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1
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
By Elizabeth George Speare
Name: __________________________________ Class: ______
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Prereading
Location, Location, Location
The two main locations mentioned in The Witch of Blackbird Pond are Barbados
and Connecticut. The two places have very different climates. Using the maps for a
reference, see if you can infer any information about their climate (weather, average
temperatures, seasons, etc.)
Barbados Connecticut Type of
weather
Seasons
Average
Temperature
Other
information
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond Prereading
A. Now that you know a little bit about Barbados and Connecticut, imagine that you
are leaving sunny, tropical Barbados to visit Connecticut. The time period is the 1600’s,
or Colonial Times. Therefore, Connecticut is a colony. Think of some questions you
might have about your trip and decide where you might find the answer to each.
Remember, there was no internet in the 1600’s!
Question Where could you find the
answer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B. Now make a list of the 5 most important items that you would want to take
with you on your voyage. Next to each object, explain the reason why you
would take it.
Object Why would you take it?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
C. Reflection: In paragraph format (5-10 sentences) tell how you think your life
would be different in this new land.
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Religion
What is your definition of Religion? What is the dictionary’s definition of
religion?
Why do you think religion is so
important to people?
List different types of religion that you
are familiar with.
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Vocabulary:
On the Ship:
Brigantine- another name for a __________________
Rigging- ______________________________________________________________
Capstan- ______________________________________________________________
Prow- the _________________ side of the boat
Aft- the ___________________ side of the boat
Around Town:
Common- a piece of land located
____________________________________________
Selectman- one of a group of _____________________________________ who make
decisions in the town. This is similar to a politician.
Goodwife- ____________________________________________ abbreviation: _____
Dame School- A school taught by _________________ location: _________________
Hornbook- a book used to teach reading at the earliest level, often containing the alphabet
and numbers.
Pillory
Both devices are used for public _________________________________
Stocks
Describe them: ______________________________________________
Other Key words:
Impulsive- _________________ before you _____________________
Conceal- (verb) to _____________________
Astonished- ________________________________________________________
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Religion:
Pilgrim- ______________________________________________________________
Protestant- ____________________________________________________________
Puritan- ______________________________________________________________
Quaker- _____________________________________________________________
Heathen- Someone who does NOT believe in _______________________________
Diagram of Christianity
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Impulsive
In the chart below, record examples of Kit’s impulsivity and explain the results of her actions.
Page # Quote From Text Explain Kit’s impulsive
action
Results
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Getting to Know the Characters
Below you will read the descriptions of various characters. After each description,
identify the character being described.
1. “…he was clearly too spineless to stand up for her against his shrew of a wife.”
(Chapter 2) Who is the he in the quote? ____________________________
2. “She could not read the faintest sign of welcome in his thin, stern lips or in the
dark eyes that glowered fiercely at her from under heavy grizzled eyebrows.”
(chapter 3) What family member is being described in this quote?
__________________________________
3. “[her] face fulfilled in every exquisite detail the picture she had treasured of her
imagined aunt. The clear white skin, the blue eyes under a dark fringe of
lashes, the black hair that curled against her shoulders, and the haughty lift of
her perfect small chin- this girl could have been the toast of a regiment!”
(chapter 3) Who is the girl being described in the quote? __________________
In the space below, draw Venn Diagrams to compare and contrast Mercy and Judith &
Uncle Matthew and Aunt Rachel.
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Patriots and Loyalists
The Revolutionary War split the people of the American colonies into two groups: the
loyalists and the patriots.
What was a patriot?
Patriots were people who wanted the American colonies to gain their independence from
Britain. They wanted their own country called the United States.
Why did people become patriots?
People in the Americas felt they weren't being treated fairly by the British. They were
being taxed without any say or representation in the British government. Soon cries for
"liberty" were being heard throughout the colonies. The patriots wanted freedom from
British rule.
Famous Patriots
There were many famous patriots. Some of them became presidents such as Thomas
Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence and John Adams. Perhaps the most
famous patriot at the time was George Washington who led the Continental Army and
later became the first President of the United States. Other famous patriots included Paul
Revere, Samuel Adams, Ethan Allen, Patrick Henry, and Ben Franklin. These people are
often called the Founding Fathers of the United States.
What was a loyalist?
Not everyone who lived in the American colonies wanted to break away from the British.
There were many people who wanted to stay part of Britain and remain British citizens.
These people were called loyalists.
Why did some people remain loyal?
Many people felt that their lives would be better off if the colonies remained under
British rule. Some of these people were simply afraid to go up against the might of the
British army. Others had business interests in England and knew that English trade was
important to the economy. Still others thought that British rule would be better than
patriot rule.
Famous Loyalists
Since the loyalists lost the war, there aren't as many famous loyalists as there are patriots.
Benedict Arnold was a general in the Continental Army who went to fight for the British.
Other famous loyalists include Thomas Hutchinson (governor of Massachusetts colony),
Andrew Allen, John Butler, and David Mathews (mayor of New York City).
Taken from: http://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution/patriots_and_loyalists.php
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Charter Colonies - Connecticut and the " Charter Oak" The Charter of Connecticut was granted by King Charles II in 1662 which included the right of self-government. When King James II came to the throne he tried to cancel the Connecticut charter. Sir Edmund Andros went to Hartford to collect the Connecticut charter. Captain Joseph Wadsworth, a Connecticut patriot, stole the charter and hid it in a hollow oak tree. The "charter oak" became a symbol of American Independence. Connecticut temporarily lost the right of self-government under the Dominion of New England in 1687, but it was reinstated in 1689. Taken from: http://www.landofthebrave.info/charter-colonies.htm
Making Connections:
1. Which king would Patriots have liked better and why?
2. In your own words, explain why the charter was so important to the colonists?
(Hint. What critical right did it grant?)
Which characters from the novel are Patriots, and which are Loyalists,
and how do you know?
Patriots Loyalists
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A New Life
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
By the end of her first day in Wethersfield, Kit realizes how different
life is in America, especially in the Wood’s home.
A. Make a list of as many differences as you can think of that exist between Kit’s old life
and her new life.
Old Life New Life
B. Now predict if and how Kit’s thinking about each of the following may change:
1. Her feelings about slavery
2. Her religious beliefs
3. Her loyalty to the King of England
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond Vocabulary Chapters 5-7
1. “The modish bonnet with curling white feathers seemed to her
uncle a crowning affront. ‘You will mock the Lord’s
assembly!’” (page 50)
a. compliment b. insult c. hat d. treat
2. “The deacons’ wives were surveying her from feathered hat to slippered toe. She
did not look like a pauper.” (page 54)
a. Angry person b. rich person c. poor person d. silly person
3. “Most of the church goers did not come near her. She glimpsed Goodwife Cruff,
surrounded by a close huddle of women, all darting venomous glances in Kit’s
direction.” (page 54)
a. Pleasant b. spiteful c. loving d. excited
4. “The brick oven had been heated for 2 nights in a row, and the whole family had
gone without sugar since Sunday to make sure that the minister’s notorious sweet
tooth would be satisfied.” (page 58)
a. Well-known b. ancient c. sickly d. unknown
5. “Reverend Bulkey smiled whenever he looked at Kit. But the greatest part of his
condescension he had bestowed on Kit, once he understood that her grandfather
had been Sir Francis Tyler.” (Page 58)
a. Guilt b. instruction c. snotty behavior d. enjoyment
6. “John’s voice was low-pitched but clear, and the words fell with a musical
cadence that was a delight.” (Page 61)
a. Ability b. odor c. sight d. rhythm
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapter 5
The Church Service
Use the Graphic organizer below to describe the church service Kit experiences with the
Woods.
Description Page #
Length of the
Service
Seating at the service
Rules of the Service
Description of the
Sermon
Kit’s Reaction to the
Service
How do people
receive Kit at the
service?
More important things to consider
1. Why is Judith mad at Kit in chapter 5?
2. Who is the young man that Kit meets for the first time
after service?
3. Who did Judith have a crush on at the beginning of the book?
4. Who does she say she is interested in now?
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapter 6-7
Compare and Contrast: Love and Politics
Definitions:
1. Patriot- someone who wanted the colonies to become independent of Britain.
a. They felt that the British King was using them for money (taxes).
b. They also believed that the colonies should have the right to make their
own decisions and that Britain was being too controlling.
2. Loyalists - (Also known as Royalists) remained loyal to the king and believed that
the colonies should remain under British control.
A. Using the T-chart below, contrast Uncle Matthew’s political beliefs with those of
the Reverend Dr. Gershom Bulkley.
Uncle Matthew Dr. Bulkley
B. In Chapter 7, we learn about dating in colonial times. Make a venn diagram
comparing and contrasting dating in modern times with dating in colonial times.
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Understanding Allusions
In Chapter 9, Kit gets into trouble for recreating the Parable of the Good Samaritan in
play format. Below is a version of the Good Samaritan story.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was
attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and
went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going
down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on
the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and
saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he
traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took
pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on
oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him
to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two
denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said,
‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you
may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who
fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
1. What is the main religion of Wethersfield?
2. What religion does Hannah Tupper practice?
3. How is King James’ treatment of the colonists similar to the way the colonists
treat Hannah?
Extension activity: Use a newspaper or magazine to find an example of a person or
group of people being treated like Hannah or the colonists. (Look for someone who is
not accepted or not treated fairly because he or she has different beliefs than others).
1. Cut out and summarize the article.
2. Write a paragraph comparing the events in the article to the events in the
book.
Kit faces an internal conflict (Man vs. Self) in which she has to decide
if she should marry William or not. Complete the chart below with
details from the text that Kit should consider when making her decision.
Reasons Kit Should Marry William Reasons Kit Should Not Marry William
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Close Reading Chapter 12
Directions: Read the following excerpts from the text and make inferences based on your
reading. Support your answers with specific evidence from the text.
Page 114
“Where are you going, Kit?”
Kit looked down, not answering.
Her aunt studied her. “Wait, she said then. She
went into the kitchen and came back after a
moment with a small package which she held out
to Kit shamefacedly.
It was a bit of leftover apple tart. So Aunt
Rachel had known all the time. Kit suddenly
threw her arms about her aunt.
“Oh, Aunt Rachel- you are so good!”
What does this passage
tell us about Rachel?
What words/phrases/actions
from the text prove your claim?
Explain.
Page 116
“You know,” he said looking carefully away at
the river, “once when I was a kid, we went ashore
in Jamaica and in the marketplace there was a
man with some birds for sale. They were sort of
yellow-green with bright scarlet patches. I was
bent on taking one home to my grandmother in
Saybrook. But father explained it wasn’t meant to
live up here, that the other birds here would scold
and peck at it. Funny thing, that morning when
we left you here in Wethersfield- all the way back
to the ship all I could think of was that bird.”
How is Kit like the bird
Nat described? (What
do they have in
common?)
What are incidents from the
book that support your answer?
Page 118
“There are two sides to loyalty, Kit,” said Nat,
looking suddenly almost as serious as John
Holbrook or William. If the King respects our
rights and keeps his word to us, then he will retain
our loyalty. But if he revokes the laws he has
made and tacks and comes about till the ship is on
her beam ends, then finally we will be forced to
cut the hawser...
A man is loyal to the place he loves. For me,
the Dolphin there is my country. My father would
give his life for the right to sail her when and
where he pleases, and so would I. Anyway,
‘twould do little good with a gale blowing to wait
for orders from His Majesty in England. I
suppose it’s like that for these people in
Wethersfield. How can a king on a throne in
England know what’s best for them? A man’s
first loyalty is to the soil he stands on.”
Based on Nat’s speech,
does he appear to be a
Loyalist or a Patriot?
What does the phrase,
“We will be forced to
cut the hawser” mean?
How do you know?
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Page 120-121
The family allowed Nat scanty nods of
acknowledgement, but William did not alter a
muscle of his tight-clenched jaw. The two young
men measured each other a long moment…
[Nat] looked back at William, one eyebrow
tilted at the old familiar angle…
What does the body
language between Nat
and William reveal
about their feelings
towards each other?
How do you know?
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Word Sentence Guess at
meaning
Real meaning
Idle “Better for the young people
to remember that idleness
breeds mischief.” (p149)
Reverence “… her uncle bent slowly
and scooped up a handful of
brown dirt from the garden
patch at his feet, and stood
holding it with a curious
reverence, as though it were
some priceless substance.”
(p134)
Banished Kit told Hannah, “But Nat
is banished from
Weathersfield” (p153)
Buoyant “He came toward her with
his light, buoyant step.”
(p136)
Indifferent Susan was indifferent about
the date of the meeting
because she was free all
week.
Becalmed “… Captain Eaton had
missed the wind after all,
and the Dolphin lay
becalmed just off Wright’s
Island.” (p139)
Resent Caitlin resented the fact that
Jason never helped her with
her chores, even though she
often helped him with his
homework.
Defiance In the army, you get in
trouble if you defy a direct
order from your sergeant.
Neglect If you do not take care of
your pets every day, you can
be charged with neglect.
Illuminate When the power went out,
the family used candles to
illuminate the room.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond Chapter 14-16 Vocabulary
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapter 14-18 Review
1. Why is Nat upset with Kit at the end of ch 14?
2. Judith knows that William is not a royalist before Kit does. What does this tell
you about his relationship with Kit? His relationship with Judith?
3. What happened to the charter?
4. What clues do we have that William knows more about the charter than he says?
5. Why do you think the boys from the Dolphin only targeted William’s house?
6. Why do you think Nat tells Kit to leave when she sees him in the stocks?
7. What new thing does Kit teach Prudence?
8. Describe Mercy and Judith’s reactions to the fact that John joined the militia.
9. Why do you think Mercy got sicker than Judith and Kit?
10. Who do the townspeople think is responsible for the sickness in the town?
11. How does Hannah act when Kit goes to see her in the middle of the night? What
do you think she is remembering?
12. Where does Nat take Hannah?
13. What one object does Hannah want to take with her?
14. On page 177, Kit mentions a “secret and lovely thing [that] was gone forever.”
What is she referring to?
15. Earlier in the book, Kit says, “People are afraid of things they don’t understand.”
How does this apply to the way the townspeople act in chapter 18?
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Problems and Solutions
Throughout the story, Kit and her family have had to overcome many problems.
Using the graphic organizer below fill in the missing problem or solution.
Problem Result/Solution An old man in Barbados wants to marry
Kit.
Kit decides to move to Connecticut to be
with her family
1. The Charter disappears from the
Town Meeting
Governer Andros takes away:
2. Mercy is dangerously sick
3. Nat takes Hannah away on the Dolphin
4. Kit is accused of witchcraft
5. The Townspeople believe that Kit
wrote Prudence’s name in the
hornbook to cast a spell on the
child.
6. Adam Cruff withdraws the charges against
Kit.
7. Kit must make a decision about
marrying William (Ch 20)
8. Judith is described as looking “gray” and
being depressed. (p209)
9. John Holbrook returns and runs to
Mercy (End of chapter 20)
(We don’t know the solution yet, but make a
prediction.)
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Chapter 21
In the graphic below, list the couples at the end of the story.
Write down two things you know about each girl’s future plans at the end of the book. Judith: 1. 2.
Mercy 1. 2. Kit 1. 2.
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Static vs. Dynamic characters
Static Characters _______________________________________ throughout the story.
Dynamic Characters ___________________________ throughout the story.
In the chart below, identify static and dynamic characters and explain why they fit into that category.
Character Static/Dynamic Explaination 1 Mercy
2 Judith
3 Uncle Matthew
4 Aunt Rachel
5 Kit
6 William
7 John Holbrook
8 Nat
9 Hannah
10 Prudence
11 Goodwife Cruff
12 Goodman Cruff
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Notes
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Notes