Student Activities for The Wednesday Wars
Essential Questions for The Wednesday Wars
- How can political events happening far away affect our home communities?
- How does Holling grow and change over the course of seventh grade?
- What role do books (and plays) play in Holling’s life?
- What does it mean to be a true friend to someone?
- How can we use defeat to grow?
Allusions to Shakespeare
Most middle school readers will likely be unfamiliar with the Shakespeare Holling repeatedly alludes to. The book provides some context for Holling’s reflections on famous lines (such as “The quality of mercy is not strained”), but additional background may provide opportunities for reading support or enrichment activities. The list below contains the plays that Holling reads through the year.
- The Merchant of Venice
- The Tempest
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth
- Julius Caesar
- Hamlet
- Much Ado about Nothing
In addition to the Shakespeare, young readers may need background on the history of the 1960s. The Vietnam War is in full swing when the novel begins, and issues like the draft, war protests, and political leaders come up repeatedly. The Battle of Kesanh is given particular prominence in the book, as Mrs. Baker’s husband goes missing in action during this five-month siege. Other cultural realities of the sixties make their way into the story as well, from the hippie movement to Walter Cronkite and the CBS Evening News. Consider previewing the topics below with your students before reading The Wednesday Wars.
- Vietnam War
- Student Protests at Columbia University and UC Berkeley
- The Civil Rights Movement
- Flower Children
- Robert Kennedy
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- The Cold War
How Tos about The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Engage students with creative Shakespeare scene reenactments
Encourage active participation by having students choose a favorite scene from one of the Shakespeare plays mentioned in The Wednesday Wars. Allow groups to adapt the dialogue in kid-friendly language and perform for the class. This boosts comprehension and gives students a fun, memorable way to connect with classic literature.
Connect historical context to students’ lives
Lead a discussion about current events and compare them to the major political and social movements of the 1960s found in the novel. Invite students to share stories from their families or communities that relate to themes like change, protest, or leadership. This helps students see history as relevant and encourages critical thinking.
Facilitate a classroom debate on friendship and loyalty
Organize a debate where students discuss what makes a true friend, drawing examples from Holling’s experiences and their own. Set clear guidelines and encourage respectful dialogue. This activity strengthens speaking skills and fosters empathy among classmates.
Integrate figurative language scavenger hunts
Challenge students to find and highlight instances of figurative language in selected chapters. Have them share their examples and explain the meaning behind each. This makes literary concepts accessible and supports reading comprehension.
Assign reflective journaling on personal growth
Ask students to keep a journal tracking Holling’s development and their own growth during the unit. Encourage them to connect story events to personal experiences. This builds self-awareness and helps students internalize key themes from the book.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
What are some engaging lesson plan ideas for The Wednesday Wars?
Engaging lesson plan ideas for The Wednesday Wars include exploring literary allusions, analyzing figurative language, connecting the novel to historical events like the Vietnam War, and hosting debates on themes such as friendship and resilience. Activities that incorporate Shakespearean plays and creative projects can boost student interest and comprehension.
How can teachers use The Wednesday Wars to teach about Shakespeare?
Teachers can use The Wednesday Wars to introduce students to Shakespeare’s plays by discussing the allusions in the novel, reading selected scenes, and analyzing famous lines referenced by Holling. Comparing the book’s themes to those in Shakespeare’s works helps deepen literary understanding for middle schoolers.
What historical topics from the 1960s are covered in The Wednesday Wars?
The Wednesday Wars covers historical topics such as the Vietnam War, student protests, the Civil Rights Movement, the hippie era, political figures like Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., and the Cold War. These topics offer rich opportunities for cross-curricular lessons.
Why is The Wednesday Wars a good choice for middle school literature classes?
The Wednesday Wars is a good choice for middle school because it blends humor, relatable characters, and historical context. The novel’s exploration of growing up, overcoming challenges, and understanding friendship engages students while supporting important literary analysis skills.
What are essential questions teachers can ask when teaching The Wednesday Wars?
Essential questions for teaching The Wednesday Wars include: How do political events affect our communities? How does Holling change over seventh grade? What role do books and plays play in his life? What does true friendship mean? How can we use defeat to grow?
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office