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The Writer/Reader Connection
Description:
This is a three-part lesson that combines the study of the work of a Native American author with a study of the Native American peoples, including custom, culture, symbols, etc. Students will research Native American tribes using the Internet and print resources. Students will then read a book by a chosen author, research that author, and create questions to be asked at an author visit.
Goals & Objectives:

LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES

 

The student will:

-understand and be able to list some Native American Ethnic groups.
-learn about Native American customs and cultures.
-observe and author's creative process.
-read for understanding and take notes.

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES:

 

The student will:

-read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.
-foster cultural understanding
-understand the history of the United States and Native Americans.
-use the Internet to find information on Native American groups.
-research information on Native American culture and customs.
-develop familiarity and an understanding of the Native American peoples.


MOTIVATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

 

The student will:

-become interested in the research process.
-understand the importance of information skills.
-experience increased confidence in research ability.
-achieve satisfaction in research accomplishments.
-research an author's life.
-understand what inspired the author to write.
-compose questions to ask the author.
Materials & Sources:
  1. Resource List
  2. Research Worksheet
Credits:
Alice A. Robinson
Adapted for SOS by Kori Gerbig
School of Information Studies
Syracuse University

Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly
April 2003; 19:8; 12-16.
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com
http://www.crinkles.com
Procedures:
INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES:
-The library media specialist and classroom teacher work cooperatively on this three-part lesson. The activities should be conducted during the month prior to the author's visit.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION:
 
PART ONE:

-Ask students to think about what they know about Native Americans. Call on students and write their responses on the white board.

-Distribute a copy of the book "The Fancy Shawl Dancer" to each student.

-Ask students to look at the cover of the book and make predictions about the plot. The students then take turns reading the book aloud and taking notes in order to answer the questions on the worksheet.

PART TWO:
 
-Group students in pairs. Demonstrate, via computer and TV monitor, how students should navigate the websites. Explain how the student can use print sources for information not readily found on the Internet. Discuss what each of the following words mean, and model one component for the students.
*Culture - the special way a group of people does something.
*Customs - The way of life of a group of people, the language spoken, the clothes worn, the food eaten, and the religion practiced. Several groups often share the same customs.
*Symbols - emblems, tokens or representations having cultural significance.

-The students use the resources to find information to complete the worksheet provided.

PART THREE:

 

The students will use search engines such as *Yahoo or *Google. The students type in the author's name to see how many hits they receive. By examining these sites, including the author's webpage, they will get information about his life, the schools he has visited, and the scope of his work. With their partner, students write questions they would like to ask the author (Students should be sure they are questions not readily found on the Internet). Some questions might include:
*Have you traveled overseas to promote you book or to participate in Native American celebrations?
*What do your parents think about your chosen career?
*Do you tell Native American stories and practice the dances with your own family?
*What messages would you like student to take away from your visit?

Assessment:
-Students will be evaluated based on the quality of their written responses including:
*How much detail is included in their answers
*Writing mechanics -spelling, grammar, and syntax
*Facility in navigating the Internet
*Willingness to share information with other students.
*Eagerness to participate in responding to questions.
Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly
April 2003; 19:8; 12-16.
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com
http://www.crinkles.com

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Presented By: School Library Media Activities Monthly
Website by Data Momentum, Inc.