Witch of Blackbird Pond Study Guide

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After the death of her grandfather, 16-year-old Kit leaves her rich Caribbean home to live in America with her Puritan aunt and uncle in Connecticut. Kit's Uncle Matthew is a strict man, and he expects her to work hard if she is to be part of his household. Kit is willing to work, though she is unused to manual labor and unskilled at the many tasks she is given to do. Then Kit discovers the Meadows, the great level sea of green grasses that remind her of her home in Barbados. Kit finds refuge in the Meadows and at the home of Hannah Tupper, a kindly old woman living near Blackbird Pond on the edge of the Meadows. Hannah is a Quaker, considered by many of the townspeople to be a heretic because she won't attend their church, and who some therefore suspect of being a witch.
Though she is forbidden to visit Hannah, Kit cannot stay away. She finds that she needs Hannah's comforting friendship just as much as Hannah, living alone in a tiny ramshackle house, needs her help. Hoping to keep her relationship with the old woman a secret, Kit continues to work at being a contributing part of the family and community. When an illness sweeps through the community, the townspeople blame Hannah, calling her a witch, for bringing disease and death to their town.
Risking everything to save Hannah from a violent mob, Kit's relationship with the old woman is revealed, and Kit finds herself standing trial before the community on the charge of witchcraft.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond  is the 1959 Newbery Medal winner. 

Progeny Press' The Witch of Blackbird Pond English/Language Arts curriculum provides your Middle School grade student with:

About the Author: Discover the life and works of Elizabeth George Speare. Learn how her background and passion for historical events inspired The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
Background Information: Step into the world of Puritanism and the New England colonies during the late 1600s. Explore the strict societal norms of Puritan life, the role of religion, the treatment of dissenters like the Quakers, and the shadow cast by events such as the Salem Witch Trials.
Vocabulary: Build your language skills with engaging activities centered around key vocabulary from the novel.
Literary Techniques:  Unravel the literary techniques that make this story a masterpiece such as antonyms, synonyms, similes, metaphors, and allusions. Examine how characterization, foreshadowing, conflict, climax, resolution, and theme create a rich and captivating narrative.
Moral Lessons and Character Values:  Discuss lessons on self-control, hospitality, and caring for the needy. Reflect on themes of authority, peace, pride, justice, and the importance of surrounding oneself with good company.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Engage with the story through hands-on activities! Create maps of Barbados and Connecticut, explore the lives of Puritans and Quakers, and research the Salem Witch Trials. Express yourself through poetry, word searches, discussions, and creative writing.  
Suggestions for Further Reading: list of additional works by Elizabeth George Speare and similar novels. Explore stories that share the themes, history, and depth found in The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

All of Progeny Press' Language Arts unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

Features and Benefits of a Progeny Press ELA study guide

Printed Workbook Format

• Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on Middle School student's eyes
• Every question in our novel unit study has plenty of whitespace for middle school level student answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the middle school student’s work
• Complete, removable answer key included for the teacher to make grading simple!