Engage your students and save valuable prep time with this comprehensive, no-prep novel study unit for Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. With over 130 pages of standards-based materials, this resource includes everything you need to teach the novel—pre-reading articles, comprehension questions, literary analysis, writing lessons, grammar practice, quizzes, assessments, and more. Carefully designed to balance rigor with accessibility, this unit helps students deeply engage with the text while mastering essential ELA skills.

Why Teachers Love It

• Over 130 pages of ready-to-use materials for a full novel study
• Integrates literary analysis, grammar, writing, and comprehension in one resource
• Includes informational texts to build background knowledge and context
• Saves planning time with pre-made worksheets, rubrics, and assessments
• Comes complete with answer keys for all activities and tests

What’s Included

Pre-Reading & Context Activities

• Pre-Reading Ideas and Activities List
• Informational Text Article: Coonhounds
• Informational Text Article: Grief and Loss
• Author Biography with Questions (Wilson Rawls)
• Vocabulary Lists (with and without definitions)
• Allusions, Slang, and Terms from the Novel
• Anticipation/Reaction Guide
• Active Reading Note-Taking Organizers

Literary Analysis Activities

• Literary Terms and Plot Devices
• Theme – Poem Connection
• Figurative Language
• Textual Evidence
• Plot
• Mood and Tone
• Character Traits
• Analyzing Plot
• Theme

Language & Writing Activities

• Narrative Writing
• Pronouns
• Informative Essay
• Nonrestrictive Clauses
• Argumentative Writing
• Pronoun/Antecedent
• Audience and Purpose

Comprehension & Assessments

• 100 Chapter-Based Comprehension Questions
• All Questions also in Task Card Format
• Reading Quizzes
• Vocabulary Quizzes
• 30-Question Final Test (Matching, Multiple Choice, Short Response)
• 25-Question Multiple Choice Final Test
• Final Vocabulary Test
• Complete Answer Key

Post-Reading & Extras

• Post-Reading Ideas and Extension Activities
• Essay Prompts and Creative Writing Ideas
• Teacher Notes
• Sample Teacher Agenda
• Novel Summary
• Writing Rubrics

Why It Works
This resource functions as a complete, stand-alone literature unit for Where the Red Fern Grows. By integrating comprehension, literary analysis, grammar, and writing into one resource, it provides everything teachers need to run a rigorous, engaging novel study. Informational texts add important context, while quizzes, tests, and rubrics ensure students are consistently supported and assessed. Every page is ready to use, saving teachers hours of planning time.

Teacher Feedback
“I was looking for a challenging packet for my 6th grade class, and this has worked perfectly!” – Sara E.

“If I could give this resource 6 stars, I would! It made teaching literature a breeze, with thought-provoking questions and so many activities.” – Mandi B.

“An amazing way to build stamina while challenging students to work to their fullest potential.” – Ashley L.

“This is a great go-to for this whole class novel!” – Musa Greca Press

“Very thorough and creative! I love how much there is for the students to use.” – Cindi N.