All of the literature guides published by CNS emphasize biblical principles and Christian character traits.  The guides include pre-reading activities, during reading exercises, vocabulary activities, ideas for discussion and writing, reading activities or literature analysis, extension possibilities, post reading activities, and an answer key. Students learn to think critically and hands-on projects are available to make learning meaningful and fun.  Sample questions and activities from the guide for The Mayflower Secret (a TRAILBLAZER book by Dave & Neta Jackson) are printed below:

Note:  More instructions for activities with an asterisk (*) are found in the guide.

Pre-reading Questions/Activities: 
     Read the  information on the page after the copyright page.  What interesting information is given about the term "Pilgrim"?

During Reading Activity:
     Create a Religious Beliefs chart in your reading notebook and put each named character in the correct column.*

Vocabulary:
     Look up the word churning (pg. 141) in a dictionary.  Then use colored pencils to write some of Elizabeth's churning thoughts and feelings.  Choose a different colored pencil for each thought or feeling and have them churn together.

Ideas for Discussion and Writing:
     Find the sentence on page 11 that explains how Elizabeth felt about people who were weak-hearted.  Predict:  How will her attitude affect the story?

Reading Activity - Narrating:
     Relate Squanto's story in your own words.  Inference:  What is amazing about the story?

Extension Activities:
  1) Two people should each draw a sketch of the Mayflower.  Have a Mayflower Race.*
  2) Elizabeth and Mary spent much of their time gossiping.  The book of proverbs contains a  number of verses  about this subject.  Read Proverbs 11:13, 16:28, 18:8,
20:19, and 26:20.  What conclusions can you formulate about God's thoughts toward gossiping?

Post Reading Projects:
  1) Make parchment.*
  2)  Mistress Brewster appreciated Elizabeth but never told her so.  Write a note of appreciation to someone who is important to you.
  3) Create a time line (or add to an existing one) and put William  Bradford on it.
                                                                                                                 
 An Answer Key is found at the back of each guide. 

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