Projects and Lesson Plans

Below you will find links to several projects and lesson plans geared around the Backbeard books. They are suitable for a wide variety of grades and class sizes, and include both art and language activities. Each activity can be printed or downloaded for later use.

I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and suggestions, so if you’ve found a good way to incorporate one of my books into the classroom, I’d love to hear about it. In the mean time, have fun with the following projects.

Backbeard’s Parrot

This writing project asks students to use closure to extend the story of Backbeard in their own way.

PDF version: Backbeard’s parrot

Make a Pirate Map

This lesson plan is good for reviewing maps, map keys, symbols, and compass directions.

PDF version: Pirate map

Costumes of the World

Print and photocopy this worksheet. Students can draw Backbeard in a new costume– one of another country of their choice.

PDF version: Costumes of the world

Join Backbeard’s Crew

Print and photocopy this worksheet. Students can draw themselves as a member of Backbeard’s pirate crew and describe what their pirate job on the ship would be.

PDF version: Join Backbeard’s Crew

Make a Pirate Hat

Instructions for folding a pirate hat from a single sheet of newspaper.

 PDF version: Pirate hat

Make a Pirate Sword

Instructions for folding a pirate sword from a single sheet of newspaper.

 PDF version: Pirate sword

Make a Backbeard Suit

This lesson plan allows students to explore pattern and decoration while decorating an old piece of clothing.

PDF version: Backbeard’s suit