Island of the Blue Dolphins Lesson Plan

The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

To discuss the historical background behind Scott O’Dell’s novel, along with some ongoing research about the woman who inspired the story.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7

Structure:

To prepare students for the discussion about true story that inspired the novel, ask them to first share what they found out from their research at home about the author, the book, and the historical woman who served as a basis for the main character. They should be able to remember that the character of Karana is based on “the lone woman of San Nicolas Island,”...