I couldn’t resist creating another post about the children’s classic novel, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. Writing about it last week reminded me of fun moments in my classroom when my sixth graders and I analyzed the novel. We drew a Ferris wheel on the chalkboard (yes, I’m that old) and placed the characters from the novel on the Ferris wheel, and discussed who was controlling the ride, and who were the passengers. A great introduction to symbolism. Then after finishing the book, we created a trial, which students love to do. The lesson here, though, was based on a “missing chapter.” What if Mae Tuck had not escaped prison, and instead went to trial? What would have happened? Would she have been found guilty of killing the Man in the Yellow Suit? And then what would happen? Students loved taking on their assigned roles – judge, lawyers, jury, Winnie, Mae, Tuck, Miles, and Jesse. We then spent a few class days preparing – analyzing passages from the book, looking closely at dialogue, description, and plot. When they were ready, we had our trial, and it was fantastic. Any time teachers can generate enthusiasm like this in a classroom about a book, it’s a win-win.
