Hatchet by Gary Paulsen First Edition
Predicting the Outcome Guide
Purpose:
This is a basic strategy for using prior knowledge to understand text. Students should be
able to makes guesses about the plot of the text in order to provide a framework for transacting
with the text in order to form higher comprehension and interest.
Context:
Seventh-grade students would be ideal to read this novel with and it can be used at any
time or the year. Since Hatchet is constantly leaving us guessing until the very end, this
technique would be good to use as a during reading activity that would occur at the very
beginning of the novel, after the first chapter. As preparation for the novel, have students take
part in a problematic situation strategy so that they are familiar with tough decision making and
predictions.
Directions:
1. Read aloud the novel until the pilot has a heart attack. Then close the book and handout a
Predicting Guide (as seen below).
2. Give students hypothetical situations that will happen to the character, Brian.
3. Ask students to fill out two blanks at the bottom of the handout where they will create
their own situations.
4. Students will next mark on the paper “Agree” or “Disagree” regarding their opinion on
what will happen to Brian.
5. After giving students sufficient time to fill out the guide on their own, go over each
situation with the class and have students offer reason behind their hypothesis. Make
sure to observe whether or not there is a lot of disagreement or agreement going on.
6. Another option is to have students pair-share their own hypothetical situation.
7. You can either finish another chapter of the book in class aloud, or assign it for
homework now that you have piqued the student’s interest in the novel.
Assessment:
After making a prediction it is important that students are given the opportunity to reflect
on whether or not their predictions were correct. Either in class or as a homework assignment
have students write one paragraph describing the following; their reaction to Brian’s dangerous
situation, what they predicted and whether or not their prediction was correct. This paragraph
can serve as a check if they have completed the reading.
Robinson, BYU 2009
Name:_________________________________
Prediction Guide; What will happen to Brian?
Now that you have read the first chapter in Gary Paulsen’s novel, Hatchet. You know
that the small aircraft that Brian Robeson was flying in is in peril. The pilot of the plane has just
had a heart attack, leaving Brian completely alone soaring through the sky. Read the
statements below and mark an ‘X’ in a box determining whether you agree or
disagree with the potential outcomes of Brian’s dilemma. There are 2 empty boxes
that you have to fill in your own guess of what will happen.
Situation
Agree
Brian will radio for help and
the air traffic controller will
help teach Brian how to land
the plane safely.
Brian will perform CPR on the
pilot who miraculously
survives his heart attack and is
able to land the plane safely
The airplane will slowly run
out of gas until it plummets to
the ground
A person spots the plane from
the ground and reports that it is
out of control, and they try to
get help.
Brian will see civilization soon
and attempt a crash landing
near a town
Robinson, BYU 2009
Disagree