Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Pre-reading activity One

Introduction

The legend of the red fern became the theme for the book Where the Red Fern Grows.  In this activity you will read some Indian legends, one written by a ten-year old student, then you will be asked to create and illustrate one of your own. Who knows?

When Billy Colman sees the red fern growing between the graves of his dogs, he recalls an Indian legend he has heard. 
"I had heard the old Indian legend about the red fern.  How a little Indian boy and girl were lost in a blizzard and had frozen to death.  In the spring, when they were found, a beautiful red fern had grown up between their two bodies.  The story went on to say that only an angel could plant the seeds of a red fern, and that they never die? where one grew, that spot was sacred."

 
The legend of the red fern became the theme for the book Where the Red Fern Grows. While no ones know for sure how certain tales began, most people enjoy hearing and reading them. 

Step 1

What is a legend?  Go to dictionary.com and type in the word legend.  Using your worksheet write down the specific definition of legend.  Click on the to print a copy of the worksheet.

Step 2

Choose at least two of the tales listed in Native American Tales to read. Read them carefully to learn what makes a story a legend. Write the title and a summary of the legend on your worksheet.  Your summary should be at least five sentences.

Step 3

Read The Legend of Running Deer which was written by a 10 year old student.

Step 4

Now, create a legend of your own. You may wish to explain:

Step 5

Include a picture that shows a situation or character in the legend you have written. The picture may be an original illustration of your own or it may be a picture taken from the Internet. If you use a picture from the Internet please make sure you cite it appropriately at the end of your legend. See MLA Style Cite for bibliographic reference.

Step 6

Please turn in a word processed, minimum one page, double spaced copy of your legend, including your picture. Make sure you have your name, class period, and date are in the upper right hand corner. Staple a copy of your finished product to your worksheet.  

How You Will Be Graded 

  1. The legend seems original and portrays a reason for some action which occurred.
  2. The legend has a specific beginning, middle and ending.
  3. Writing reflects correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
  4. Legend includes a title and a picture illustrating some part of the story.                                        

This assignment will be graded as a quiz grade.  It will go into your Booklet of Evidence. If the assignment is late your grade will start at 75 and I will deduct 5 points a day for every day that the assignment is late.

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