Before You Read
You might wish to show the students a map of the world and help them follow the route that Sophie and her family members took from Connecticut up the coast to the Bay of Fundy in Maine, then north and east to Ireland before traveling to Bompie's house in England, near London. It might also be interesting to present some magazines or books that include pictures and diagrams of sailing boats and their basic parts. By understanding sailboats, students will better appreciate details they read in The Wanderer.
Speech for a Boat Christening
When a boat is about to set sail, people often gather to hear its name and see the boat revealed as a sea-worthy vessel. This is often called a boat christening. Have students imagine that they are one of the cousins or uncles who sail on The Wanderer. Have them write what this character would say at an official boat christening ceremony for The Wanderer. In their ceremony speech they might include:
- an explanation of the boat's name or an explanation of a personal meaning the name (The Wanderer) has for their character.
- their hopes and expectations for the trip.
- their reasons for going on the trip.
A Bompie Tale
Sophie tells story after story about what Bompie did when he was a boy. Suggest that students create another Bompie story. In their stories, they should:
- make Bompie the main character, identifying his age or situation as part of the story setting.
- focus on one event that has something to do with water.
Calling Long Distance
Have students imagine a telephone conversation between Sophie and her cousin Cody a few months after they have both returned to their homes. What would they discuss? How would they use language to have fun with one another? Have students write the dialogue for that conversation. They should:
- show the name of the speaker before his or her words.
- include ideas about the lasting effects events in the trip had on both of these cousins.
Ship Signals
Students might enjoy using the ship radio code to write messages to each other. Have them write brief messages of no more than one sentence. Have them use the ship radio code that appears in The Wanderer on pages 130—131 to write their messages. Also, have them sign their name according to the radio code. Students might exchange messages, translate them, then write equally brief replies in radio code to deliver to the original message sender.
A Journal Story
Sophie and Cody will never forget their journey on The Wanderer, and their journal entries make the trip come alive for readers. Have students tell a story about something that happens to them. The story can be based on a real-life experience or an imaginary experience. Their stories should:
- be told through entries in a journal.
- be written in the first person.
- present the style of writing students would use when writing a journal or diary.
