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Literature-based Skill Building:
Holes by Louis Sachar

Chapters 8, 9, and 10

Learning Log (optional)

Chapter 8: Draw it!

This chapter describes the nature and needs of the yellow-spotted lizards. Draw some of these lizards in their natural surroundings. Include and label the following:

1. the lizards, with their specific characteristics*
2. where they live (and how many may be there)
3. shade
4. things these lizards eat
5. a predatory bird (i.e., a bird that eats other animals)

*note to teacher: if students don't know what "characteristics" mean, an exploration of this and some daily review ["what are three characteristics of this table?" "what is one characteristic of today's weather?"] could be highly beneficial.

Chapters 9 & 10

Vocabulary:

For each word, read the definition and examples, discuss it, and then:

1. Write the word

2. Write what it means

3. Draw a picture to go with it

4. Answer the question about it.

For related vocabulary exercises, see "e-" and "ten" word parts exercises.

Inferences:

On page 44, we are introduced to a character named "Caveman." Who does Stanley infer that the Caveman is? ____________________________________

Why does he infer this? __________________________

_______________________________________________

On page 47, Stanley makes a different inference about who the Caveman is. Who is Caveman? _____________

Why does he infer this? __________________________

______________________________________________

When Stanley shows Mr. Sir the fossil, he immediately tells that the Warden will not be interested in it. Why do you think Stanley thought she might be interested in it? ____________________________________________

What is a question Stanley is probably asking himself?

______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT

Conflict is a struggle; a fight, for or against something.

In literature, conflict is the part of the story that makes you want to know what's going to happen -- who or what is going to win that struggle?

Four common kinds of conflict are:

1. Conflict with another character

example: being in a race or argument with someone

2. Conflict with nature, or natural disasters

example: trying to climb Mount Everest, or survive a tornado or disease

3. Conflict with self - feelings of fear, anger, or self-doubt

example: having to speak in front of people, but being afraid to

4. Conflict with society or a social group - struggling with written or unwritten rules, laws or customs

example: sticking up for someone nobody else likes, or being their friend.

Activities:

Draw or describe one example of each kind of conflict. You can use this page to draw on.

Stanley has a close brush with a conflict with a "Lump" in this chapter. Which of the four kinds of conflict would it be? ______________________________________

How do you know? ___________________________

Other Links:

Evaporation demonstration/experiment