If you’re looking for a literature-based unit to do for an Arctic unit study, you’ll love Julie of the Wolves. Be sure to grab more ideas on my page Arctic and Inuit Unit Study Free Lapbook – Hands-On Ideas and also on my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George is a wonderful book for reading aloud or it can be an exciting adventure as an independent reading chapter book.
It makes the perfect addition to a winter or Arctic unit study.
Too, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite resources to go along with the Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George to help you put together your own unit study.
And I have rounded up vocabulary words, videos, additional books, and of course plenty of great hands-on activities.
About Julie of the Wolves Book
First, Julie goes by two names Miyax to her Eskimo village and as Julie to English speaking friends.
The story tells of the adventures of Julie after she runs away from a forced marriage to live in the wild Arctic fighting for survival, following the way of her people.
But will she choose to continue this way or return to civilization?
There are 3 books in the series, but we are going to focus on the original for this.
In addition, this story is a great base for a unit study as it covers Eskimo life, snow/winter, animal habits and habitats, and the emotions of growing up.
You can go in the direction of studying the book from a literary angle, diving into Inuit life and culture, studying the animals and habitats mentioned in the book, or a combination of all.
Hands-on Ideas for Learning About the Arctic
Always include some fun hands-on ideas in your unit studies to keep the kids interested and make the points really hit home.
- Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-On Ideas. Be sure to grab my lapbook, ideas for studying animals, making snow goggles, soap carving and making a salt dough map.
- Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity
- Winter Season Unit Study
- Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources
- How to build a Milk Jug Igloo– That’s a lot of milk.
- Arctic Region
- How to Build an Igloo ( with real snow)
- Inuit Soap Carvings
- Wolf Facts & Worksheets
- More Arctic Wolf information
- The Inuit Way of Life lesson plan
- Ideas for a diorama and a Miyax (Julie) doll.
- Free Gray Wolf lapbook
Too, many birds are mentioned in the book which live in the Artic. For instance, look at this list of ones to learn about.
- lapland longspurs
- puffins
- snowy owl
- siskin
- sandpipers
Next, add in some other reference books.
Other Arctic Books and Resources
In addition, Nature Anatomy is a go to spine for anything nature related.
In this book I found a couple pages on snowflakes, animal life like caribou, seals, fish, snowy owls, and other birds of prey that are found in Arctic regions.
Another book in the series Ocean Anatomy covers polar bears, penguins, seals, Narwhal, and whales.
But also sea ice, life under the ice, glaciers, and Icebergs.
And Safari LTD Animals may be considered for young children, older kids love them too.
Older kids can use them in dioramas, as inspiration for an art project or to create an inviting display.
Additionally, YouTube has wonderful videos.
Videos about Arctic Life
- 20 Awesome Facts About Arctic Wolves
- Arctic Wolves Singing
- How Do Animals Survive in The Arctic
- Julie of The Wolves Read Aloud
- Julie of The Wolves Mini Documentary
- How an Igloo Keeps You Warm
- Eskimo Hunters in Alaska – The Traditional Inuit Way of Life | 1949 Documentary on Native Americans
Too, you’ll love this list of vocabulary words.
Julie of the Wolves Vocabulary Words
Last, here are 12 vocabulary words for each of the three sections of the book to get you started.
First, this list is for Part I.
- Bleak- unpleasantly cold and damp.
- Lichen-A slow growing plant that produces leaflike branching growth on trees and rocks.
- Semaphore- a system of sending messages using arms or two flag poles.
- Undulate-Increase of decrease of volume or pitch.
- Carrion- Rotting flesh of dead animals.
- Ravenous- Extremely hungry.
- Wean- Gradually accustomed to living on something other than mothers milk.
- Deference– Tendency to yield to another.
- Viscera-Internal organs in the main cavities, especially abdomen.
- Apogee-The farthest point at which the moon or a satellite is from the earth.
- Forage- To look for and collect, as in food. Further, grab my Foraging and Feasting Unit Study and Lapbook.
- Permafrost- Permanently frozen ground.
Second, this list is for Part II.
- Shaman-A person who acts as intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds.
- Blubber-The insulating layer of fat underneath the skin of some animals.
- Prance-Spring forward from the hind legs.
- Tundra-A treeless plain where the subsoil is permanently frozen.
- Derisive-Showing contempt or ridicule.
- Scarce- Insufficient for the demand, food in this case.
- Mythical-Based or described in stories rather than history.
- Drone- A monotonous low dull sound.
- Descent- Downward movement.
- Foyer- Large entrance waiting area.
- Piteous- Deserving or evoking sympathy and sorrow.
- Seize-To grab or take hold of.
Further, here is Part III.
- Brandish- Move or swing objects back and forth.
- Abeyance- State of temporary suspension or disuse.
- Saunter –Leisurely walk with no evident aim.
- Deviate- Change or turn away from planned course.
- Bravado-Bold show of courage to impress or intimidate.
- Cumbersome-Hard to manage due to size or weight.
- Desolate- Bleak, depressing, empty, bare.
- Larder- A storeroom for storing food goods.
- Plaintive- Showing sorrow.
- Totem- A person or thing considered to be a symbol of something.
- Temperate- Mild temperatures, without extremes.
- Resonant- Evoking powerful memories or emotions
