Literature Quest: Mark Twain Edition
Today’s post is the debut of the Literature Quest. Our first subject is November birthday boy Mark Twain, born on November 30, 1835. Literature Quests will provide a short study of an author and his or her work. You can use these as short unit studies or as simply a short adventure.
Learn about Mark Twain
Who was Mark Twain? Let’s find out more about this literary giant. You can visit his official website for your research.
- Mark Twain was a pen name. What was his real name?
- If you were to choose a pen name, what would it be?
- Why do authors sometimes use pen names?
- Name other authors you know with a pen name.
- How many states did Twain live in?
- Where did he write many of his books?
- List some fun facts about Mark Twain.
- The third and final volume of his autobiography was published recently. He requested that it not be published until 100 years after his death. Find out why!
Mark Twain’s Books
Have you read any books by Mark Twain?
- List any books you’ve already read.
- Name books he wrote that you have not read.
- What did his books focus on?
- What kind of books did he write?
- How did his childhood and vocation influence his writing?
Mark Twain Quotes & Websites
The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read. – Mark Twain
Mr. Twain was known for his wit and commentary. Do you know any of his famous sayings?
- Read about and write down two famous quotes from Mark Twain.
- What do they mean?
- What influence did his quotes have on those around him?
- Visit the official Mark Twain website.
- The Mark Twain House & Museum– in Hartford, Connecticut.
- Lesson Plans from the Mark Twain House- for teachers
- Writing Workshops– for locals to Hartford, these look fun!
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum– in Hannibel, Missouri
- Mark Twain’s Study– in Elmira, NY. His wife’s family was from Elmira and he spent summers there writing. Some of his greatest works were written here and you can visit the study.
Mark Twain and his work represent some of the quintessential American icons. It’s a must stop along any homeschooling journey.
Other iHN bloggers are sharing birthday posts today- who will you learn about?
I have really been enjoying your blog. Do you have any recommendations for a computer based or on line timeilne or timeline app? Thanks!
Hmmm…I don’t know of any apps or official software for a timeline. But, I would think using MS Office and making one using Publisher, Power Point, Word or Excel would work well. Just depends on how you want to design it. If I were to take that on, I would have my student figure out what’s best and him or her design it.
We just finished reading our first Mark Twain book. I read aloud The Adventures of Tom Sawyer to our kiddos and then led a Socratic Book Club for 5th and 6th graders. It was great!
http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/2015/11/socratic-book-club-adventures-of-tom.html
Nice- thanks for sharing!