Teacher Resources for A Country for Castoffs

Students will learn to evaluate primary and secondary source texts, examine an event or circumstance from various perspectives, determine point-of-view, develop habits of the mind, and critical thinking skills through engaging activities, projects, and simulations. Additional ideas for teachers and grading rubrics are also included.

The Teacher Resource for Thrown to the Wind examines the religious wars of the 17^th century manifested in France between the Catholic Church and Protestants. Other lessons compare the social, economic, and political institutions in France and the Netherlands, delve into the mythologies of Europe, studies the navigational innovations of the period, and explore the world of the golden age of piracy. Developed by author and long-time social studies teacher, Amanda M. Cetas, in partnership with writer, story consultant, and former English teacher, Adriana R. King, this invaluable resource provides ready-made lessons tied to National Standards to develop critical thinking skills essential for preparing students for college and future careers.

The Teacher Resource for A Home in the Wilderness is designed to accompany the historical adventure novel A Home in the Wilderness. It teaches 11-13-year-old students higher order thinking skills as they learn to analyze literature and historical documents. They will learn about 17^thcentury colonial American, North American Eastern Woodland tribes, and the relationships between these various groups of people through discussion questions, supplementary primary and secondary source readings, engaging cross-curricular activities, and projects.