Day No Pigs Would Die, A - Study Guide

Through Robert Newton Peck’s funny but moving tale of coming-of-age on a farm in Vermont, students will learn:

Author Biography: Learn more about Robert Newton Peck.

Background Information: Learn about who Shakers really were and are.

Before-You-Read Activities: Learn about Vermont geography and production, Shakers, research paper about 1930s agriculture, pig breed research, as-you-read topic “to be a man”, birth and death themes.

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

Literary Techniques: In context, dialect expressions, diagramming, foreshadowing, mood, contrast, grammar, characterization, author’s tone, comic scenes, conflict, theme.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Helping/caring for animals, rewards, value of a man, material possessions, true riches, confession, adultery, judging others, pride, fairness, death, wealth, love and forgiveness, coming-of-age.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Units of measure, capstan research, following Shaker beliefs, linking of birth and death.

Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck.

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

Features and Benefits of the study guide

Printed Workbook Format

• Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on the eyes
• Every question has plenty of whitespace for student’s answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the student’s work
• Convenient, removable answer key included for the teacher!