Into the Wild Lesson Plan

Considering Krakauer

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students learn about the author of Into the Wild and write him a letter with their personal take on the book

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.5

Structure:

Ask students to take 20 minutes to investigate Jon Krakauer, focusing on who he is and what perspective he might bring to the story. Who is he? Where is he from? What other books has he written? What is the backstory of Into Thin Air, his 1997 book documenting an expedition to Mt. Everest in which he almost died? They can use the internet as a source; this page may be helpful.

Ask the...