Grade 10 Project 6 / Portfolio 6

Project / Portfolio 1

Read "Mijbil the Otter" and write a review. Include your review in your portfolio, along with a summary of the plot, your thoughts on the story's themes, and recommendations for other readers.

Review of "Mijbil the Otter"

Summary: 

"Mijbil the Otter" is a true story about Gavin Maxwell and his pet otter, Mijbil. They have adventures in Iraq's marshes. The book talks about their friendship and the fun they have together.

Themes: 

It's about friendship, understanding nature, and taking care of animals. Maxwell shows how important it is to protect otters and their homes.

Review: 

"Mijbil the Otter" is a lovely book with funny and touching moments. Maxwell's love for nature and animals is clear. The book's descriptions are beautiful, and it's easy to feel like you're there with Mijbil and Maxwell. It's a great read for anyone who loves animals and nature.

Recommendations:

I recommend "Mijbil the Otter" to anyone who enjoys animal stories and adventure. It's a wonderful book that will make you smile and think about the importance of protecting wildlife.

Project / Portfolio 2

Identify and define unfamiliar words from the story. Create a vocabulary journal or flashcards, including definitions, sentences using each word, and illustrations.

Vocabulary Journal for "Mijbil the Otter"

1. Marshes:

   Definition: Wetlands with soft, wet ground, often covered with water and plants.

  Sentence: Mijbil and Maxwell explored the marshes together, splashing in the water and chasing each other among the reeds.

   Illustration: A landscape with tall grass, water, and various waterfowl. ( Paste or draw a picture )

2. Mischievous:

   Definition: Playful in a naughty or troublesome way.

   Sentence: Mijbil's mischievous behavior often got him into trouble, but his charm and antics made it hard to stay mad at him.

   Illustration: An otter with a mischievous grin, holding a stolen fish in its paws. ( Draw a suitable picture)

3. Enchanting:

   Definition: Delightfully charming or captivating.

   Sentence: The enchanting beauty of the marshes at sunrise filled Maxwell with a sense of wonder and awe.

   Illustration: A serene landscape with colorful sunrise hues reflected in the water, surrounded by lush vegetation. (Draw a suitable picture)

4. Lyrical:

   Definition: Expressive in a poetic or musical way.

   Sentence: Maxwell's lyrical descriptions of Mijbil's playful antics and their adventures together painted a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

   Illustration: Musical notes floating around a scene of Maxwell and Mijbil dancing in the moonlight. (Draw a suitable picture)

5. Conservation:

   Definition: The protection and preservation of natural resources and wildlife.

   Sentence: Maxwell's passion for otters led him to dedicate his life to their conservation, working tirelessly to protect their habitats and raise awareness about their plight.

   Illustration: A poster depicting various endangered animals, including otters, with the slogan "Protect Wildlife, Preserve Nature." (Draw a suitable picture)

Project / Portfolio 3

Compare "Mijbil the Otter" with another animal-themed story. Write a comparative analysis discussing similarities, differences, themes, and messages conveyed in both stories.

Comparative Analysis: "Mijbil the Otter" and "The Call of the Wild"

Introduction:

"Mijbil the Otter" by Gavin Maxwell and "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London are both beloved animal-themed stories. While "Mijbil the Otter" is a true account of the author’s life with his pet otter, "The Call of the Wild" is a fictional tale about a domesticated dog named Buck who reverts to his wild instincts.

Similarities:

1. Animal Protagonists: Both stories center around the lives of animals—Mijbil, an otter, and Buck, a dog. The narratives explore their behaviors, instincts, and relationships with humans.

2. Themes of Adventure: Both stories feature adventurous elements. Mijbil explores the marshes with Maxwell, while Buck experiences the harsh wilderness of the Yukon.

3. Human-Animal Bond: Both stories highlight the strong bond between the animal and their human companions. Maxwell’s affectionate relationship with Mijbil mirrors Buck’s loyalty to John Thornton in "The Call of the Wild."

Differences:

1. Genre and Style: "Mijbil the Otter" is a memoir with real-life events, while "The Call of the Wild" is a work of fiction. Maxwell’s writing is descriptive and lyrical, whereas London’s style is more dramatic and intense.

2. Setting: "Mijbil the Otter" is set in the marshes of Iraq and the Scottish Highlands, focusing on serene natural beauty. "The Call of the Wild" is set in the rugged Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, emphasizing survival in a harsh environment.

3. Animal's Journey: Mijbil’s story is about adaptation to a new home and bonding with humans. Buck’s journey is about rediscovering his wild instincts and eventually embracing his true nature.

Themes and Messages:

Nature and Instinct: Both stories delve into the natural instincts of animals. Mijbil’s playful and curious nature contrasts with Buck’s primal and survival instincts.

Companionship and Loyalty: The bond between humans and animals is a central theme in both stories. Maxwell’s nurturing relationship with Mijbil showcases mutual affection, while Buck’s loyalty to Thornton highlights trust and devotion.

Adaptation and Survival: Mijbil’s story is about adapting to a new environment and thriving. In contrast, Buck’s tale is about survival and the call of his wild ancestry.

Conclusion:

"Mijbil the Otter" and "The Call of the Wild" offer rich, compelling narratives about animals and their interactions with humans. While they share themes of adventure and companionship, they differ in genre, setting, and the journey of their animal protagonists. Both stories, however, celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the profound connections between humans and animals.

Project / Portfolio 4

Write an alternate ending to the story "Mijbil the Otter."Compile the original ending and your alternate ending, explaining the differences and reasons for your changes.

Original Ending of "Mijbil the Otter":

In the original ending, Mijbil adapts to his new home with Maxwell in London. He becomes a beloved companion, bringing joy and laughter. However, Maxwell faces the challenge of keeping Mijbil entertained and safe in an urban environment. Despite some difficulties, their bond grows stronger, highlighting the beauty of their unique friendship.

Alternate Ending:

In this alternate ending, Mijbil’s playful nature leads him to escape from Maxwell’s home in London. He roams the city, causing a series of humorous and chaotic events. Worried, Maxwell searches for him tirelessly. After a few days, Mijbil is found by a kind family living near a park. They contact Maxwell, and Mijbil returns home, but the adventure makes Maxwell realize that Mijbil needs more space and freedom. Maxwell decides to move to a countryside house with a large garden and a nearby stream, providing Mijbil with a more natural habitat. Mijbil thrives in the new environment, and their bond becomes even deeper as they explore the countryside together.

Comparison and Explanation:

The original ending focuses on the challenges and adjustments of keeping an otter in an urban setting, highlighting the strength of the human-animal bond despite difficulties. The alternate ending introduces an adventurous twist, emphasizing the importance of a suitable habitat for an animal’s well-being. This change underscores the message that understanding and adapting to an animal’s needs can lead to a happier and healthier relationship.

Other Portfolio Activities 

5. Perform a dramatic reading of a selected passage from "Mijbil the Otter."Record your performance and include it in your portfolio, along with reflections on your interpretation and choices as a performer.

6. Design a campaign to raise awareness about otter conservation and the importance of preserving their habitats. Present your campaign plan, including posters, social media content, and strategies for outreach and education.

7. Create artwork inspired by the story, such as illustrations of key scenes or characters. Showcase your artwork in a portfolio, along with brief descriptions of the scenes or characters depicted.

8. Create a diorama depicting the habitat of otters, based on the descriptions in the story. Document the process with photographs and captions, explaining the features of the habitat and the otter's adaptations. 

(Note: A diorama is a model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures, either in miniature or as a large-scale museum exhibit.)