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My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George

Name: ________________________________ Class: ________

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My Side of the Mountain Vocabulary Week 1

Word: Definition:

Cascade

Boughs

Boulders

Gorge

Folly

Combustible

Edible

Homophones:

They’re

Their

There

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Practice:

Define the following words, then draw a picture that incorporates all four words and label them appropriately.

Gorge, boulders, cascade, boughs

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Give a synonym for the word folly

Define combustible and give an example of something that would be combustible.

Define Edible.

List 3 things that are edible. List 3 things that are not edible

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Name: ____________________________________ Class: _______

My Side of the Mountain

“Preface”, “In Which I Hole Up in a Snowstorm” & “I Get Started on this Venture”

Directions: Answer each of the following questions using information from the book.

“Preface”

1. How are the author and Sam Gribley alike? Please provide two pieces of information. “In Which I Hole Up in a Snowstorm”

2. What does Sam say the scariest part of his adventure has been so far?

3. Describe how Sam’s home is made of natural materials. (Fill in the blanks)

a. His bed: ____________________________________________________

b. Fireplace/chimney: ___________________________________________

c. His calendar: ________________________________________________

d. The lamp: __________________________________________________

4. Describe two of the animals that Sam has become friends with. Use specific details about each.

5. Sketch Sam’s tree home in the space below.

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“I Get Started on this Venture” 6. Why did Sam want to run away to the Catskills?

7. What six items does Sam take with him when he runs away?

8. Explain two ways Sam prepared for living in the woods BEFORE he left home.

9. What mistakes did Sam make on his first night in the woods? (Explain two.)

10. Who was Bill and what essential skill did he teach Sam? Vocabulary from Context Read the sentences below. Use context clues to determine the meaning of each of the underlined words.

A. The rocks were upholstered with moss. _________________________________ B. Fish usually congregate in pools. _______________________________________ C. I frantically ran around gathering firewood before night fell.

__________________________________________________________________ D. I cut off a green twig and began to whittle… I carved a ship once that my teacher exhibited at

school. Whittle: _____________________________ Exhibited: ___________________________

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My Side of the Mountain

What does resourceful mean? _________________________________________________

List two synonyms for resourceful. (Can be single words, or short phrases):

Directions: On the chart below, list ways Sam is resourceful.

Page # What Sam Does: How does this show resourcefulness?

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My Side of the Mountain Vocabulary List #2

1. Treacherous p 138 Extremely Dangerous

2. Penetrated… p 138 to pierce or pass through

3. Cache p118 a hiding place, especially for valuables

4. Ingenious p 120, ingenuity p 124 clever or original, especially related to inventions

5. Serenade p 124 to sing

6. Sired p 126 fathered

7. Concoction p 137 mixture or potion

8. Content p 146 satisfied with what one has; not wanting anything else.

9. Barometer p 133 an instrument used to measure changes in the weather

10. Where- In What location?

11. Were- past tense of are (ex. We were in English class

yesterday.)

12. We’re- we are

13. Wear- to put on clothes

In the space below, use each of the words 10-13 in a complete sentence.

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Falconry

Falconry is an art. It requires long hours, constant devotion, finesse, subtlety and skill. The falconer must train a bird of prey to fly free, hunt for a human being and then accept a return to captivity.

"Falconry is not a hobby; it’s a lifestyle," according to Ted Benzon, administrator for the falconry program for South Dakota’s Game Fish & Parks Department. Falconers must devote time to their birds each and every day, 365 days a year.

It is not for everyone. It is not a suitable pastime for children.

In addition, it takes a thick skin. Animal-rights activists and some environmentalists condemn falconers; some hunters claim falcons interfere with "their" hunting; and many falconers have lost a bird to inept or ill-intentioned hunters.

A fledgling falconer should begin with knowledge. The beginner must learn about the various gaming birds, their stages of life, characteristics, prey, care, feeding and suitability for the falconer and the hunting environment. Some medical knowledge is a must, too, because a falconer must be able to recognize and treat health problems. That’s not all. Don’t forget learning about proper housing for the birds, and knowing how to use the equipment. Another factor to keep in mind: a falconer must know the rules and regulations that affect the sport and the laws that apply to birds of prey.

Falconry is allowed in the following states:

How would a falcon be helpful

for Sam?

What difficulties might Sam

have trying to train a falcon?

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My Side of the Mountain

Resourcefulness Quick Write

Throughout the story, Sam uses his creativity to make good use of his natural resources. Write a

paragraph describing two ways he uses his creativity to make something useful from the natural

materials that surround him. In your response, be sure to use specific details from the story.

T= ______________________________________________________________ * _____________________________________________________

Star idea = Reasons/Details/Facts: (what he made)

- _________________________________________ - ________________________________________________ * _____________________________________________________ - ________________________________________________ - ________________________________________________ C= _________________________________________________________ (Paragraph wrap-up sentence)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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May 31, 2013 Paul Cipriani Wild Food Foraging, Wilderness Survival Skills & Tips

Survival Hunting Tips

To endure the extreme conditions of a survival situation, animal fats and proteins must be eaten

regularly, and survival hunting is an essential skill. Such situations are a drain on a person’s

energy. Potentially inclement weather forces your body to metabolize calories at an increased

rate to stay warm, and performing the physical tasks needed to take care of your body uses a lot

of energy. The concentrated calories from wild edible animals obtained through survival hunting

are an efficient way to keep the internal fire burning.

In the wilderness, the most practical and accessible wild animals are small game, fish, reptiles

and amphibians and invertebrates. These animals make the most sense to pursue and harvest in a

survival hunting situation. First, they make up for their size with quantity of individuals in a

given area. Second, they require very little weapon technology to harvest – some require only the

hands of the gatherer.

Hunt and Prepare With Care

Small game and birds are important when considering what kinds of animals to pursue for

survival hunting. All mammals and birds can be eaten, and animals such as raccoons, jackrabbits

and geese can have a substantial amount of flesh to offer. Small mammals and birds are most

easily trapped using snares and deadfalls. Having an understanding of the animal’s daily and

seasonal movements, diet, and size are extremely important when trapping. Without this natural-

history knowledge, traps will be ineffective at best, and a deadly drain on one’s energy, at worst.

Another way to catch small animals is through weapons that are thrown. The most simple tools

are rocks and good throwing sticks. More advanced tools are the bow and atlatl, though these

weapons take a bit more preparation and materials.

All wild game should be cooked thoroughly to kill any microorganisms in the meat. It’s also

important when eating very lean meats – such as rabbit – to consume some sort of fat along with

it. Otherwise, your body cannot process the protein. One way to avoid this is to singe the hair off

the rabbit and cook the rabbit with the skin on, consuming the skin with the flesh. Also, fatty

internal organs such as the liver and brains should be utilized.

One Fish, Two Fish

Another option for meat is fish. Because they don’t need quite as much structure to support their

bodies in the water, fish are quite fleshy. Fish are harvested through angling, nets, traps, spears

and bow, or even barehanded. Angling involves producing hooks from materials such as bone,

wood, or thorns; as well as twisting enough cordage to get the hook to the fish. Nettle, dogbane,

milkweed and yucca all make great fishing-line materials and a single long strand of sinew can

make a wonderful leader if tied securely between the hook and line. The hook can either be

baited or turned into a lure by affixing to it feathers, fur, yarn or reflective material.

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Spears and bows are two effective tools to use when you have good water clarity and proximity

to the fish. Traps are a low-energy alternative to catch fish, since they can be built and set,

allowing you to take care of other needs while the fish are caught. Traps can be simple basket

types, with a funnel to trap the fish within as they search out the bait. Traps can also be large and

elaborate weirs, saplings or stones stuck or stacked in a body of water to channel fish to an area

where they can then be plucked from the water. In moving water, the current or tide must be

taken into consideration. When in still water, bait can be used, or people can drive fish into the

weir. Nets work in the same way when stretched out in the water; or they can take the form of

cast nets or dip nets, which require manipulation at the hands of the fisherman.

Tasty, Nutritious Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians offer many opportunities to the hunter. All amphibians should be

skinned before consumed, because many have toxins in their skin. Bullfrogs are an obvious

choice from this order, being large and conspicuous. They can be harvested by spear, bow, hook

and feather, or simply by being whacked with a quickly swung stick. Nighttime provides the

opportunity to stalk up with a blinding light, likely geting closer than possible in the day.

Reptiles can be very abundant. Turtles, lizards, and snakes (venomous or not) all offer good-

tasting meat. Turtles can be caught on baited hooks or in small weir-type traps baited with meat.

Most lizards and snakes can be dispatched with a well-swung stick. Turtles should be scrubbed

of mud and skinned.

Don’t Forget the Invertebrates!

We don’t often think about invertebrates as food options. Insects, crustaceans and mollusks are

all very high in protein. Many can be simply picked up off the ground, or scooped up in an

improvised net made from a y-stick and t-shirt, which works well for locusts or grasshoppers.

Worms and grubs can be dug from the ground soil or from rotten wood. Turning over logs and

rocks also exposes many tasty morsels. Insects and snails can all be cooked directly in the coals

before eating, or ground into a rich meal that can be added to soups or breads. The ocean, pond

and river offer many edible invertebrates. Bivalves, whelk and crabs are delicacies that can be

found at the seashore. Streams and lakes often harbor crayfish, which can be easily baited and

trapped, or plucked from out under rocks. All invertebrates should be cooked well; they can also

harbor deadly microorganisms and parasites.

With a little natural-history knowledge, experience with crafting tools and an adventurous

appetite, you can find edible wild meat in the outdoors. Whether they have four legs, six legs, no

legs or wings, small animals are an efficient way to gather the calories needed in a survival

situation.

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Name: _________________________________ Class: _______________

Survival Jigsaw Graphic Organizer

Survival tip from the article Why is it important? How is Sam applying this tip to

his time in the woods?

** Include page #

Ex.

“ All wild game should be

cooked thoroughly to kill any

microorganisms in the meat”

Eating microorganisms could make Sam sick.

P 23-24 Sam cooks his Catfish before eating it.

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My Side of the Mountain: Timeline

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My Side of the Mountain: Difficulties

As you read, keep track of difficulties Sam has during his adventure. Look for ways he overcomes these

difficulties. The chart below can help you organize your information.

Page # Describe a Difficulty Sam is having How is this challenge solved?

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My Side of the Mountain Quick Write #2 Directions: Write a paragraph identifying two difficulties Sam has at the beginning of the book. The two difficulties will be your Star ideas (RDF- see below). Then you must specifically explain what those difficulties entailed (your – lines).

T= Difficulties of Sam Gribley (Attention grabbing Topic sentence for the paragraph on his difficulties so far.) * _____________________________________________________

Star idea = Reasons/Details/Facts: weather, food, fear, unexpected complications

- _________________________________________ - ________________________________________________ * _____________________________________________________ - ________________________________________________ - ________________________________________________ C= _________________________________________________________ (Paragraph wrap-up sentence that will lead to more solutions and/or adventures for Sam.)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Name: ____________________________________ Period: __________

My Side of the Mountain

Sam’s interactions with humans while living in the woods were just as important as his interactions with animals. Fill in the chart below to describe his relationship and experiences with the people he met in the woods.

Name How Met How they helped/impacted Sam

How did Sam react to meeting them?

Bill (p19)

Miss Turner (p21)

“The Strawberry Lady” (p38)

The Fire Warden (p47)

Bando (p73)

Hunters (p101)

Dad (p124)

Mr. Jacket (p111/169)

Matt Spell (p150)

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My Side of the Mountain

We Learn all About Halloween

I Find Out What To Do

1. How does Sam decide to celebrate Halloween with the woodland animals?

2. What has Sam learned not to do for the animals by the time his party ended?

3. Why was hunting season a dangerous time for Sam?

4. What did Sam mean when he said, “Hunters are excellent friends if used correctly”? (p105)

5. What last minute preparations does Sam make for Winter at this point of the story?

Trouble Begins

I Pile Up Wood and Go on with Winter

6. When Sam goes to town, what does Mr. Jacket think of Sam and why does he react this way?

7. What crucial thing did Sam realize he’d almost forgotten in his preparations for winter?

8. Why do you think the chapter was titled “Trouble Begins”?

9. Why does Sam say “Now I am back where I began” on page 112?

10. How does Sam keep himself entertained during the winter?

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EXPLORER HERO: DANIEL BOONE by Tim from Waseca

Daniel Boone was a great pioneer explorer. He loved to wander through unknown territory. When he was a boy, he would take off and be gone on explorations for so long that his parents thought he was captured

by Indians or visiting with friendly ones.

Daniel was born on November 2, 1734. Daniel didn't go to school, but he did have an education. His mother taught him to read and write, and his father taught him how to survive in the wilds, shoot a gun, and to be a nice gentleman.

He always remembered the day he shot his first bear at the age of twelve; not many kids could shoot a bear at that age. They said the kids would get scared of the bear and freeze, but not Daniel.

Everyone said Daniel could hear a twig break from a quarter of a mile away. They also said he could spot something out of order like an Indian in the bushes. Daniel was a very nice man to everyone as far as we know. Throughout his life, Daniel couldn't hold a grudge against anyone of any color.

Daniel became a great American explorer. He went on many journeys and explored many places. He trailblazed through the Kentucky wilderness, leading settlers through the Cumberland Gap. He cleared the Wilderness Road and established the settlement of Boonesborough. Thousands of people followed the path, moving west into America.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * More than any other man, Daniel Boone was responsible for the exploration

and settlement of Kentucky.

If Daniel Boone was destined to become a man of the wild, an explorer of unmapped spaces, his boyhood was the perfect preparation. He came to know the friendly Indians in the forests, and early he was marking the habits of wild things and bringing them down with a crude whittled spear. When he was twelve his father gave him a rifle, and his career as a huntsman began.

When he was fifteen, the family moved to the Yadkin Valley in North Carolina, a trek that took over a year. At nineteen or twenty he left his family home with a military expedition in the French and Indian War. There he met John Finley, a hunter who had seen some of the western wilds, who told him stories that set him dreaming. He eventually helped settle what is now Kentucky. Boone left the Bluegrass in 1788 and moved into what is now West Virginia. Ten years later he again heard the call of unknown country luring him, this time to the Missouri region. As his dug-out canoe passed Cincinnati, somebody asked why he was leaving Kentucky. "Too crowded" was his answer. He lived in Missouri the rest of his life, although he twice revisited Kentucky before he died at the age of 85.

This information was taken from the following websites:http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=DanielBoone

http://www.americanwest.com/pages/boone.htm

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Boone, Daniel (1734–1820) How to Cite This Article

Daniel Boone was one of America's greatest pioneers and frontier heroes. He was a

dead shot with a rifle and a skillful hunter. He has become an American legend.

Boone was born on November 2, 1734, at Oley, a frontier settlement in Pennsylvania.

By the age of 12, he was hunting game for the dinner table with his first rifle. Native

Americans roamed the nearby woods. Boone knew that they did not like intruders on

their land. So he learned how to walk through the forest without making a sound.

In 1751 Boone and his family settled in North Carolina. In 1755, during the French and

Indian War, he joined British general Edward Braddock's expedition against the French.

The British were unused to Indian ways of fighting. They were ambushed and killed.

But Boone and a hunter named John Finley (or Findley) escaped into the woods. Finley

told Boone about a mysterious land, west of the Appalachian Mountains. The Indians

called it Kentucky. He said its forests were thick with turkeys, bears, and deer, and

buffalo thundered across its prairies. These stories inspired Boone to go to Kentucky.

First Boone returned to North Carolina to marry 17-year-old Rebecca Bryan. For the

next ten years they rarely lived in one place very long. Boone often was away hunting

for deerskins and beaver pelts. He sold these to support his growing family.

Finally, in 1769, Boone set out across the Appalachian Mountains. For the next two

years he explored Kentucky. Then he went back to North Carolina to gather several

families who would return with him to establish a settlement. On the journey back to

Kentucky, the pioneers were attacked by Indians. Boone's son James and several

others were killed. The settlers turned back.

Boone remained determined. In 1775 he cleared the Wilderness Road, through the

Cumberland Gap, into Kentucky. He built a fort called Boonesborough on the Kentucky

River. Then he returned home to lead another group of pioneers across the mountains

to settle there. Boone's wife and daughter were among the first women settlers in

Kentucky.

In 1778, Boone was captured by Shawnee Indians. Their chief was Blackfish. He was

proud to have caught the famous frontiersman. He "adopted" Boone as his son and

named him Shel-tow-ee. This means "Big Turtle." Boone lived among the Indians for

several months. One day he overheard the Indians plan a raid on Boonesborough. But

he was able to negotiate a plan with the Shawnee to surrender his men as prisoners.

His quick thinking saved the lives of countless numbers of other settlers.

Later, Boone discovered the Indians were planning yet another attack on

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Boonesborough. He made a daring escape and reached the fort in time to warn the

settlers.

Boone later held several public offices. He was lieutenant colonel of the militia. And he

was a representative of the Kentucky state legislature. But he lost all claim to the land

he had been the first white man to explore and settle. This was because he had not

followed the proper procedures to obtain legal title to it.

By 1799 Boone felt Kentucky had become too crowded with people. So he moved

westward to Missouri. There he found, as he put it, "more elbow room." Boone died in

Missouri on September 26, 1820, at the age of 86.

Taken from New Book of Knowledge online Encyclopedia

Lexile 720

Using information from the articles you’ve read, complete the following graphic organizer.

T= Ways Sam Gribley and the real Daniel Boone are alike

* _____________________________________________________

Star idea = Each Star is a similarity between the men

- (S) _________________________________________

- (D)________________________________________________

* _____________________________________________________

- (S) ________________________________________________

- (D)________________________________________________

C= _________________________________________________________

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My Side of the Mountain

Final Vocab List

1. Sapling (noun) A small tree

2. Hordes (noun) A large group or crowd.

3. Urgent (adjective) (of a state or situation) requiring immediate action or

attention

4. Momentum (noun) The Speed of motion of a moving body

5. Hovered (verb) remain in one place in the air.

6. Fatigue (noun) a state of extreme exhaustion or tiredness

7. Bleak(ness) (adjective) gloomy and depressing

8. Dismayed (verb) to feel sudden disappointment or distress.

9. Right a. correct

b. the opposite of left

10. Write (verb) to put words or symbols on paper

11. Rite (noun) Ceremony or ritual (often associated with a religion)

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My Side of the Mountain

Wrapping it up- Partner discussion Questions

1. Which character from the novel did you feel helped Sam the most? Explain.

2. Looking back at the Preface, what similarities do you see between Sam and the author?

3. Do you feel the ending was appropriate? Why or Why not?

4. What do you feel was the most challenging part of Sam’s adventure? Explain.

5. Do you think Sam is old enough/mature enough to keep living on his own? Justify (support) your answer.

6. Rate this book out of 5 stars and tell why you gave that rating.

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Notes

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Notes