Summer Reading Packet for Incoming Eighth Grade
Linfield Christian School
Welcome to Eighth Grade English! We’re so glad that God has brought you into this
class, and we’re so excited about next year. In order to successfully prepare for the
school year, you will need to read The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George
Speare and complete the corresponding assignments this summer.
The assignments that follow are due the first day of class. Please have them printed and
stapled together. We will also have quizzes on this book the first week of school.
Happy Reading! See you in August!
Assignment 1: Read the information at the links below about Puritans.
http://www.factsfornow.scholastic.com/article?product_id=nbk&type=0ta&uid=
1 0749162&id=a2024385-h
http://www.usahistory.info/NewEngland/Puritans.html
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b02706/ (this is a primary source
document – pay close attention to what it reveals).
Assignment 2: After reading the last document above, read 2Kings 21:1-18 (the story of
Manasseh). Notice that the authors of the above letter refer to 2Kings 24:4. Read
2Kings 24: 3-4. In a well-developed MLA, typed paragraph, explain why they are
referring to this passage. What is the connection to them (the writers of the letter)? Is
something similar? Of what are they afraid?
Assignment 3: Fill out the character sheet on the next page
Assignment 4: Explore the site below:
http://wethersfieldct.com/ (Colonial town)
Based on the descriptions from the book and the above site,
draw a map of the colonial town of Wethersfield. Make sure you label
the important buildings and sites. Draw on an 8 ½ x 11 inch white piece
of printer paper or sketch paper.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Name___________________
Write, in complete sentences, two facts about each person or event.
Kit Tyler-
Nat Eaton-
John Holbrook_____________________________________________________________
Matthew Wood-
Judith Wood-
Mercy Wood-
Goodwife Cruff_____________________________________________________________
William Ashby-
The trial-
Hannah_____________________________________________________________
The Husking Bee_____________________________________________________________