Reading Activities compiled by Jason Douglas |Pre-Reading | During Reading | After Reading | Pre-Reading Strategies 1) Sullivan, Ed. “Some Teens Prefer the Real Thing: The Case for Young Adult Nonfiction.” The English Journal, Vol. 90, No. 3, The Lure of Young Adult Literature. January 2001. 43-47. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0013-8274%28200101%2990%3A3%3C43%3ASTPTRT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-D > Summary An article that provides reasoning for using works of young adult nonfiction in the classroom, including the benefits of such. An examination of one such work, Jennifer Armstrong’s Shipwreck At the Bottom of the World, is included in the explanation of the feasibility of such classroom studies. The article includes a list of sample questions that can be used to help select which nonfiction novels would lend themselves most easily to the classroom setting. At the end of the article is suggested reading list of twenty-five, recently published, outstanding novels. Usage of Material This article provides an excellent foundation for helping teachers understand how a nonfiction novel can successfully be incorporated. Through is exemplification of Shipwreck At the Bottom of the World it gives a practical demonstration of benefits based upon a real text. This material can also be effectively used to further student understanding of why a work of nonfiction may be studied in the classroom. The reasoning behind many of the benefits would interest and engage the students as well as the educator. 2) “Jennifer Armstrong.” 2001. Literature Resource Center. 23 Feb. 2005. <search3.webfeat.org/cgi-bin/WebFeat.Dll?Command=Search&BypassSessData=Yes&Client_ID=byu&noserial=1&wf_field1=wf_keyword&wf_term1=Jennifer%20Armstrong&wf_op2=and&wf_field2=wf_title&wf_term2=&wf_op3=and&wf_field3=Author&wf_term3=&wf_all_years=yes&Databases=wf_jstorage,wf_brighamyounglc,wf_galelitrc,wf_magillauthors,wf_magillliterature,wf_eb_mlaintnlbibliography,wf_galelitrc,wf_jstorage,wf_eb_mlaintnlbibliography,wf_magillauthors,wf_magillliterature#wf > Summary Summary of Jennifer Armstrong as an author. Personal and career information, including biographical, awards, and work written. Usage of Material This helps lead up to the story. It gives the teacher a chance to retain some of the more traditional techniques of literary analysis by looking for possible influences and connections in the life of an author even though this is a non-fiction text. 3) Mill, H. R. and Brown, Rudmose. “The Physical Conditions of the Weddell Sea.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 48, No. 6. (Dec., 1916), pp. 498-500. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28191612%2948%3A6%3C498%3ATPCOTW%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0 > Summary A record and limited explanation of the physical and meteorological conditions of the Weddell sea during the surroundings years when the Endurance became trapped in the ice. Recordings of tides, pressures, temperatures, and ice depths are compared over a number of years. Usage of Material This factual, scientific data can help students try and create a literal picture of conditions in the Antarctic before they receive an emotionally charged description. The data is not the most straightforward and provides a great opportunity for students to really have to read very closely to understand what pertinent information the data can impart. It can help make students step outside normal information and try to understand more scientific writing. 4) “Antarctic Sledge Traveling.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 22, No. 3. (Sep., 1903), pp. 299-305. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28190309%2922%3A3%3C299%3AAST%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z > Summary A report of the methods used by expeditions to the Antarctic by crews earlier than the Endurance. There is great detail of the equipment, weights, numbers, times, and meteorological data. There are also records kept of the dogs, their travel and care. Usage of Material This description of an expedition previous to the Endurance gives a very primitive view of this type of early exploration. It can help create a feeling of the newness and a lot of the detail of what the logistics of a journey are really like. This serves especially well for pre-reading because it can help demonstrate some of the reality of a journey without giving away the interesting details and actual occurrences of the expedition in the novel. 5) “Shackleton’s Voyage of Endurance.” NOVA. 2002. PBS. 2 Feb. 2005 < http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/shackleton/ > Summary A website containing several different areas of information regarding Shackleton’s voyage. Included are sections on general history of expeditions made during the era, introduction to the crew of the Endurance, dangers associated with arctic travel, timelines, geography, diaries from the voyage, and interviews with related individuals. Information can be supplementary to the NOVA film Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure Usage of Material The information in this resource is varied. It has an introduction to the crew of the Endurance, helping the students have some background on the characters before they encounter them in the text. It also includes somewhat more general information in regard to Antarctic travel that are helpful background such as dog sleds, nautical navigation, and dangers of travel on ice. All of these provide information that can help students understand what is happening in the novel without giving away any details of what actually is going to occur. 6) “Ernest Shackleton.” 2005. Wikipedia. 3 Feb. 2005. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton > Summary This web site contains an encyclopedic entry concerning Ernest Shackleton. It provides biographical as well as professional information in a chronological order, including detail on each of his expeditions. There are internal and external links to a variety of other sources regarding related topics, people, places, etc. There is a collection of suggestions for further reading as well as a few photographs. Usage of Material This resource gives a good, general introduction to Shackleton and the events of his life. It is a useful for beginning a basic sketch of the main character we will encounter in the novel. It also provides a host of links for those who wish to explore further. 7)Friend, Pat. “Sir Ernest Shackleton: Irish Antarctic Explorer.” 2004. AllAboutIrish. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.allaboutirish.com/library/people/shackleton.shtm > Summary An article about the bibliographic information concerning Shackleton’s life and expeditions. Special attention is paid to the details and effects of his Irish heritage and culture. Usage of Material This provides us with a good resource for basic biographical information. Also, its emphasis on Shackleton’s Irish heritage opens an avenue for an exploration of cultural motivation or issue. 8)“Discovery Point.” Royal Research Ship Discovery. 2003. Dundee Industrial Heritage Ltd. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://rrsdiscovery.com/ > Summary This is the web site for the museum that is the location of the ship Discovery, which hosted one of Shackleton’s journeys. The web site offers historical information about the voyage of the ship as well as current photos of its condition. Usage of Material This museum allows us to introduce some of the technology and history of the time. We can look at the nautical technology. However, it serves well mainly as an introduction, the Discovery not being the ship actually used in the novel. 9)“The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition.” 2001. American Museum of Natural History. 3 Feb. 2005. < http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/shackleton/ > Summary This site contains general historical information about Shackleton and the voyage of the endurance. It provides several subsections concerning related topics such as. Sled dogs, snow camps, geography, etc. There is also an overview of the museum’s exhibition concerning the voyage. Usage of Material This is another good resource for viewing general practices and technology of the time. This can be used to help discover facts about the realities of snow camps, travel with sled dogs, and Antarctic geography. It can also give helpful ideas for how to organize all of this information in the way it is laid out in the museum exhibition. 10)Debenham, Frank. “The Future of Polar Exploration.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 57, No. 3. (Mar., 1921), pp. 182-200. <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28192103%2957%3A3%3C182%3ATFOPE%3E2.0.CO%3B2-M> Summary This article explores some of the issues of the time with regards to the future of polar exploration. It briefly mentions the work of previous explorers, such as Shackleton. The impact of new technology, such as planes that can fly long distances, is discussed as a factor for quickly brining to a close the need for mere geographic exploration. Usage of Material If there is going to be any exploration of the issue of the need for and funding of further Antarctic exploration at the time of the Endurance, this is a helpful resource. Explorers, including Shackleton, had already been to the south pole and with the advent of new technology and other interests, it was increasingly difficult to secure funding to make these journeys. This article helps to highlight the reality of some of the questions being raised about the need for polar exploration. Back to Top During-Reading Strategies 1) “The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition.” 2005 National Geographic. 3 Feb. 2005. < http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorer/shackleton.html > Summary Explanatory details about National Geographic’s exhibition concerning the voyage of the endurance. The exhibition consists mainly of photographs but also contains artifacts such as books, diaries, and clothing. Sample photographs of the exhibit are provided. Usage of Material Photographs from here can be used through reading to give further visual representation to what is being read. Also, the layout of the exhibition in the museum can be used to help determine how to arrange and present material. The chronology of the photographs can be used in concordance with those already contained in the book. 2) Hurley, Frank. “Endurance expedition 1915.” Classic Images. 3 Feb. 2005. < http://www.shackleton-endurance.com/ > Summary A collection of the photographs taken by Frank Hurley on the journey of the Endurance. Photographs cover all aspects of the journey and are accompanied by dates and captions. Usage of Material Photographs from here can be used through reading to give further visual representation to what is being read. The captions of the photographs here also provide dates to help make a chronologically ordered sequence of images. There are also links to other images of previous expeditions to provide an opportunity to compare and contrast what is going on in this expedition with others. 3) “Ernest Henry Shackleton: Antarctic Explorer.” 2005. Enchanted Learning. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/s/shackleton.shtml> Summary Limited background information on Shackleton. Extensive detail on the exact nautical mileage and direction information (degrees, etc.) of the expeditions. Includes map to demonstrate the included navigational information. Usage of Material The maps and nautical information can be helpful in creating a running record of where the journey is going. It can help give a sense of distance and how much the traveling conditions can effect the speed of travel. 4) J. M. Wordie. “ Endurance in the Weddell Sea.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 76, No. 6. (Dec., 1930), pp. 534-536. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28193012%2976%3A6%3C534%3ATEITWS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-E > Summary An examination of the choices made by Ernest Shackleton after he and his crew were stranded on the ice. In addition to an analysis of the logic involved in Shackleton’s choices, there is also an examination of the geographic factors, which forced those decisions and shaped their outcome. Provides a professional and scientific viewpoint from the time about the circumstances surrounding the events on the ice. Usage of Material This helps give an outside world view of the journey the crew is experiencing. It may help to step out of the story and look at the facts of what is happening. It reveals relevant attitudes towards the explorers while they are not present. It also provides factual information about what was known before the explorers left and some suggestions about other occurrences of danger. 5) “Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton (1874-1922).” Historic Figures History. 2005. BBC. 3 Feb. 2005. < http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/shackleton_ernest.shtml > Summary Brief history of Shackleton’s life and expeditions. Includes often omitted information about the circumstances of his knighthood and death. Usage of Material Now that you are into reading the book you have had some change to get to know Shackleton. This article is helpful to go back and look at some of the biographical information of the man again. This article relates interesting character information. 6) Shackleton, Ernest. “Ernest Shackleton’s first Antarctic sledging diary February 1902.” Virtual Shackleton. 2004. Scott Polar Research Institute. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/library/archives/shackleton/articles/1537,2,51,50.html> Summary A few sample pages from Shackleton’s sledging diary. The record is explained as the description of an ice barrier they were viewing. No transcription is provided. Usage of Material During the novel we can take a look at outside sources that reveal more about Shackleton’s character. Excerpts from his diary will help us learn about him personally. These diaries also will give us a view of him in relation to his work as explorer. 7) Shackleton, Ernest. “Ernest Shackleton's scientific notes made during the Discovery expedition 1901-1902.” Virtual Shackleton. 2004. Scott Polar Research Institute. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/library/archives/shackleton/articles/689,7.html > Summary Charts containing records of the scientific data that Shackleton noted. However, there is no explanation or translation of the data. Anecdotal material concerning the material is provided. Usage of Material This scientific data gives us a chance to examine exactly what it is they are trying to study on the expedition. The material presents a good challenge because there is no explanation included about what the data is supposed to mean. It provides an opportunity for careful, factual reading and scientific thinking. The anecdotal information also provides helpful characterization of Shackleton and his interaction with his crew. 8) Shackleton, Ernest. “A letter from Ernest Shackleton to his wife, Emily September 1916.” Virtual Shackleton. 2004. Scott Polar Research Institute. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/library/archives/shackleton/articles/1537,2,32,15.html > Summary A letter from Ernest Shackleton to his wife, written shortly after rescuing his stranded men from his journey. The writing is difficult to read, but a transcription is provided. Usage of Material This provides interesting, human details about the story. It also helps reveal, not only Shackleton’s character, but his relationship with his wife. 9) Shackleton, Ernest. “A draft of a poem, by Ernest Shackleton, for publication in the expedition magazine 1902.” Virtual Shackleton. 2004. Scott Polar Research Institute. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/library/archives/shackleton/articles/1537,2,51,13.html > Summary A draft of a poem made by Shackleton during one of his voyages. Transcription of the original is provided. Usage of Material A poem is a good way to look at the character of Shackleton. It also carries implications about publications, art, and literature of the time. It has additional significance in helping create the mood that existed among the characters while on the journey. 10) Markham, Clements R. “The First Year’s Work of the National Antarctic Explorer.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1 (Jul., 1903), 13-20. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28190307%2922%3A1%3C13%3ATFYWOT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-m > Summary An article published about the way the work and journey of Shackleton and his crew is being received and perceived after their journey. Usage of Material This helps to step back out of the center of the novel and get a perspective on how the rest of the world is viewing what was going on in these expeditions. Back to Top Post-Reading Strategies 1) “Shackleton – A Voyage of Endurance” Exploration History. 2004. BBC. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/discovery/exploration/shackleton_animation.shtml > Summary An interactive, flash movie that traces geographically and visually the journey of the Endurance. Traces the exact path of the entire journey and provides explanations of the details along the way. Usage of Material This little interactive move gives a very good overview of the actual path of the journey. It helps review exactly where the crew went, where they stopped and why. 2) Moore, Jennifer R. “TeacherView Shipwrecked at the Bottom of the World.” Education Place. 2004. Houghton Mifflin. 23 Feb. 2005. < http://www.eduplace.com/tview/pages/s/Shipwrecked_at_the_Bottom_of_the_World_Jennifer_Armstrong.html > Summary A brief review of the novel Shipwrecked At the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong. A list of several activities for students to engage in, during or after reading of the novel. A sample rubric is included for grading the activities as well as concordance with education standards for the California State Board. Usage of Material Post reading activities. There are several activities that will very effectively help evaluate student knowledge and understanding of the novel. There are also activities for higher order thinking that require students to do outside research, draw conclusions and justify arguments. 3) Freshfield, Douglas W. “Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Expedition.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 47, No. 6. (Jun., 1916), pp. 467-468. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28191606%2947%3A6%3C467%3ASESE%3E2.0.CO%3B2-P > Summary A report of the results of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition given to the Society which sponsored and oversaw Antarctic expeditions. Usage of Material This gives us a good outside perspective of what official channels considered to be the state of the expedition. This point of view could easily be missed if you are too focused on an isolate crew. 4) Mill, Hugh Robert. “The Return of Sir Ernest Shackleton.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 48, No. 1. (Jul., 1916), pp. 68-71. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28191607%2948%3A1%3C68%3ATROSES%3E2.0.CO%3B2-C > Summary News reports of the return of Shackleton from his journey on the Endurance. The article provides an account of the conditions and hardships encountered as the facts were received by the general public of the time. Usage of Material There were two separate incidents of rescue, and hence two different tales to tell. This article helps us to isolate the incident of the return of Shackleton and those crew members who are with him. It can help to create a further sense of uncertainty about those who were left behind. It can also help make more poignant the moment of the first party’s return. Helps give a different point of view to analyze events in the novel. 5) Mill, Hugh Robert. “The Relief of Shackleton’s Ross Sea Party.” The Geographical Journal, Vol. 49, No. 3. (Mar., 1917), pp. 218-221. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7398%28191703%2949%3A3%3C218%3ATROSRS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-7 > Summary An account of the rescue of those who had to be left behind during the final leg of the return of the Endurance crew. Story is told from the point of view of the rescuers and not from the crew of the Endurance. The story was related very soon after the facts in question. Usage of Material This highlights the second incident of rescue. It might be easy to feel less concern for the second group of crewmen who were left behind. This point of view focused on their rescue helps prolong our sense of concern. It helps us to analyze the story from different angles. 6) South: Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance Exposition. Dir. Frank Hurley. 1919. DVD. Image Entertainment, 2000. Summary The original footage and photographs taken by Frank Hurley on the journey of the Endurance. Contains all of the surviving footage as well as an audio track of commentary by Ernest Shackleton regarding one of his Antarctic expeditions. Usage of Material This is the ultimate visual experience in connecting with the novel. This is a great learning opportunity in that it allows you to give faces and motion to all of the character you have been reading about. It can be especially powerful in bringing home the messages in the book because these are the real people and places and not actors. 7) Shackleton. Dir. Charles Sturridge. Perf. Kenneth Branagh, John Grillo, and Phoebe Nicholls. 2002. DVD. A & E Home Video, 2002. Summary Dramatization of the expedition of Ernest Shackleton on the Endurance. Including biographical information regarding Shackleton’s personal life and fund raising efforts. Portrayal of the entire journey, the trip back, and the aftermath of the expedition in Shackleton’s personal life. Includes information regarding the state of affairs in Europe and in Shackleton’s family during his prolonged and uncommunicative absence. Usage of Material This can be used as a very good follow up for the film. It is a good teaching tool because it has a great deal of historical accuracy and is dramatized and presented in a format that has a very good chance of holding the attention of the students. Additionally, it does a wonderful job of highlighting the struggles of Shackleton’s personal life and relationships. Further, it raises some of the others issues dealt with before about the difficulties in fundraising and a lack of interest in continued polar exploration. 8) Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure. Dir. George Butler. 1999. DVD. Nova PBS, 2005. Summary A large-format film. This film recreates the journey of the crew of the Endurance both cross-country and water in their escape. The film crew hiked and then sailed in replica vessels in order to recreate the expedition as accurately as possible. The film also contains footage and photography from the expedition by Frank Hurley. Usage of Material This film has two major draws: first is its imagery. It was filmed with very high quality so that you can get an amazing amount of detail and color. The impressive look of the film can help draw student attention. Secondly is the reality of the film in its daring recreation of the journey. It seems somewhat frightening to see men go out equipped as the one we read about who were fighting for their lives. This modern day journey can help bring home the reality of the story. 9) “About Shackleton Schools.” Shackleton Schools. 2002. 22 Feb. 2005 < http://www.shackleton.org/about/ > Summary This web site offers information about a series of schools that place a heavy emphasis on real world experience, service, and survival skills as part of education. Only about half of the school year is spent in the established structures of the school. The rest of the school year engages students in a variety of outdoor learning projects that are both academic and practical. A basic introduction to the school, the philosophy it is built on, and the Shackleton story that gave rise to the school are all included. Usage of Material This idea for a school gives rise to a host of potential ideas for activities. It allows for students to try and figure out what is it about Shackleton that would make good, enduring qualities we would like to teach. It helps push t he students to look for real ways in which we can try and learn the kind of endurance, survival, and team skills that allowed the Endurance expedition to survive. It places all of these challenges in some sort of real world context that students might be better able to relate to. 10 ) “Memorial to Shackleton.” Science, New Series, Vol. 57, No. 1485. (Jun. 15, 1923), pp. 685-686. < http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0036-8075%2819230615%293%3A57%3A1485%3C685%3AMTS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 > Summary A publication, after the death of Shackleton, setting forth his dedication and sacrifices for his work in exploration. There is great praise for him, a brief review of his activities, and a proposal to establish a fund in order to raise a memorial in his memory. Usage of Material This helps to give closure to a unit on this novel, as you can end with the death of the main character. It also provides an interesting chance to examine what it was that people valued about Shackleton. What were the characteristics for which they wished to memorialize him. Considerations along those lines allow for pushing the students to compare and contrast for what reasons we would or would not wish to memorialize Shackleton. Back to Top