Critical Reading Activities for the Works of Katherine Paterson

This collection of classroom activities provides educators with practical tools for guiding students through Katherine Paterson's complex novels, offering structured approaches to analyzing character development, thematic depth, and literary techniques in works like "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved." The activities move beyond simple comprehension questions to foster genuine critical thinking skills, helping young readers unpack the emotional weight and moral complexities that make Paterson's writing so enduring. Each exercise is clearly organized by novel and learning objective, making it easy for teachers to select appropriate challenges for their particular students.

What distinguishes this resource is its careful scaffolding—activities build from basic plot understanding to sophisticated textual analysis without overwhelming developing readers. Teachers working with grades 4-8 will find these materials especially valuable for literature circles or whole-class novel studies, as they provide multiple entry points for diverse reading levels while maintaining high expectations for literary engagement. The thoughtful progression ensures that students not only comprehend these beloved stories but emerge as more discerning, empathetic readers.