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The Islander
A webquest for 3rd/4th grades
By Sherri Niewold

Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

The Islander, by Cynthia Rylant is a story about a boy
named Daniel, who tells what happened to him during his
childhood. After the death of his parents he goes to live
with his grandfather who lives on a lonely island off the
coast of British Columbia. Daniel is a loner. He doesn't
go to school and he rarely speaks to the other islanders.

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TASK:

Read the book in a literature study group of 3-4 students. While you are reading the book, discuss in your group and write in your journal about these points in the book.

What life would be like living on an island. (weather, beach, birds, plants and ocean animals, etc.).
Living with your grandfather and no neighbors close by.

Living with no t.v., telephone or a computer.

Not attending school, how would you learn?

Coming across a mysterious comb, a mermaid and a key.

Rescuing helpless animals.

Finding a young girl in a dense forest and a dog.

Importance of getting to know your neighbors.
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PROCESS:

After you have read the book, compile the information
below in your journal.

Daniel lived on an island near British Columbia, Canada.

Locate British Columbia on a map of Canada.
In what direction is it from Arizona?
What is British Columbia's weather like compared to Arizona's weather?

Research Daniel's island.

What is a pelican and what does it look like? Write and
draw it in your journal.
What is a sea lion and what does it look like? Write and
draw it in your journal.

Pick either the pelican or the sea lion and write three
interesting things you learned about it in your journal.

Shells are normally found on the beach. Draw and write
two interesting things about shells. Write a poem about
the beach or shells.
Why do you think Daniel come across a mermaid?

Are mermaids real or imaginary? Write what you
think in your journal.

David finds a little girl, who Anna is and later his dog.

Write the answers and draw the images in your
journal.
How did David know where to find the young girl?
How does David know the young girl will mean something

to him in his future?

Who is Anna? Why is he she so important to him?

Where did he find his dog and what did he name him?

What is the significance of his dog's name?

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EVALUATION:

When you have finished with the activities above, you
are to put the information together in a hyperstudio
project that you will be presenting to the class. You
will be evaluated using this rubric.

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CONCLUSION:

You have discussed, written and presented Daniel's life.
As you read the book, The Islander, by Cynthia Rylant
think about how it compares to your life. Cynthia Rylant
has written other great books, click on them for previews.
Missing May, The Van Gogh Cafe, and Dog Heaven.

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