Teacher Notes
Content Area and Grade Level
This lesson is designed for 5th and 6th grade students who have completed the reading of Holes by Louis Sachar. This WebQuest is multidisciplinary, combining the students' history research along with their language arts and public speaking skills.
Curriculum Standards
The following link provides a comprehensive overview of the Arizona Standards met upon completion of this WebQuest.
Implementation Overview
The length of this WebQuest really depends upon the teacher and the students using it. The depth in which the teacher plans on exploring the outlaws and the summary writing will greatly determine the time required. In general, this WebQuest should take about a week. It is recommended that you send home a letter to your parents explaining objectives of the WebQuest. Your letter should include a copy of the rubric for the parents to evaluate and sign. It is also recommended that the parents sign the rubric at the completion of the WebQuest.
Upon completion of the reading of Holes, we suggest the following as a guideline in planning your lessons:
One class period to introduce the WebQuest to the students and allow them to explore the links and decide on an outlaw. (Peedy is a navigational tool. Once students are familiar with the WebQuest, they may hide Peedy by right clicking the mouse over him.)
A second class period devoted to the designing and creating of the WANTED posters.
A third period devoted to the writing, editing, and revising of the outlaw's story.
A fourth period to present posters and stories to the class.
A last period for class discussion, regarding finished posters, stories, and what students have learned through their whole experience.
Modifications
For advanced students the writing component can be more emphasized. Use the Six Traits of Writing Rubric.
Entry Level Skills and Knowledge for the Students
Basic internet skills: how to use the keyboard, bookmark material, and how to print material
Ability to analyze and summarize material
Ability to write a short story in first person
Ability to follow multiple step directions
Knowledge of public speaking
Entry Level Skills and Knowledge for the Teachers
Basic internet skills: how to retrieve URLs, how to download material off the Internet, etc.
This lesson is suitable for the novice internet teacher!
Resources/Materials
Holes by Louis Sachar
Internet access for all students
11" X 14" construction paper for each student
Colored pencils/writing supplies
* The web sites included in this WebQuest have been viewed; however, we cannot guarantee that their content will remain the same.
Evaluation (see Rubric)
Enrichment Activities
The following links include some excellent activities to use in conjunction with this WebQuest:
http://www.kidsreads.com/funstuff/trivia/holes-triv1.asp Holes trivia game and word scramble
http://members.cox.net/jjschnebel/palin.html Once Upon a Palindrome: a story and word game
http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/holes/main.html?DETECT=SWF.6000000 Movie connection: learn more about the movie cast members, games, and teacher lesson plans