Holes written by Louis Sachar centers on Stanley Yelnats IV, a young boy who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a correctional boot camp after being wrongfully convicted of theft and explores the history of the area and how the actions of several characters in the past have affected Stanley's life in the present.
Reading and Writing Workshop: Theme, structure, characterization, symbolism, justice, fate vs. choice
Begin by reading Holes either in groups or as a class. As students read, they should complete the Literary Guide.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, students will not only have a strong understanding of Holes, but will also have developed critical skills in:
GROUP STRUCTURE (Use Every Session)
Assign rotating roles:
SESSION 1: ENTERING CAMP GREEN LAKE
Focus: Setting, Tone, First Impressions
Reading
Ch. 1–5
Mini-Lesson
Quick Write:
“First impressions of Camp Green Lake—what feels ‘off’ and why?”
Exit Task
Predict: What are they really digging for?
SESSION 2: CHARACTER & INJUSTICE
Focus: Stanley, Zero, Power Structures
Reading
Ch. 6–15
Mini-Lesson
“Camp Hierarchy Role-Play”
Character Analysis Paragraph
Explain how Stanley begins to change.
Extension
Create a “power map” of the camp
SESSION 3: THE PAST RETURNS
Focus: Interwoven Storylines
Reading
Ch. 16–28
Mini-Lesson
“Timeline Puzzle Challenge”
Cause & Effect Essay (Short)
How does Stanley’s family history influence his situation?
SESSION 4: SYMBOLS & MOTIFS
Focus: Meaning beneath the surface
Reading
Ch. 29–40
Mini-Lesson
“Symbol Stations” Rotation
Stations include:
Symbol Analysis Paragraph
Explain how one symbol contributes to theme.
SESSION 5: SURVIVAL & TRANSFORMATION
Focus: Stanley & Zero
Reading
Ch. 41–50
Mini-Lesson
Groups must:
Narrative Writing
Rewrite the mountain climb from Zero’s perspective.
SESSION 6: TRUTH, JUSTICE, & RESOLUTION
Focus: Climax and resolution
Reading
Ch. 51–End
Mini-Lesson
“Mock Trial: Camp Green Lake”
Put the camp on trial:
Argument Essay
Was Stanley’s fate due to luck, destiny, or choice?
SESSION 7: THEMATIC SYNTHESIS
Focus: Big Ideas
Activity:
“Theme Gallery Walk”
Post themes:
Thematic Essay
Choose one theme and analyze how it develops across the novel.
SESSION 8: FINAL PROJECT (PERFORMANCE-BASED)
Option 1:
Create a “Hidden Truths” Exhibit
Modern Adaptation
Character Legacy Project
ASSESSMENT (Rubric – Simplified)
Students are evaluated on:
DIFFERENTIATION
For Struggling Readers
EXTENSION IDEAS (VERY HIGH ENGAGEMENT)
TEACHER TIP (based on your style)
This workshop thrives when you:
Begin by reading Holes either in groups or as a class. As students read, they should complete the Literary Guide.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, students will not only have a strong understanding of Holes, but will also have developed critical skills in:
- Close reading and textual analysis
- Evidence-based writing
- Collaborative discussion and argumentation
- Interpreting complex narrative structures
- Making connections between literature and real-world issues
- Is life controlled more by fate or choice?
- How does injustice shape identity and actions?
- What role does history play in the present?
- Can people change their destiny?
GROUP STRUCTURE (Use Every Session)
Assign rotating roles:
- Connector – links past/present storylines
- Symbol Tracker – tracks objects (holes, onions, water, lizards)
- Character Psychologist – analyzes motives and growth
- Historian – traces generational storylines
- Discussion Leader – facilitates group dialogue
- Evidence Finder – locates textual proof
SESSION 1: ENTERING CAMP GREEN LAKE
Focus: Setting, Tone, First Impressions
Reading
Ch. 1–5
Mini-Lesson
- Introduction to nonlinear storytelling
- Setting as character
- Groups design a model (paper or whiteboard)
- Include: layout, climate, rules, survival challenges
- Add: “hidden truths” beneath the surface
- Why is Camp Green Lake ironic?
- What does the setting suggest about justice?
Quick Write:
“First impressions of Camp Green Lake—what feels ‘off’ and why?”
Exit Task
Predict: What are they really digging for?
SESSION 2: CHARACTER & INJUSTICE
Focus: Stanley, Zero, Power Structures
Reading
Ch. 6–15
Mini-Lesson
- Characterization (direct vs. indirect)
- Social hierarchy and injustice
“Camp Hierarchy Role-Play”
- Assign roles (Stanley, Zero, X-Ray, Warden, Mr. Sir)
- Act out a day at camp
- Introduce a conflict scenario
- Who has power? Who doesn’t?
- Why does Stanley take the blame for Zero?
Character Analysis Paragraph
Explain how Stanley begins to change.
Extension
Create a “power map” of the camp
SESSION 3: THE PAST RETURNS
Focus: Interwoven Storylines
Reading
Ch. 16–28
Mini-Lesson
- Flashbacks and parallel plots
- Cause and effect across generations
“Timeline Puzzle Challenge”
- Groups receive mixed events (Elya, Kissin’ Kate, Stanley)
- Must reconstruct chronological order
- Connect how each story impacts Stanley
- How are the past and present connected?
- What is the role of “curse” in the story?
Cause & Effect Essay (Short)
How does Stanley’s family history influence his situation?
SESSION 4: SYMBOLS & MOTIFS
Focus: Meaning beneath the surface
Reading
Ch. 29–40
Mini-Lesson
- Symbolism and motifs
“Symbol Stations” Rotation
Stations include:
- Holes → punishment vs. purpose
- Onions → survival and healing
- Yellow-spotted lizards → danger and myth
- Water → scarcity and hope
- Analyze
- Draw
- Write symbolic meaning
- What do “holes” really represent?
- Why are onions important?
Symbol Analysis Paragraph
Explain how one symbol contributes to theme.
SESSION 5: SURVIVAL & TRANSFORMATION
Focus: Stanley & Zero
Reading
Ch. 41–50
Mini-Lesson
- Character transformation arcs
- Survival narratives
Groups must:
- Escape Camp Green Lake
- Plan survival (food, water, direction)
- Justify decisions
- Why does Stanley carry Zero?
- What does this moment symbolize?
Narrative Writing
Rewrite the mountain climb from Zero’s perspective.
SESSION 6: TRUTH, JUSTICE, & RESOLUTION
Focus: Climax and resolution
Reading
Ch. 51–End
Mini-Lesson
- Resolution and theme synthesis
“Mock Trial: Camp Green Lake”
Put the camp on trial:
- Prosecutors (students)
- Defense
- Witnesses (characters)
- Jury
- Was justice served?
- Who is responsible for the injustice?
Argument Essay
Was Stanley’s fate due to luck, destiny, or choice?
SESSION 7: THEMATIC SYNTHESIS
Focus: Big Ideas
Activity:
“Theme Gallery Walk”
Post themes:
- Fate vs. Choice
- Justice vs. Injustice
- Friendship
- Redemption
- Add quotes
- Add analysis
- Respond to peers
Thematic Essay
Choose one theme and analyze how it develops across the novel.
SESSION 8: FINAL PROJECT (PERFORMANCE-BASED)
Option 1:
Create a “Hidden Truths” Exhibit
- Visual + written analysis
- Reveal deeper meanings behind:
- Camp
- Characters
- Symbols
Modern Adaptation
- Rewrite Holes in a modern setting
- Explain changes and themes
Character Legacy Project
- Trace one character across time (past → present)
ASSESSMENT (Rubric – Simplified)
Students are evaluated on:
- Use of textual evidence
- Depth of analysis
- Participation in group roles
- Writing clarity and development
- Creativity in experiential tasks
DIFFERENTIATION
For Struggling Readers
- Provide guided notes
- Use audiobooks
- Chunk readings
- Compare with other nonlinear texts
- Explore legal/justice systems deeper
- Add research component
EXTENSION IDEAS (VERY HIGH ENGAGEMENT)
- Create a map of Camp Green Lake with hidden clues
- Write letters between Stanley and Zero
- Build a “curse vs coincidence” debate
- Connect to real-world juvenile justice systems
TEACHER TIP (based on your style)
This workshop thrives when you:
- Keep movement constant (stations, role-play, debates)
- Require written output every session
- Tie everything back to big ideas + evidence