The Paddle Project

Ms. Eichberger geichberger@manistee.org 231-889-5521 ext 434

Inspired from the Holling C. Holling book, Paddle to the Sea

Third graders just finished their book study on Paddle to the Sea, a story  with  historical and geographical themes of the Great Lakes.   For a winter project, the students will be encouraged to create their own Paddle person.  We will release these Paddle persons in the spring at a location yet to be determined.  Due for this project will be April 3 2012: the first day of school after spring break.

Criteria for the Paddle person

1)     It must be sea worthy – with a rudder  and ballast

2)    Approximate length should be 12 inches

3)    An inscription similar to that of the original Paddle. Include name and instructions.

Additional ideas

1)     As in the original story, people scratched the locations in which the Paddle person was found on the bottom of the model.  Consider putting an email address, so that you, the creator, can track your Paddle person’s journey.

This project will require the assistance of an adult.  Carving wood can be dangerous for most children. It is suggested that an older family member to the carving or to directly supervise the child.  The child can paint the model on their own.  Suggested materials are pine for the model and oil based paints.   On the reverse is the first chapter of Paddle to the Sea. 

MORE INFORMATION:

You can access a short film by the Canadian Film Board in three parts via YOUTUBE

Key words are “paddle to the sea”