Closed for the Season

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

"The Magic Forest"

In this activity, students will redesign and update the Magic Forest amusement park based on text details.

When the characters locate the money that was stolen from the amusement park, Violet is able to keep the Magic Forest open for business. Consider the renovations that might need to be done to the amusement park and the changes that Violet might make to the park. Redesign the amusement park, referring to specific details from the novel on the renovations that need to be done. Consider these points as you help Violet redesign the park:

• What changes and updates might Violet need to make?
• How can you design the park to promote the same eerie atmosphere as in Hahn’s novel?
• In what ways can you design the park to represent some of the characters from the novel?
• Design the layout of the theme park, creating a map for visitors.
• Integrate thematic elements from the novel in your park design. Include a 2-3 paragraph explanation of the ways in which you connected at least one of the novel’s themes.

Present the fully designed park to your peers and describe how you used elements from the novel as inspiration for your design.

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful for students to discuss and take notes on elements of the novel that stand out prior to discussing the activity. After discussing the activity, consider creating a partial sample theme park integrating the elements the students described to serve as a model.

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Consider the novel’s title, Closed for the Season.

• What is the strongest implication made by Hahn to the reader with this title? (topic sentence)
• Explain the mood the title of the novel conveys to the reader, its different meanings throughout the story, and whether the reference reaches a resolution by the novel’s end.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, briefly explain the way in which the title contributes to at least one of the novel’s themes.

2. The characters in the novel make distinctions between the wealthy and the poor.

• How do wealth and privilege function in Closed for the Season? (topic sentence)
• In support of your topic sentence, select three characters and explain how each views wealth and privilege.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, judge which character has the healthiest perspective on wealth and privilege and briefly comment on their impact on others.

3. Mrs. Jenkins states that “the Phelpses and the Jarmons are the worst families in town.”

• Why does Mrs. Jenkins believe the Phelpses and Jarmons are the worst in town? (topic sentence)
• Explain the impact of Mrs. Jenkins’s statement on readers’ expectations and whether she still considers these families to be the worst by the novel’s conclusion.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, determine which families you believe Mrs. Jenkins may believe to be the “worst” at the novel’s conclusion and briefly explain why.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Consider the comparisons that can be made between Danny and Anthony. Incorporate multiple details into a brief paragraph describing how Danny and Anthony are more similar than one might first think. Substantiate your response by providing quotes from the novel.

2. Logan observes that there are many “SAVE THE MAGIC” protest signs on the lawns in Bealesville. Consider the pros and cons of the movement to save the Magic Forest. In a response of two to three paragraphs, consider how the reopened amusement park would help the town and who might benefit from new commerce in Bealesville. Cite specific examples from the novel to support your analysis.

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following best represents the novel’s theme Assumptions Can Be Harmful?

A) The DiSilvios are highly regarded because of their wealth.

B) Danny Phelps bullies Arthur because of Arthur’s bike.

C) Silas is the primary suspect in Mrs. Donaldson’s murder.

D) Arthur is labeled a troublemaker by Nina.

2. Which statement best describes Logan’s parents?

A) Carefree

B) Protective

C) Gracious

D) Ignorant

3. Why is there a disagreement over commerce in Bealesville?

A) There are differences in opinion as to how business owners should conduct business.

B) Some residents want to maintain local charm while others want economic growth.

C) There are disagreements on the location of the existing amusement park.

D) Residents argue there is limited access to transportation and shipping routes.

4. Which term best describes how Danny feels around his family members?

A) Adored

B) Used

C) Excluded

D) Included

5. What is an individual’s most important feature, according to Arthur?

A) Courage

B) Popularity

C) Strength

D) Intelligence

6. What important lesson does Logan learn from Arthur?

A) Popularity is not as important as he once thought.

B) Defending your friends draws people closer together.

C) Sports activities are not as difficult as he had previously assumed.

D) Intelligence is the most important quality a person can have.

7. What best describes what Mrs. Forbes, Logan’s mother, is motivated by?

A) She does not want Logan to be associated with Arthur any longer.

B) She has the desire to make friends in her new community.

C) She wants to be accepted by the wealthier residents of Bealesville.

D) She wants to associate with people who have her best interests in mind.

8. What societal conflicts arise in Bealesville?

A) An increase in delinquency among the youth

B) Prejudice among socioeconomic groups

C) Social isolation and loneliness

D) Limited educational resources for residents

9. What lesson might Mrs. Forbes have learned after the novel’s conclusion?

A) She learns to be grateful for her home and Bealesville.

B) Holding onto grudges is detrimental to one’s health.

C) Outward appearances do not determine morality.

D) It is not appropriate to pick your son’s friends.

10. Why does Mrs. Forbes pressure Logan to pursue sports?

A) She has the desire for him to become popular with his peers.

B) She believes he spends too much time indoors.

C) She thinks it will prevent Logan from getting into trouble.

D) She thinks it will inhibit his friendship with Arthur.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. How does Arthur take Logan out of his comfort zone? Do you think Arthur is a good or bad influence on Logan?

2. Why does Danny bully Arthur and Logan? How might his father’s absence impact his behavior toward others in the future?