Woods Runner

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Skills from the American Frontier”

In this activity, students will collect information and items to demonstrate a skill used to survive on the American frontier.

Throughout the novel, Samuel is able to survive because of his extensive knowledge and experience with wandering the woods and hunting for food. For this activity, you will choose a skill related to survival on the frontier and present a demonstration to share this particular skill with your peers. Be prepared to gather school-appropriate materials for your demonstration, and to explain why the skill was necessary for survival and how it relates to Samuel’s experience in the story. If time allows, you may also invite your peers to ask questions about the skill you’ve demonstrated.

Consider using the questions below to guide your thinking as you select your topic and prepare your demonstration.

• How did the people who lived on the frontier stay warm?
• What kinds of foods did they eat?
• How did the people on the frontier find their way in the forest?
• What materials did they use to trade for goods?
• What skills did they possess to trade for goods?
• How did people on the frontier make clothing and shoes?