The Swiss Family Robinson Study Guide

The Swiss Family Robinson Study Guide

A Swiss family is traveling to a new colony when their ship is blown off course in a six-day storm and runs aground near an uninhabited island. The father, mother, and their four sons escape the wrecked ship and make their way ashore to find that they are the only survivors of the wreck. Salvaging what resources they can from the wreck, the family begins carving out a solitary existence on the island, uncertain when or if a rescue ship will ever arrive.

Despite dangerous animals, torrential monsoons, and the loneliness of isolation, they face all their hardships with energy, ingenuity, and the knowledge that God is always with them.

Teacher's Note: Swiss Family Robinson was originally written in the German language in Switzerland by Johann David Wyss. It was then translated in 1813 by Isabelle de Montolieu and then subsequently translated into English by William H. G. Kingston, first published in 1879. Over the years there have been many versions of the story with episodes added, changed, or deleted. We have written the guide based on the Yearling edition published by Random House containing 44 chapters. Any other edition may be numbered or chaptered differently, and the content may be slightly different.

Through Johann David Wyss' imaginative and fascinating adventure, students will learn:

About the Author: Learn about Johann David Wyss.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: Characterization, cause and effect, synonym, antonym, allusion, in context, dictionary, anthropomorphism, simile, metaphor, understatement, foreshadow, paraphrase, point of view, conflict, protagonist, antagonist, complications, resolution, theme, literary contrivance.

Moral Lessons and Character Values:  God's help, prayer, contentment, Sabbath, work, provision, pride, strength, optimism, pessimism, perseverance, independence, honor parents, encouragement.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Research papers, geography, discussion groups, sailing, botany, journaling, shipwreck project, art, field trip, movies.

Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview! 

• Age Level = 12-15
• Book Author = Rebecca Gilleland
• Book Material = Paperback
• Book Publisher = Progeny Press
• Copyright = c2003
• Grade Level = 7-9
• Condition = New