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Maine Samplers Part II Marsh Cat: by Peter Parnall
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Macmillan, 1991 Summary: A huge, wild cat, hungry one cold November day, wanders toward a farm where he discovers a new way of life. Level: RL:4-6; IL:3-7 Themes:
1. In Marsh Cat, the author creates a portrait of a marsh environment in which Cat lives.
2. The author created two worlds for Cat: the world of the marsh and the world of the barn. In both environments, Cat's needs for food and shelter are met. Contrast these two environments - what is similar and different about each for Cat. Include in your exploration, how the inhabitants of each environment depend upon each other; what the benefits of each environment are for Cat. Using the information you gathered above, explain why you think Cat went back to the marsh. [Thinking Skills: knowledge, analysis, synthesis/Information Skills: scanning and skimming, searching for relevant information, interpretation, organization] 3. Peter Parnall creates a vivid portrait of Cat, who is wild, and his farm-bred friends. Explore poetry about cats, both wild and domestic. Choose two poems that you really like. Practice reading them aloud. Try to think of a way to present them visually to a group of younger children - maybe a puppet, shadow play, dramatic or movement presentation. Contact a teacher in the lower grades or a public librarian who would be willing to let you present the poems to the children. [Thinking Skills: synthesis/Information Skills: locate, select, reading, communication, application] 4. Journal entry: Tracy dreams of having Cat for her own pet. Cat does not stay at the barn; he returns to the marsh. In the Epilogue, Tracy sees Cat at the marsh and whispers, Oh, Cat. You really are my cat, you know. How do you interpret this statement? [Thinking Skills: knowledge, comprehension, application] 5. Have you ever experienced being close to a wild animal, or wishing for it to be yours? Write about that experience and share it with your class. You may want to experiment with various writing techniques - narrative, poetry, a story with characters... [Thinking Skills: knowledge, comprehension, application] 6. When Cat makes a trip back toward the marsh, he gets caught in a steel trap that was meant for Fisher. Make a list of questions about hunting and trapping that would help you explore the ethics of hunting and trapping. Now research these questions, and list the pros and cons. Now, what is your opinion about these questions? Justify the opinion based on the information listed from your research. Provide a list of resources you used. [Thinking Skills: knowledge, comprehension, analysis, application/Information Skills: inquiry skills, location and selection, interpretation, communication]
Books about wild and domestic cats:
Books with similar animal themes:
Other nature-theme books by Peter Parnall:
Marsh information:
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