Brodhead Elementary school students took a journey with Brian in Hatchet, learning about survival, problem-solving, and figuring out how to keep going even when things get tough. Just like Brian had to make tough choices in the wild, students practice critical thinking and creativity every day skills that are just as important when exploring history, government, and civic life.
To celebrate all their hard work, we’re wrapping up the unit with a “Hatchet Movie & Trail Mix Party”!
Students watched the movie adaptation and created their own trail mix, giving them a hands-on way to connect with the story while having fun together. Activities like this show how learning doesn’t have to be just reading and worksheets, it can be interactive, creative, and memorable.
These experiences also tie into bigger goals:
For teachers: Seeing and trying activities like this helps expand our toolkit for bringing history, civics, and geography to life in fun, meaningful ways.
For students: Hands-on, interactive learning boosts understanding, engagement, and problem-solving skills they’ll use in school and in life.
For everyone: Activities like group projects, discussions, and creative celebrations build collaboration and communication. These are important parts of being active, engaged citizens.
By mixing literature, fun activities, and reflection, we’re creating experiences that stick with students and give teachers new ideas to bring lessons to life, no matter the subject or setting.
Tabitha Hamm
Brodhead Elementary School
Rockcastle County
5th grade
