activity for Dogsong by Gary Paulsen.
Lesson Plans
Woodsong Lesson Plan
by Jennifer Chandler
<em>Woodsong is a super example of a memoir that helps students improve their descriptive and narrative writing skills. The stories are interesting and keep students engaged.
Hatchet Lesson Plan
by Jennifer Chandler
Hatchet is a superior example of Gary Paulsen's writing. It appeals to most students and is exemplary in demonstrating how sensory details improve writing.
Teaching Imagery with Gary Paulsen
by Jennifer Chandler
Introduces a lesson plan in reading a memoir, drawing conclusions, identifying it's characteristics, and students applying that knowledge towards writing their own personal narratives.
