Bring Gary Paulsen’s survival classic to life with this Hatchet Novel Study Unit — a 250+ page complete bundle of engaging lessons, activities, quizzes, projects, and tests. This Hatchet teaching unit includes lesson plans, activities, projects, quizzes, and tests—everything you need for a 5-week unit. With over 330 five-star ratings and trusted by more than 2,300 teachers, this resource makes teaching Hatchet stress-free, interactive, and effective.

Why Teachers Love It

• Zero-prep, ready-to-use materials save hours of planning
• Works seamlessly for whole-class, small-group, or independent reading
• Includes both print and Google Classroom versions for flexibility
• Packed with engaging activities that build reading, writing, and analysis skills
• Thorough coverage from pre-reading through final assessments

What’s Inside

Pre-Reading & Support Activities: Author study on Gary Paulsen, survival stories, group survival activity, anticipation guides, and informational texts (including “Dealing with Anger”)

Vocabulary, Allusions & Terminology: Lists and activities to support comprehension

Active Reading Tools: Student field journal for ongoing notes and reflection

Language & Writing Activities (novel-based practice in standards-aligned skills):

• Writing Process, Strong Verbs, Fancy Sentences
• Remodeling Sentences & Writing Dialogue
• Concrete Words & Sensory Details
• Show vs. Tell
• Setting and Plot Sequence

Literary Analysis Activities: Point of View, Character Development, Setting, Conflict, Theme, Plot Events & Themes

Figurative Language & Style: Five activities + quiz

Assessment Tools: 110+ comprehension & analysis questions by chapter

• Reading quizzes by chapter
• Two versions of final tests (print & self-grading digital)

Extras: Sample agenda for a 5-week unit (timing may vary)

Teacher Feedback

"This set of novel study material is SO AMAZING! It has so many useful and rich content. Definitely one of the best novel study materials out there!" – Mr. Weng’s World

"Absolutely loved this! It went along so well with the book. Loved that everything was already done for me and that it was rigorous too!" – Amber B.

"The most thorough resource I have ever used! I’ll be back for more titles." – The Eggplant Garden

"I wish that I had found these materials a long time ago. I have wasted money on previous units. This one is the best of all. Thank you so much for doing all this work." - Colleen P.

"Absolutely love this novel study!! The questions were thorough and I liked having skill practice for every section of the novel. I just wish I had enough time to get through it all!" - Maggie D.

"This was well worth the money! It is so thorough and easy to use. A great resource, thank you very much!" - Patricia Jones

Why It Works

This Hatchet unit blends engaging survival themes with rigorous standards-based practice, keeping students hooked while deepening comprehension. Teachers love the step-by-step support, the balance of structure and flexibility, and the ability to reach reluctant readers, advanced students, and everyone in between. With everything from vocabulary to final tests, this resource ensures your Hatchet novel study is both manageable and meaningful.