Together, these themes illustrate the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of relationships, and the enduring quest for meaning and connection in a world that often feels hopeless.

Discussion: After reading, facilitate a brief discussion about the atmosphere. Ask questions like:

·      What emotions do you feel from the description?

·      How do you think the setting influences the characters’ lives?

Visualize: Ask students to close their eyes and imagine the village. Prompt them with questions:

·      What do you see?

·      What sounds do you hear?

·      What do you feel in this environment?

Create: Have students draw or create a visual representation of the village based on their imagination and the descriptions from the text. Encourage them to include elements that convey the eerie and oppressive atmosphere.

Share: Once finished, have a few students share their creations and explain their artistic choices.

Materials Needed: Scenario cards (detailing various survival situations), Whiteboard or large paper for brainstorming, Markers

Instructions:

Set the Scene: Start by briefly introducing the world of "A Forest of Hands and Teeth." Explain that it takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where society has changed dramatically.

Divide into Groups: Split the class into small groups. Each group will work together to discuss their scenarios.

Distribute Scenario Cards: Give each group a card with a survival situation. Examples: 1. The Infected: You spot an infected person wandering near your community's boundary. Do you alert others to eliminate the threat or try to communicate with them in hopes of finding a cure? 2. A New Arrival: A stranger arrives at your gates, claiming to have information about a safe haven. Do you let them in and risk your community's safety, or turn them away? 3. Divided Loyalties: A friend wants to leave the community to seek out a rumored safe place, but they want you to come with them. Do you follow your friend or stay loyal to your community?

Discussion: Each group discusses their scenario, considering the options available and the potential consequences of their choices. Encourage them to think about themes such as trust, fear, and community.

Share and Reflect: After 15-20 minutes, have each group share their scenario and the choices they made. Use the whiteboard to jot down key themes that arise during the discussions.

Connect to the Text: Wrap up by highlighting how these scenarios relate to the characters and decisions in "A Forest of Hands and Teeth." Ask students to think about how they would react in similar situations and how this might influence their understanding of the novel.

• Activity: Create a detailed map of the novel’s setting, marking important locations, events, and character journeys. Students should include notes explaining each location's significance or lack thereof.

• Assesses: Understanding of setting and geography in relation to the book.

Survival Guide

• Activity: Create a survival guide for living in the world of "A Forest of Hands and Teeth." This should include tips, essential supplies, and strategies for dealing with the infected.

• Assesses: Evaluates comprehension of the setting and context, as well as critical thinking.

Theme Collage

• Activity: Students create a visual collage that represents the major themes of the book (ex: survival, love, isolation). They can use magazine clippings, drawings, or digital images.

• Assesses: Evaluates the ability to identify and interpret themes and symbols.

Character Diaries

• Activity: Have students choose a character from the book and write diary entries from that character’s perspective. They should focus on key events in the story and the character's emotions, thoughts, and conflicts.

Assesses: Understanding of character development and perspective.