1.   Each of the chapters written from the perspective of Pocahontas begins with a short legend, often explaining the origin of an aspect of nature or a Powhatan belief. Experiment with writing your own legend in this style.

This assignment asks students to imitate the content and style of the short legends that begin each chapter. Students should be prepared to share their stories with the class.

2.   To learn more about the settlement at Jamestown and to see photos of archaeological excavations, use the Internet to visit the historic Jamestown Web site (http://www.apva.org/jr.html). After exploring this Web site, be ready to report what you learned to your class.

Students may want to complete this assignment before reading the novel to gain background information about the historical Jamestown. The Web site listed serves as an introduction to the historical Jamestown, complete with photographs of the archaeological digs and drawings of the major characters involved. A timeline is included, along with some primary source descriptions of the original settlers.

3.   Create a reader's theater for two people, using passages from the book that represent both Pocahontas and John Smith. Choose passages that highlight the differences in perspective of these two characters, and practice your reader's theater with another student to present to your class. This assignment gives students an experience with dramatic interpretation, as they select passages and practice reading their parts aloud. This activity highlights the two main characters' different interpretations of the same events.