Literature Unit based on Down a Hobbit Trail

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Library List:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths

~Each day, read aloud a chapter from The Hobbit.

~Create a character diary: You can choose to change characters each entry, or remain Bilbo throughout. After each chapter, add a short entry as the character of your choice. Remember to stay in character!

~Make a poster showing the journey Bilbo took from his cozy Hobbit hole all the way to Smaug.

~Create a Middle Earth nature guide: Whenever you come across a tree, plant, animal or act of nature (such as thunderstorms) that is native to our world, make a page for it in your guide. Use the internet or library books to research. Each page should have an illustration, any interesting characteristics, it’s natural habitat, etc.

~Create a Mythical Creatures guide: Each page should illustrate the creature, list interesting characteristics, and where else I might find them in history/mythology.

~(for older students) Read D’Aulaire’s Norse Myths. Discuss their influence on Tolkien’s writings and compare the mythology of Middle Earth to Norse mythology. Make a notebook page about the comparison. For younger students, read the myths, and make notebook pages about each myth.