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Warriors: Into the Wild
Last updated Sunday, January 5, 2014
Author: Erin Hunter
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0060000023
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2014
Synopsis:
The series follows the adventures of four Clans of wild cats—ThunderClan, ShadowClan, WindClan, and RiverClan—in their forest and lake homes.
For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by the powerful ancestors. But the warrior code is threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying -- and some deaths are more mysterious than others.
In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty . . . Who may yet turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What wild animal do domestic cats come from? (A genetic study in 2007 concluded that domestic cats are descended from African wildcats)
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Did cats live in the wild before being house pets? (Yes, however, in comparison to dogs, cats have not undergone major changes during the domestication process, as the form and behavior of the domestic cat are not radically different from those of wildcats, and domestic cats are perfectly capable of surviving in the wild)
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What traits do house cats have which are based on their wild past? (Cats can be left alone and wander the neighborhood before returning home and can find their own food.)
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Would you rather have a cat or a dog for a pet? Why?
Vocabulary:
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unsheathed (p 1) - uncovered; exposed
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avenge (p 3) - To inflict a punishment or penalty in return for; revenge
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jubilant (p 3) - happy, excited
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caterwauling (p 3) - making a shrill howling or wailing noise
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What do the names of the four clans represent - ThunderClan, ShadowClan, WindClan, and RiverClan?
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Are Bluestar & Lionheart good cats or bad? What about Graypaw?
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What is a Twoleg? (human)
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Do you think Rusty should give up his kitty pet life?
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How is it different if you have to fight for food versus having food put in a bowl every night?
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Should the clans work together instead of fighting against each other? Why or why not?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw a map showing the territories of the different clans. (See samples on the first few pages of the book.)
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Make cat masks and play out the fighting scenes. Make masks from a different clans.
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Design & draw your own “clan shields” or duplicate the ones in the book. Make badges, arm bands, or flags with cut out cardboard or stiff paper stock in the shape of the “clan shields” in the book. Bring elastic or string to tie the clan badges on afterwards.
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http://www.warriorcats.com/meet-the-warriors/clans/thunder-clan
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http://www.warriorcats.com/meet-the-warriors/clans/shadow-clan
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http://www.warriorcats.com/meet-the-warriors/clans/wind-clan
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http://www.warriorcats.com/meet-the-warriors/clans/river-clan
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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