Summer Reading/Language Arts – 7th Grade
I – Read The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear. Upon completion, follow
the directions on the next page.
II – It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase a summer bridge activity book
for 6th-7th grade; several are available on Amazon. If another of your teachers has
recommended one, you may do the English/Language Arts/Reading exercises in that one.
Otherwise, you may make your own choice. We will be doing a lot of grammar and writing,
though, so it is important that you keep fresh these ideas over the summer.
I will check my school email sporadically over the summer; however, if a dire issue arrives,
contact the school over the summer and they will get in touch with me.
Have a fun, healthy summer! I look forward to working with you in the fall.
Ms. Hennessey
Directions: Choose to complete any two of the following assignments after
reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear. All
of your work should be neatly done on a separate sheet of paper with
assignment choices clearly labeled.
Choice A
Based upon the author’s description of
Wethersfield, create a map of the colonial town.
Be sure to include the following: an arrow
pointing to Saybrook and the Atlantic Ocean; the
Connecticut River; the Wethersfield dock; High
Street; the home of Rachel and Matthew Wood;
the Meeting House; William Ashby’s house; the
Great Meadow; Hannah Tupper’s house; and the
constable’s house and shed.
Choice C
Based on the author’s descriptions, create an
illustration for any of the five following
characters: Kit, Nat, Aunt Rachel, Hannah,
Uncle Matthew, William, Prudence, Mercy,
Judith, and John Holbrook. Under your
illustration, list a minimum of five character
traits unique to that specific character (Example:
stubborn, shy, etc.).
Choice E
The setting of any historical fiction novel plays
an important part in the development of
characters and plot. Create a collage which
contrasts Kit’s two different lives in Barbados
and in Wethersfield, Connecticut. You may use
the internet to find images and phrases or you
may use cutouts from newspapers or magazines.
(Make sure to ask your parents BEFORE you cut
out magazines!)
Choice B
Though the novel is an example of historical
fiction, some of the characters were based on
actual figures from American Colonial History.
They played an important part in founding our
country. Research any two of the following: Sir
Edmond Andros; Captain Samual Talcott;
Eleazer Kimberly; and Reverand Gersholm
Bullkeley. You must have a minimum of one
paragraph of information for each choice and
your findings must be reworded into your own
words. Be sure to state where you found your
information.
Choice D
Research witchcraft trials during Colonial
America. How could a person prove his/her
innocence? What were some of the most
common punishments if one was found guilty of
witchcraft? Create a pamphlet aimed at the
residents of Wethersfield which explains the
perils of witchcraft and how they can avoid being
accused. Make sure your work has been
reworded into your own words and be sure to
include your sources. Warning: this choice is
not for the faint of heart.
Choice F
An epilogue is a chapter written after the ending
of the novel to wrap up any loose ends. Create a
one-page epilogue to explain what happens to the
characters ten years after the novel’s conclusion.