Hatchet - Building Resilience
Analyze Brian's changing perspective on food and survival
Understand the concept of gratitude in challenging circumstances
Explore biblical principles of provision and trust
“Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
— Psalm 23:1 (WEB)Just as God provides for Brian's physical needs in the wilderness, He promises to care for His children in all circumstances
Begin by discussing what survival means and how having food impacts a person's ability to survive. Ask students to imagine being lost in the wilderness with limited resources.
Read chapters 10-11 of Hatchet, focusing on Brian's changing relationship with food and survival. Discuss how desperation transforms his understanding of nutrition and resourcefulness.
Students will create a visual representation of Brian's changing attitudes and skills related to food and survival.
Simpler: Use pre-drawn chart with some sections filled in
Challenge: Add a third column connecting Brian's journey to biblical principles of trust and provision
Reflect on how God provides for us, even in unexpected ways
Dear God, thank You for Your constant provision and care. Help us to trust You in all circumstances, just as Brian learned to trust and survive in the wilderness.
Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore Brian's encounter with a nighttime visitor and how he discovers fire
“My God will fully supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19 (WEB)🎯 Activity: Survival Verse Memory Game
This lesson explores themes of survival, gratitude, and divine provision through the lens of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet.
Children might find it difficult to imagine surviving alone in the wilderness
Understanding of gratitude, resourcefulness, and trusting in God's provision