The Sign of The Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver

By Elizabeth George Speare

Genre: Historical Fiction

Awards: Newberry Honor Book

Suggested Grade Levels:

4th – 6th grade; I would suggest this book for these students because the vocabulary is rather advanced requiring familiarity with Indian culture, such as the homes and family structure. The story would also require background knowledge of history of the time, as well as the cultural stereotypes and conflicts associated with Whites and Indians upon settlement.

Summary:

As twelve year old Matt and his father set out to build a new home in the new land areas in Maine, their journey is long and tiresome. When they reach their destination, they build a cabin in which Matt is to live and defend with only his father’s old gun and a small garden he must maintain, until his father returns with his mom, sister, and soon-to-be baby sister. He struggles as he encounters a stranger who steals his weapon, a bear who wipes his cabin clean, and a loss of hope as the days go by. But when he meets Attean, an Indian in a neighboring settlement, a treaty is made in which Matt will teach Attean “White man words” – English, and Attean will instruct Matt on how to live in the woods, without white man’s tools.     As the two battle out their differences throughout the story, fighting stereotypes and mistrusts, the climax comes about as they stumble upon a bear and her cubs. Matt and Attean are forced to come together as one or die. The character development and symbolism in this story is truly remarkable, keeping audiences engaged and curious throughout each of its small chapters.

How The Sign of the Beaver could be used in the classroom?

Because this story has so many important events, the plot gives way for effective instruction on story maps. After students read a few chapters, they can use a visual organizer to describe what is happening, in terms of setting, characters, problems, etc. This will give students an overall purpose for reading as they seek greater comprehension. The Sign of the Beaver could also be used for a lesson on stereotypes and discrimination in a social studies unit for grades 4-6. Discussion about the individual characters’ (Attean, Matt, grandfather, father, grandmother, etc.) attitudes and conflicts would integrate history, social studies, and comprehension into one lesson.

ESOL strategies/applications/accommodations:

In order to accommodate ESOL students, I would consider doing an activity on vocabulary development where pictures or visuals are used to explain specific words, that may be cultural. Items like a stockade could be explained by showing images as the words come up or before reading. Even encouraging students to formulate their own definition through picture word cards could be an effective, interactive, strategy for ESOL students to recognize and define through pictures new words. Another activity pertaining to vocabulary development for ESOL students may be doing a word sort in which students must classify or categorize Indian words and English words under their respective categories. This activity would permit for discussion and allow the teacher to consider where students stand in understanding word meanings. Rather than completing graphic organizers in a lesson on comprehension, teachers may consider having students do a role playing or skit where ESOL students can visually see the events that took place in specific chapters. All students in the class would benefit as they take into consideration their interpretation of the text.

Suggested read aloud pages:

I would suggest reading aloud chapter 5 and 6 (pages 22-31) because it is the first interaction Matt has with the Indians. At this point in the story, he has already been alone for some time and is struggling. With the introduction of the Indians, Matt is forced to subdue his fears as the harmless natives assist him. These chapters would engage students because it allows them to predict and make sense of the attitudes each character is feeling, while considering what else may occur in the plot.

My opinion of the book:

The Sign of the Beaver truly captured all the valuable aspects of historical fiction in its opportunities to learn something new about history, while enjoying it. The progression of character’s changing, learning, and overcoming cultural barriers teaches practical lessons with historical backgrounds and settings. Author Elizabeth Speare has such a unique style of writing with the use of Indian words in the story, which makes the reader feel as if they are in the story, taking on one event or hardship after another and desperately wanting to find out what comes next.