Middle School students in Mrs. Martin’s ELA class have been reading “The Hunger Games,” and she brought the book to life for them with an engaging activity.

She created a “cornucopia” to simulate a scene in the book, filled with items such as a rope, a boot, a water bottle, an umbrella, and a blanket. The items were placed in the middle of the classroom floor, and students circled around them. They had 60 seconds to look at the items and decide what they might want to grab. After 60 seconds, students rushed to the middle of the circle to grab an item. Some got the item they wanted, but others had to choose something else if someone else grabbed it first.

The next part of the lesson was a writing assignment. Students had to give at least two reasons for the item they chose and write about another item they considered but decided against. They also had to describe their strategy in the game, including whether they would play solo or with a team.

Using information they read in the book, they explained how they would find water and food, build a shelter, and stay safe at night. They also wrote about their own personal strengths that would help them to survive in the game.

The writing assignment was followed by a discussion in which students explained why they chose their item. One explained that they chose socks for warmth. Another chose a fishing pole to get food. The students also discussed the benefits and perils of playing the game solo or as a team.