EXPLORATIONS IN LITERATURE, Fourth Edition

Lesson Plan Overview

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
Unit 1: Courage
1 Courage 2–3 Bulletin Board Scriptural Application: Men and women of courage
“What Have You mentioned in the Bible and some who lacked
Read?” courage
Discussion: Private acts of courage (Heb. 13:5–6)
2–3 “‘Twas a Dark 4–9 Quiz 1A Scriptural Application: Danger of being controlled by
and Dreary Teaching Help 1A pride (2 Chron. 32:26; Ps. 10:4; etc.)
Night” Teaching Help 1B Scriptural Application: Danger of trying to be what one
Thinking Zone Word List 1A is not (Matt. 23:13–33)
Scriptural Application: Biblical exhortation to be
truthful (Prov. 12:22)
4–5 “Run, Boy, 10–19 Quiz 1B Scriptural Application: Biblical comparison of
Run!” Teaching Help 1C challenge of Christian growth to challenge of running
Thinking Zone in athletic contest (1 Cor. 9:23–27; Phil. 3:13–14;
etc.)
Scriptural Application: Talents to be laid on God’s altar
6 Cinquain Poem W1 Writing Worksheet
1A
Writing Rubric 1A
7 “The Most 20–26 Quiz 1C Scriptural Application: True repentance requires
Important Quiz 1D courage
Day” Teaching Help 1D Scriptural Application: Value of perseverance
Thinking Zone Teaching Help 1E
“Columbus” Reading
Thinking Zone Standardized
Test Practice 1
8–9 “The Friend 27–34 Quiz 1E Scriptural Application: Importance of balance in
Inside” Teaching Help 1F responding to temptation to do wrong
Thinking Zone Vocabulary Thinking Zone: Discernment based on God’s Word (1
Standardized Tim. 4:2; Tit. 1:15; etc.)
Test Practice 1A
10–11 “Yes, Your 35–41 Quiz 1F Scriptural Application: Courage necessary for
Honesty” Teaching Help 1G speaking (Dan. 4; Esther 5)
Thinking Zone Word List 1B Scriptural Application: Importance of choosing friends
wisely (Prov. 13:20)
Thinking Zone: Job’s challenge (Job 22:6–11; 42:7–
17)
12–14 “Rikki-Tikki- 42–55 Quiz 1G Scriptural Application: Example of wisdom, self-
Tavi” Teaching Help 1H discipline, and persistence
Thinking Zone
15–16 “A Kind of 56–63 Quiz 1H Scriptural Application: Analysis of point of view in
Murder” Bulletin Board Daniel 3–4
Thinking Zone “Fall for Scriptural Application: Bible characters who spoke out
Explorations” for truth
Teaching Help 1I
17–18 Letter W2 Writing Worksheet
1B
Writing Rubric 1B

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
19–20 “Edith Cavell” 64–70 Quiz 1I Scriptural Application: Dialogue and character
Thinking Zone Teaching Help 1J development in Scripture (Gen. 25:27–34)
Teaching Help 1K Scriptural Application: Enablement to face hard times
courageously (Josh. 1:8–9)
21 “Whether by 71–79 Quiz 1J Scriptural Application: Called to suffer, but not alone
Life or by Bulletin Board (1 Pet. 2:20–25)
Death” “Character- Scriptural Application: Death for a Christian, union
“Spikenard quain” with Christ (Phil. 1:20–24)
Very ESL Exercise 1 Thinking Zone: Scriptural allusions (Phil. 4:7; Col.
Precious” 3:15; etc.); Mark 14:3 and theme
Thinking Zone
22 “Stand Up for 80–83 Vocabulary Discussion: The scriptural basis for the hymn (Eph.
Jesus” Standardized 6:11; Ex. 10:11)
The Bible and Test Practice 1B
Courage
Unit 1 Review
23 Unit 1 Test
Unit 2: Nature and Man
24 Nature and 86–87 Teaching Help 2A Nature and Man (Ps. 19; Gen. 1:28; 9:1–7; etc.)
Man Scriptural Application: Matching functions of nature
with Scripture (Jonah 1:4; Gen. 1:26, 28; etc.)
25 “Swift Things 88–92 Quiz 2A Scriptural Application: Poetry as a form of written
Are expression carries God’s approval
Beautiful”
“The
Panther”
“The
Rhinoceros”
“Catalogue”
Thinking
Zone
26 Humorous W3 Writing Worksheet
Poem 2A
Writing Rubric 2A
27–28 “The 93–100 Quiz 2B Scriptural Application: Fox metaphor in Scripture
Mahogany Teaching Help 2B
Fox” Teaching Help 2C
Thinking Word List 2A
Zone
29 “Wild 101–3 Quiz 2C Scriptural Application: Accomplishment preceded by
Blackberrie Teaching Help 2D trials and earnest labor (Ps. 126:5–6; 2 Cor. 9:6;
s” etc.)
Thinking Scriptural Application: Imagery used in Genesis 49:8–
Zone 12, which predicts coming of Christ
30–31 “The Life and 104–110 Quiz 2D Thinking Zone: Man’s dominion mandate (Gen. 1:28;
Death of a Teaching Help 2E 9:1–3)
Western
Gladiator”
Thinking
Zone

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
32 “The King’s 111–14 Quiz 2E Scriptural Application: Two basic relationships
Provider” Teaching Help 2F between man and nature, adversarial and
Thinking Reading cooperative
Zone Standardized
Test Practice 2A
33 “Snapshot of 115–19 Quiz 2F
a Dog” Teaching Help 2G
Thinking Reading
Zone Standardized
Test Practice 2B
Vocabulary
Standardized
Test Practice 2A
34–36 Hatchet 120–31 Quiz 2G Scriptural Application: God’s sovereignty (Dan. 4:35;
Thinking Teaching Help 2H Jonah 1:4)
Zone Teaching Help 2I Scriptural Application: Creationism not Darwinism
Word List 2B (Gen. 1:26–28)
Scriptural Application: The value of human life (Ps.
139:13–16)
37 “Old Sly Eye” 132–38 Quiz 2H
Thinking Teaching Help 2J
Zone
38–39 “The Rainy 139–44 Quiz 2I Scriptural Application: Use of repetition in Hebrew
Day” Teaching Help 2K poetry (Ps. 150)
“Midnight Vocabulary Scriptural Application: Inclusion of sorrow in life to
Storm” Standardized draw us to God (Eccles. 3:1–11)
“In Memory Test Practice 2B
of My Dear
Grandchild”
“The
Windmill”
Thinking
Zone

40–41 “A Hillside 145–50 Quiz 2J Scriptural Application: Man’s attempt to influence

Thaw” Teaching Help 2L nature useless (Job 38–41)
“The Raven Reading Scriptural Application: Biblical parables and lessons
and the Standardized taught (Matt. 13)
Swan” Test Practice 2C Thinking Zone: Envy versus contentment (2 Cor.
“The 10:12; Phil. 4:11)
Swallow’s
Advice”
“The Farmer
and the
Stork”
Thinking
Zone
42–43 “Koyo, the 151–60 Quiz 2K Scriptural Application: Comparison and contrast of
Singer” Teaching Help 2M settings of Genesis 17:1–22 and Genesis 18:1–33
Thinking ESL Exercise 2
Zone

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
44 Persuasive W4 Bulletin Board
Paragraph “Power of
Persuasion”
Writing Worksheet
2B
Writing Rubric 2B
45 “This Is My 161–64 Bulletin Board Scriptural Application: Nature marred by the Fall to be
Father’s “Seeing Clearly” restored; Christ’s addressing human suffering, as
World” Vocabulary should Christians
The Bible Standardized The Bible and Nature (Gen. 3:14–19; Isa. 11:1–10)
and Nature Test Practice 2C

46 Unit 2 165–67
Review
47 Unit 2 Test
Unit 3: Generosity
48 Generosity 170–71 Teaching Help 3A Generosity (Mark 12:31; Luke 10:30–37; etc.)
49–50 “Stopover in 172–78 Quiz 3A Scriptural Application: Presence of Holy Spirit to
Querétaro” Teaching Help 3B comfort during hardships (John 14:26)
Thinking Teaching Help 3C Thinking Zone: Importance of grasping opportunities
Zone Word List 3A to show kindness to strangers

51–52 “Martin and 179–186 Quiz 3B Scriptural Application: The crisis and the climax of the
Abraham Bible
Lincoln” Scriptural Application: Evaluation of Lincoln as Christ
Thinking figure in “Martin and Abraham Lincoln”
Zone
53–54 Character W5 Writing Worksheet
Sketch 3A
Writing Rubric 3A
55–56 “The Buffalo 187–198 Quiz 3C Scriptural Application: The harm of grudges (James
Dance” Teaching Help 3D 5:9)
Thinking Scriptural Application: Certain actions earn friends (1
Zone Cor. 13:4–7)
Scriptural Application: Broken relationships healed by
God’s redemption (Isa. 2:1–5; Micah 4:1–4)

57–58 “A Grain as 199–203 Quiz 3D Scriptural Application: Analysis of biblical teaching on

Big as a land ownership and capitalism (Exod. 20:15; Deut.
Hen’s Egg” 19:14; etc.)
Thinking Thinking Zone: Scripture and work
Zone
59–60 “The Beggar” 204–210 Quiz 3E Scriptural Application: Necessity of motivation of love
Thinking Teaching Help 3E (1 Cor. 13)
Zone Teaching Help 3J Scriptural Application: Sacrificial giving rewarded by
Teaching Help 3K God (Heb. 13:16; 1 Kings 17; etc.)

61–62 “Most 211–20 Quiz 3F Scriptural Application: Regardless of success or

Valuable Teaching Help 3F failure, God’s expectation is to use talents, abilities,
Player” Vocabulary and time wisely
Thinking Standardized
Zone Test Practice 3A

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
63–64 Sports Article W6 Writing Worksheet
3B
Writing Rubric 3B
65–66 “The Last 221–27 Quiz 3G
Leaf” Teaching Help 3H
Word List 3B
67–68 “Mary” 228–32 Quiz 3H Scriptural Application: Loving others as ourselves ,
Thinking Teaching Help 3K including those with mental, physical, and financial
Zone Teaching Help 3L problems (Rom. 12:16; Prov. 17:5)
Reading Scriptural Application: Comparison of Kass’s Prayer
Standardized with two of Jacob’s in Scripture (Gen. 28:20–22;
Test Practice 3 32:9–12)
69-70 “Gold- 233–40 Quiz 3I Scriptural Application: Unintended consequences of
Mounted Teaching Help 3K doing wrong (Josh. 7)
Guns” Teaching Help 3L
Thinking
Zone
71–72 “Country 241–44 Quiz 3J
Doctor” Bulletin Board
“How to “Patchwork of
Avoid Generosity”
Contact”
Thinking
Zone

73 “In Flanders 245–46 Quiz 3K Scriptural Application: As in many psalms, great

Fields” Teaching Help 3I emotion and careful structuring joined
Thinking
Zone
74–75 “The 247–54 Quiz 3L Scriptural Application: Love for others illustrated in
Strangers Teaching Help 3K story (Rom. 12:16)
That Came Teaching Help 3L
to Town”
76–77 From 255–64 Quiz 3M Scriptural Application: The love of money the root of
Preacher’s Teaching Help 3J all evil (1 Tim. 6:10)
Kids ESL Exercise 3 Scriptural Application: Honor and forgiveness for a
Thinking parent who fails (Eph. 6:1–2; Col. 3:20)
Zone

78 “We Give 265–66 Vocabulary

Thee But Standardized
Thine Own” Test Practice 3B
The Bible
and
Generosity
79 Unit 3 267–69 Bulletin Board “Do
Review You Know Your
Authors?”
80 Unit 3 Test
81–90 Midterm Review and Midterm Examination
Unit 4: Our Land

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
91 Our Land 272–73 Teaching Help 4A
Teaching Help 4B
92–93 “The Great 274–83 Quiz 4A Scriptural Application: Application of biblical principles
Cherokee Teaching Help 4C to story (Ps. 34:14; Prov. 13:20; etc.)
Bill” Word List 4A
94 “The Landing 284–87 Quiz 4B Scriptural Application: Starting a new civilization with
of the Teaching Help 4D the Bible
Pilgrim
Fathers”
“Crossing the
Plains”
Thinking
Zone
95–96 “Jimmy 288–96 Quiz 4C
Yellow Teaching Help 4E
Hawk”

97 “Billy, He’s in 297–99 Quiz 4D Scriptural Application: Analysis of Christian’s

Trouble” Teaching Help 4F involvement in government
Thinking Scriptural Application: Biblical examples of sudden,
Zone unexpected endings
98 “To Save the 300–7 Quiz 4E
Golden Teaching Help 4G
State” Reading
“Guard It with Standardized
Your Life” Test Practice 4A
Thinking
Zone

99–100 Opinion W7 Bulletin Board:

Essay What Is Your
Opinion?
Writing Worksheet
4A
Writing Rubric 4A
101 “Paul 308–14 Quiz 4F Scriptural Application: Inciting moment of Psalm 119
Revere’s Teaching Help 4H Scriptural Application: Appreciating literature and
Ride” Vocabulary developing literary skills to shape culture
“Molly Standardized
Pitcher” Test Practice 4A
Thinking
Zone
102–3 “Monty 315–21 Quiz 4G Scriptural Application: Bible’s attitude toward work and
Takes Teaching Help 4I toward courtesy
Charge of Word List 4B Thinking Zone: Courtesy in service (Prov. 15:1, 18,
the Barter 23, 28)
Store”
Thinking
Zone
104–5 “The Wright 322–28 Quiz 4H Scriptural Application: Necessity of preparation for a
Brothers” Teaching Help 4J task (e.g., David before assuming kingship)

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
106 “Nancy 329–31 Quiz 4I Scriptural Application: Two characteristics of biblical
Hanks” success—wisdom and humility (Job 32:9; Matt.
“The Day’s 20:26)
Demand”
Thinking
Zone
107–8 Charlie 332–43 Quiz 4J Scriptural Application: Biblical examples of dialogue
Coulson: Teaching Help 4K
Drummer
Boy
Thinking
Zone
109–10 Dialogue W8 Writing Worksheet
4B
Writing Rubric 4B
111 “Lift Every 344–47 Quiz 4K Scriptural Application: Comparison of biblical concept
Voice and Teaching Help 4L of liberty and the concept of liberty used in America
Sing” today
Thinking Scriptural Application: Blessing to nations that honor
Zone God; chastisement to nations that dishonor God (Ps.
33:12; Prov. 14:34)
Thinking Zone: Theme and John 8:32, 36
112 “Our Blessed 348–51 Quiz 4L Scriptural Application: Need to count nation’s
Land” Bulletin Board blessings while not overlooking weaknesses
Thinking “Our Land”
Zone Reading
Standardized
Test Practice 4B
ESL Exercise 4
113 “America” 352–55 Teaching Help 4M Scriptural Application: Ways to show love for America
The Bible Vocabulary Scriptural Application: Specific directions given
and Our Standardized Israelites about how to preserve their land
Land Test Practice 4B Participation: Romans 13:1-7 on government
Thinking
Zone
114 Unit 4 356–59
Review
115 Unit 4 Test
Unit 5: Humility
116 Humility 362–63 Scriptural Application: Biblical humility (Prov. 3:34;
16:19; etc.)
Scriptural Application: Proud responses vs. humble
ones (1 Cor. 4:7; Matt. 11:28–30)
117 “Primer 364–65 Scriptural Application: Reminder to use words
Lesson” carefully and to use few words rather than many
Thinking (Prov. 10:19)
Zone

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
118–20 “Casey at the 366–73 Quiz 5A Scriptural Application: List of seven things the Lord
Bat” Teaching Help 5A hates, of which “a proud look” is listed first (Prov.
“Godolphin Teaching Help 5B 6:16–19)
Horne” Word List 5A
“Sir Joseph’s
Song”
Thinking
Zone

121–22 Contrast W9 Writing Worksheet

Paragraph 5A
Writing Rubric 5A
123–24 “Being a 374–81 Quiz 5B
Public Teaching Help 5C
Character”
Thinking
Zone
125–26 “Prince 382–88 Quiz 5C Scriptural Application: Awareness of personal faults
Hyacinth Teaching Help 5D (Matt. 7:1–5; Ps. 139:23–24)
and the Dear
Little
Princess”
127–28 “How 389–96 Quiz 5D Scriptural Application: True beauty a matter of the
Beautiful Teaching Help 5E heart (1 Sam. 16:7)
with Mud”
129 “What It’s 397–99 Quiz 5E
Like When Teaching Help 5F
You Can’t Reading
Read or Standardized
Write” Test Practice 5
Thinking
Zone
130–31 “Three 400–410 Quiz 5F Scriptural Application: How a person knows God’s
Visitors in Bulletin Board calling to a particular task (Jon. 1:3; Exod. 3:10–11;
the Night” ”Unlocking Your etc.)
Thinking Understanding”
Zone Teaching Help 5G
Vocabulary
Standardized
Test Practice 5A
132–33 “The 411–16 Quiz 5G Scriptural Application: Judging by heart, not by
Crucifixion” Word List 5B appearances
Thinking
Zone
134–35 Description W10 Writing Worksheet
5B
Writing Rubric 5B

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
136 “The Fool’s 417–20 Quiz 5H Scriptural Application: Meaning of “all men are created
Prayer” equal” (Gen. 1:26–27)
“Two Went
Up to the
Temple to
Pray”
Thinking
Zone
137–38 “The Soloist” 421–28 Quiz 5I Scriptural Application: Relationship between courage
Thinking Teaching Help 5H and humility (Phil. 2:5–11)
Zone
139–40 “Alas! Poor 429–40 Quiz 5J Scriptural Application: Displaying an open-minded
Annabelle!” Teaching Help 5I attitude toward different customs and manners (Gen.
“Father 1:26–27; Mark 12:30–31)
Speaks”
Thinking
Zone
141–42 “The Split 441–52 Quiz 5K Scriptural Application: Obligation of Christians to pay
Cherry Bulletin Board debts (Rom. 13:8)
Tree” “Find the Thinking Zone: Education in the truth (Matt. 28:19)
Thinking Characters”
Zone Teaching Help 5J
ESL Exercise 5
143 “When I 453–54 Vocabulary Scriptural Application: Value of salvation as related in
Survey the Standardized hymn
Wondrous Test Practice 5B
Cross”
The Bible
and
Humility
144 Unit 5 455–57
Review
145 Unit 5 Test
Unit 6: Family
146 Family 460–61 Teaching Help 6A Analysis: God and the family (Eph. 5:22–33; Tit. 2:4;
etc.)
Scriptural Application: Discussion of positive and
negative examples of biblical families
147–48 “Speed 462–65 Quiz 6A Scriptural Application: Biblical responsibilities of
Adjustment Teaching Help 6A fathers and children (Eph. 6:1–4; Lev. 20:9; etc.)
s” Teaching Help 6B
“First Word List 6A
Lesson”
Thinking
Zone
149–51 “Hit and Run” 466–77 Quiz 6B Scriptural Application: Condemning sin but continuing
Thinking Teaching Help 6A to love the sinner
Zone Teaching Help 6C
152–53 “The Scarlet 478–89 Quiz 6C Scriptural Application: The sinfulness of pride (Prov.
Ibis” Teaching Help 6D 8:13; Prov. 16:18; 1 John 2:16)
Thinking Vocabulary
Zone Standardized
Test Practice 6A

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
154–55 “Mister 490–95 Quiz 6D Scriptural Application: Discussion of democratic
Chairman” Teaching Help 6A method of family government suggested in story
Thinking Word List 6B
Zone
156 “Love Story, 496–500 Quiz 6E
Sort Of” Teaching Help 6A
Thinking
Zone
157– Personal W11 Writing Worksheet
159 Essay 6A
Writing Rubric 6A

160 “How We 501–5 Quiz 6F Scriptural Application: Guarding against the self-
Kept Teaching Help 6A centeredness illustrated in the selection
Mother’s Teaching Help 6E
Day”
Thinking
Zone
161–62 “Those 506–8 Quiz 6G
Winter Teaching Help 6A
Sundays” Teaching Help 6F
“The Secret
Heart”
Thinking
Zone
163–65 “The 509–18 Bulletin Board “A
Courage Different Train”
That My Quiz 6H
Mother Teaching Help 6A
Had”
“Uncle
Randolph’s
Buried
Treasure”
Thinking
Zone
166–68 Family W12 Writing Worksheet
Anecdote 6B
Writing Rubric 6B
169 “The Blanket” 519–22 Quiz 6I Scriptural Application: Family harmony achieved
Thinking Teaching Help 6A through sacrificing self-interest
Zone Teaching Help 6G Thinking Zone: Caring for the elderly (Lev. 19:32;
Prov. 16:31; etc.)
170 “Mother’s 523–26 Quiz 6J Scriptural Application: Finding verses in Proverbs
Hallowe’en Teaching Help 6A covering honesty, resourcefulness, hard work, and
Trick” Teaching Help 6H God’s provision
Thinking Reading
Zone Standardized
Test Practice 6A

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press

Day(s) Topic1 Pages Support Bible Integration
Materials2
171–72 “The Safest 527–31 Quiz 6K Scriptural Application: Our lives a vapor (James 4:14)
Place” Teaching Help 6A Scriptural Application: Fellowship with God the
“Death” ESL Exercise 6 enablement to respond correctly to difficulties
Thinking Reading
Zone Standardized
Test Practice 6B
173 “Happy the 532–33 Bulletin Board Participation: Practical ways to contribute to harmony
Home” “Explore in the home
The Bible Vacation
and Family Reading”
Teaching Help 6I
Vocabulary
Standardized
Test Practice 6B
174 Unit 6 534–36
Review
175 Unit 6 Test
176–80 Final Review and Final Examination

The topics and support materials in italics refer to writing lessons and assignments within a chapter.
2The following items in the Support Materials column are located on the CD found in the back of the Teacher’s
Edition: Quizzes, Teaching Helps, ESL Exercises, Word Lists, Vocabulary Standardized Test Practices, Reading
Standardized Test Practices, Bulletin Boards, Writing Worksheets, and Writing Rubrics.

Explorations in Literature, 4th edition ©2013 BJU Press