Where the Red Fern Grows By Wilson Rawls

Chapter 1 - Vocabulary Residential (adj)- A place that is mostly homes Scalded (v)- burnt with hot liquid or steam Cur (n) – a dog that is bad or disliked Crude (adj) – very simple; made without skill Coaxing (v) –talking in a gentle, friendly way Dormant (adj)- not active but able to become active Squalling (v)- making a loud, long cry of grief Pangs (n)- strong physical or emotional pain

Chapter 1 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Why, according to the man, was it a rare day? Describe a rare day you have experienced. Why did the man believe that the dog belonged in the country? Focus Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) How did the man help the dog? Describe the scene in which the dogs are fighting. Enrichment: Locate the following in an atlas or online: Ozark Mountains, Missouri and Oklahoma. Draw, label and color a map of the area.

Chapter 2 & 3 - Vocabulary Sycamores(n)- A type of tree found in eastern North America Game(n)- Animals under pursuit or taken in hunting Aromatic(adj)- Having a pleasant smell Allotted(v)- Given to someone to use or have Sparsely(adj)- Small amounts; thin covering Bawling (adj)- To cry or wail loudly. Muzzle (n)- The projecting part of the head of an animal, including jaws, mouth and nose. Commotion(n)- Noisy excitement and confusion Whooping(v)- a loud cry or shout of joy or excitement Stout(adj)- Having a strong thick body Switching(v)- spanking

Chapter 2 and 3 Discussion Question: Focus Question: Enrichment: How did Billy's Papa "pour cold water" on his idea? Why does Billy ask his grandfather not to say anything to his father about his plan? Focus Question: What "terrible disease" was he infected with when only ten years old? How long does it take the young boy to save enough money? Enrichment: Trace the Illinois River as it flows through Northeast Oklahoma. What other states does it flow through?

Chapter 4 and 5 - Vocabulary Depot(n)- a train or bus station. Riffle(n)- A shallow stretch of a river Callused(adj)- Having hard or thick skin Provisions(n)- Supply of food or other things that are needed. Winced(v)- a quick expression of pain or embarrassment Amends(v)-to do something to correct a mistake Muster(v)- to work to get the courage to do something. Anvil(n)- a heavy block of iron where heated metal is shaped. Grit(n)- mental bravery and toughness Shucks(n)- the outer coverings of a nut or plant, like corn

Chapters 4 and 5 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) What good news does Billy receive about the price of the dogs? How do we know that the stationmaster is a kind man? Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Describe some of the things that surprise Billy when he arrives in town. Enrichment: Write a short biography on the author, Wilson Rawls.

Chapter 6 & 7 - Vocabulary Romping(v)- Engaging in rough and noisy play Nestled(v)- To be close to or against something Trance(n)- A state where you are not aware of what is happening around you Querying(v)- to question or request information Hampering(v)- to restrict movement Lope(v)- To run in a relaxed way with long strides Woe(n)- A problem or trouble Peculiarity(n)- Something not usual or normal Persistence(v)- To continue trying even if it is difficult Gouge(v)- To cut a deep hole in something

Chapter 6 and 7 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) How did Billy's father already know where he had been? Why does Billy desperately need a coon skin for his pups? Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Describe how Billy decides to name his dogs. Enrichment: What is the longest distance you have ever walked? Do you think you would have been afraid to camp out overnight? How would you have reacted to a mountain lion?

Chapter 8 and 9 - Vocabulary Limber(adj)- bending easily; flexible Raved(v)- talk in an excited way Droning(v)- to make a continuous low humming sound Resistance(n)- effort made to fight against something Pursed(v)- to form your lips into a tight circle Domain(n)- land that is under control by someone Liniment(n)- a liquid rubbed on your skit to relieve pain or stiffness Momentum(n)- the force that something has when it is moving Whiled(v)- to spend time doing something pleasant or easy Hovering(v)- to float in the air without moving any distance.

Chapter 8 and 9 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) How did Billy prepare for his first hunt? Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Why is Billy so determined to cut down the tree? Enrichment: What does the term nocturnal mean? Make a list of nocturnal animals you know about. Talk to your friends and add animals from their list to yours.

Chapter 10 & 11- Vocabulary Nonchalantly(adj)- a relaxed manner to show you are not worried Belligerent(adj)- showing readiness to fight Stunted(v)- stopped from growing or developing Peroxide(n)- a liquid that is used to kill bacteria Slough(n)- an area of soft, wet ground or deep mud Feat(n)- an achievement that shows great courage or skill Cunning(adj)- getting what you want in a clever way Eddy(n)- a circular movement of water or air Rile(v)- to make someone angry or annoyed Predicaments(n)- difficult or unpleasant situations

Chapters 10 and 11 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) What did Billy's mother do with the first coon hide? Why did Billy think that the hunting would be good that night? Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Describe what happened to Old Dan and how Billy managed to rescue him. Enrichment: Describe a pet that you have owned. What makes pets so special to people? What type of animals make good pets?

Chapter s 12 & 13 -Vocabulary Protruding(v)- sticking out from something Maneuver(v)- a clever or skillful action or movement Sidled(v)- to move close to someone in a quiet or secret way Leering(v)- looking at someone in an evil or unpleasant way Prod(v)- to push at someone with a finger or an object Sulked(v)- angry but refusing to talk Begrudgingly(adv)- said, done or given in a reluctant way Undermined(v)- to gradually make something or someone less effective Taut(adj)- very tight from being pulled or stretched Astraddle(v)- to sit with a leg on both sides of something

Chapters 12 and 13 Discussion Question: Focus Question: Enrichment: Describe the Pritchard family. What bet do the Pritchard boys make with Billy? Why does Billy give Rubin the two dollars? Focus Question: Describe the ghost coon. Enrichment: What reason might the author have had for having the dogs fight?

Chapters 14 & 15 - Vocabulary Solemn(adj)- very serious in manner Jubilant(adj)- feeling great joy Barring(v)- preventing from happening Gloated(v)- showing improper happiness with yourself Heedless(adj)- not paying careful attention Fleeting(adj)- lasting for only a short time Monotonous(adj)- boring because it is always the same Stowed(v)- put something in an available place Pruned(v)- to make something look better Impulsively(adv)- done without planning

Chapters 14 and 15 Discussion Questions (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Why does Grandpa blame himself for Rubin's death? How does Billy feel about entering the championship coon hunt? Focus Questions:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Explain the superstition about hearing the owl. Enrichment: Are you superstitious? Do you know someone who is? Why might people be superstitious? Do you have a favorite/lucky number?

Chapters 16 &17 - Vocabulary Bawl Gingerly Discouraging Flitted Elimination

Chapter s 16, 17 & 18 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Why did the contestants decide to move a few miles downstream? What did the judge say to indicate that he thought it would be wise to give up the hunt? Why did Billy decide to take the cup home? Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) Explain how the two dogs doctored one another. Describe what happened to Grandpa. Enrichment: Describe the worst storm that you have ever experienced? Did you ever feel that your life was in danger? What are some of the most common natural disasters in the United States?

Chapter 17 - Vocabulary Rhythmic Mackinaw Lull Baying Canebrake Loomed Gawking

Chapter 18 - Vocabulary Haggard Engraving Stock Pane

Chapters 19 & 20 - Vocabulary Predatory Foliage Berserk Jugular Trance Ghastly Canyon Cleaved Pry Entrails

Chapter 19 & 20 Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) What is the devil cat of the Ozarks? How did the dogs prove their loyalty to Billy? What does Billy see when he goes to say goodbye to his dogs? Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs) What does Billy discover when he examines the dogs after the fierce battle? Do you think it is possible for animals to die from a broken heart? What about people? Enrichment: Read some other Indian legends? Write your own Indian legend and illustrate it. Share it with your classmates.