A Teaching Guide to My Side of the Mountain : Book Review

"A Teaching Guide to My Side of the Mountain" by Kathy Kifer is an essential resource for educators who want to effectively teach Jean Craighead George's beloved novel. This comprehensive guide offers a thorough analysis of the book's themes, characters, and settings, as well as engaging activities and discussion topics that enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.

To start, the book provides an introduction that offers insights into George's background and the inspiration behind "My Side of the Mountain." It also gives an overview of the plot and delves into the major themes explored in the novel, such as self-sufficiency, the power of nature, and following one's dreams.

One of the standout features of this teaching guide is its detailed chapter summaries. These summaries give educators a concise and comprehensive overview of each section of the book, which is especially useful for those who may not have enough time to read the entire novel before teaching it. Furthermore, the summaries are accompanied by thought-provoking discussion questions that prompt students to reflect on important events and character development.

The guide also includes a diverse range of activities and projects that encourage students to further engage with the text. These activities include creative writing exercises, research projects on survival skills in the wilderness, and hands-on activities that explore the natural environment. By providing a variety of tasks, the guide caters to students with different learning styles, making the teaching experience more inclusive and engaging for all.

In addition to the activities, the guide offers suggestions for further reading and resources for deeper exploration of the novel's themes and concepts. This allows educators to extend the learning beyond the text, encouraging students to make connections to other literature and real-world examples.

What are readers saying?

Kathy Kifer's book, "A Teaching Guide to My Side of the Mountain," has received a range of reviews from readers. Some had positive experiences, finding the book to be a valuable resource for teaching the classic novel. They appreciated the author's insights and guidance, particularly in enhancing student comprehension and critical thinking skills with creative exercises and activities.

However, not all readers were satisfied with the book. Some expressed disappointment with its organization and lack of depth. They felt that the content was too basic and failed to explore the intricacies of teaching the novel. A common complaint was that the book seemed repetitive and lacked fresh ideas or a unique perspective to distinguish it from other teaching guides.

Criticism also extended to the book's outdated nature. Some readers believed that the author did not incorporate enough contemporary teaching strategies or modern educational trends. They suggested a need for more diverse perspectives and a focus on integrating technology into lessons.

Nevertheless, despite the negative feedback, a majority of reviewers acknowledged that the book offered a solid foundation for teaching "My Side of the Mountain." Many recommended it as a starting point, suggesting educators could use it as a springboard to develop their own innovative teaching approaches. Overall, while some readers saw value in "A Teaching Guide to My Side of the Mountain," others found it lacking in terms of meeting their expectations and providing fresh content.