Anchor Text: The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By Sherman Alexie
Grade Level Audience: 8th grade
Essential Questions:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.6
Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.9
Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered new.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.6
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
By Sherman Alexie
Grade Level Audience: 8th grade
Essential Questions:
- How do beliefs, ethics, or values influence behavior?
- How does labeling/stereotyping influence how we look at and understand the world?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.6
Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.9
Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered new.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.6
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
Title:
“Group Offers Hope to Native Alaskan Youths” Published by Alaska Dispatch News, edited by Newsela
Format and Complexity:
News Article/At Grade Level
Summary:
This article explores the services and resources provided by the “Native Survivors” group in Hooper Bay, Alaska. The group invites native youth to sew, sing, and dance with other members of their community. The goal of the group is to empower as well as prevent suicide attempts. Alaska has the highest percentage of attempted suicide.
Potential Use: Individually
This piece is an effective introductory narrative that introduces the idea of community and, more specifically, the plights facing the Native American community. Students could read the article on their own, complete the corresponding quiz and writing prompt. After this individual work, students can discuss findings in small groups or whole class discussion.
Justification:
This article illustrates the need for community members to support one another. It is a real life example of the positive effects a culture can have on a community. It shows how beliefs can influence behavior.
“Group Offers Hope to Native Alaskan Youths” Published by Alaska Dispatch News, edited by Newsela
Format and Complexity:
News Article/At Grade Level
Summary:
This article explores the services and resources provided by the “Native Survivors” group in Hooper Bay, Alaska. The group invites native youth to sew, sing, and dance with other members of their community. The goal of the group is to empower as well as prevent suicide attempts. Alaska has the highest percentage of attempted suicide.
Potential Use: Individually
This piece is an effective introductory narrative that introduces the idea of community and, more specifically, the plights facing the Native American community. Students could read the article on their own, complete the corresponding quiz and writing prompt. After this individual work, students can discuss findings in small groups or whole class discussion.
Justification:
This article illustrates the need for community members to support one another. It is a real life example of the positive effects a culture can have on a community. It shows how beliefs can influence behavior.
Title: Spokane Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington
Format and Complexity:
Photograph/At Grade Level
Summary:
The black and white photograph is of the then newly built mission on the Spokane Reservation in Wellpinit, WA. It features a group of children and adults posing with gardening & agricultural tools in front of a wood building (the mission).
Potential Use: Whole Class
The teacher could show the photograph to the class and have students discuss their observations and assumptions of the event
Justification:
The photograph provides insight into the historical living conditions of Native Americans.
It is important to examine evidence of the past in order to better understand the historical context of a community/culture.
Format and Complexity:
Photograph/At Grade Level
Summary:
The black and white photograph is of the then newly built mission on the Spokane Reservation in Wellpinit, WA. It features a group of children and adults posing with gardening & agricultural tools in front of a wood building (the mission).
Potential Use: Whole Class
The teacher could show the photograph to the class and have students discuss their observations and assumptions of the event
Justification:
The photograph provides insight into the historical living conditions of Native Americans.
It is important to examine evidence of the past in order to better understand the historical context of a community/culture.
Title:
Native American Portraits
Format and Complexity:
Collection of Photographs/At Grade Level
Summary:
Collection of 25 photographic portraits of Native Americans from late 19th-early 20th century by various photographers. Both women and men are featured.
Potential Use: Small Group
Students could go through the photographs and remark on similarities and differences in the portraits. They could come up with a list and organize their comparisons and contrasts with a “T” chart
Justification:
This collection of photographs brings a human element to the study of a culture. Looking through these photographs, students will find traditional portraits of Native Americans. The representation of both everyday Natives as well as leaders can help students understand cultural context.
Native American Portraits
Format and Complexity:
Collection of Photographs/At Grade Level
Summary:
Collection of 25 photographic portraits of Native Americans from late 19th-early 20th century by various photographers. Both women and men are featured.
Potential Use: Small Group
Students could go through the photographs and remark on similarities and differences in the portraits. They could come up with a list and organize their comparisons and contrasts with a “T” chart
Justification:
This collection of photographs brings a human element to the study of a culture. Looking through these photographs, students will find traditional portraits of Native Americans. The representation of both everyday Natives as well as leaders can help students understand cultural context.
Title: Improving Education for Native American Students, 2013
Format and Complexity:
An audio excerpt from a news bulletin/Above Grade Level
Summary:
This audio excerpt features an interview with a journalist who had recently written about the graduation rates of Native Americans which have been trending downward.
Potential Use: Whole Class
The teacher could play the clip for students while the class takes notes on what they hear. The teacher could introduce a guiding question such as: “Why are Native American graduation rates going down”? The discussion could then turn to Alexie’s story and how it relates to what they just listened to.
Justification:
This piece of audio introduces students to the struggles of modern day Native Americans. Her assessment of why graduation rates continue to go down is significant; she suggests that this is because of the socio economic challenges many Native families face.
Many Native Americans attend schools where there are only students like them so they are not exposed to other cultures. This theme is explored explicitly in Alexie’s novel.
Format and Complexity:
An audio excerpt from a news bulletin/Above Grade Level
Summary:
This audio excerpt features an interview with a journalist who had recently written about the graduation rates of Native Americans which have been trending downward.
Potential Use: Whole Class
The teacher could play the clip for students while the class takes notes on what they hear. The teacher could introduce a guiding question such as: “Why are Native American graduation rates going down”? The discussion could then turn to Alexie’s story and how it relates to what they just listened to.
Justification:
This piece of audio introduces students to the struggles of modern day Native Americans. Her assessment of why graduation rates continue to go down is significant; she suggests that this is because of the socio economic challenges many Native families face.
Many Native Americans attend schools where there are only students like them so they are not exposed to other cultures. This theme is explored explicitly in Alexie’s novel.
Title: Henry T. Cowley, missionary and teacher in Spokane, WA - 1874
Format and Complexity:
Biography/Below Grade Level
Summary:
This biography is about Henry T. Cowley who was a missionary and a teacher on the Spokane reservation. The short biography weaves in the history of the first mission/church as well as the first schools in the area.
Potential Use: Individual
Students could make a timeline based on the biography in order to better understand the cause and effect of events. They could then share this timeline in small groups and compare findings.
Justification:
Students should be aware of the beginnings of the Spokane reservation and what the conditions were like for individuals there at that time.
It is important to note that the biography mentions that the white and Native children were educated in separate dwellings. This fact is significant and should be explored by students. The tensions between white and Native peoples is explored heavily in Alexie’s work so it is important to understand the origins of this stress.
Format and Complexity:
Biography/Below Grade Level
Summary:
This biography is about Henry T. Cowley who was a missionary and a teacher on the Spokane reservation. The short biography weaves in the history of the first mission/church as well as the first schools in the area.
Potential Use: Individual
Students could make a timeline based on the biography in order to better understand the cause and effect of events. They could then share this timeline in small groups and compare findings.
Justification:
Students should be aware of the beginnings of the Spokane reservation and what the conditions were like for individuals there at that time.
It is important to note that the biography mentions that the white and Native children were educated in separate dwellings. This fact is significant and should be explored by students. The tensions between white and Native peoples is explored heavily in Alexie’s work so it is important to understand the origins of this stress.
Title: Sherman Alexie: How Storytelling Can Create Social Change
Format and Complexity:
Radio Interview (with audio and text)/ At Grade Level
Summary:
This interview with Alexie focuses on how the act of writing narratives can impact change in society. Alexie pinpoints the root of the problem when he suggests that some groups are comfortable with the status quo. He says that things have not really changed because all people have not demanded it.
Potential Use:
Whole Class
Listen to the interview as a whole class. Students should listen with the following guiding question in mind: “How can stories or narratives bring about change?”
In groups
Discuss the interview and Alexie’s points. Is he right? Why or why not?
Justification:
It is important for students to hear from Alexie himself what he thinks about his own storytelling. He believes is actively trying to subvert stereotypes, while others believe that he is feeding into them. The essence of this debate is significant: does representation and narratives about one group help or hurt stereotypes?
Format and Complexity:
Radio Interview (with audio and text)/ At Grade Level
Summary:
This interview with Alexie focuses on how the act of writing narratives can impact change in society. Alexie pinpoints the root of the problem when he suggests that some groups are comfortable with the status quo. He says that things have not really changed because all people have not demanded it.
Potential Use:
Whole Class
Listen to the interview as a whole class. Students should listen with the following guiding question in mind: “How can stories or narratives bring about change?”
In groups
Discuss the interview and Alexie’s points. Is he right? Why or why not?
Justification:
It is important for students to hear from Alexie himself what he thinks about his own storytelling. He believes is actively trying to subvert stereotypes, while others believe that he is feeding into them. The essence of this debate is significant: does representation and narratives about one group help or hurt stereotypes?
|
Title:
The Danger of a Single Story: Stereotypes as Seen in Sherman Alexie's YA Lit Format and Complexity: TED Talk/Above Grade Level Summary: Nigerian author Adichie argues that the representation in literature (particularly children’s literature) has vast influence over society’s understanding of cultures, and humanity as a whole. The problem is what she calls “the single story” which is the phenomena where one individual character or author serves to represent the whole. Potential Use: Whole Class Watch the TED talk and have students take notes with the guiding question: “According to the speaker, which stereotypes can be found in literature?” Justification: Adichie offers an important point of view when it comes to the issue of representation. Her arguments are well supported and include examples from various canonical texts. Her speech can serve as a catalyst for deep discussion about representation. Of course, Alexie also explores these ideas in his work. |
Title: “Star Quilt” by Roberta J. Hill
Format and Complexity:
Poem/Above Grade Level
Summary:
Hill’s poem describes the Native American experience through figurative language. Most notable is the symbolism of a quilt which serves as a prominent feature in the piece.
Potential Use:
Whole Class
Read and then dissect the poem paying special attention to new and unknown vocabulary terms. After decoding the terms, discuss larger themes and the symbolism of the quilt
Extension Activity: Research the history of Native American quilts and quiltmaking.
LINK to Smithsonian page on Native American Quilts
Justification:
The poem illustrates another perspective on the Native American experience. It is crucial for students to be exposed to various perspectives from a culture in order to have a deeper understanding of that culture.
Format and Complexity:
Poem/Above Grade Level
Summary:
Hill’s poem describes the Native American experience through figurative language. Most notable is the symbolism of a quilt which serves as a prominent feature in the piece.
Potential Use:
Whole Class
Read and then dissect the poem paying special attention to new and unknown vocabulary terms. After decoding the terms, discuss larger themes and the symbolism of the quilt
Extension Activity: Research the history of Native American quilts and quiltmaking.
LINK to Smithsonian page on Native American Quilts
Justification:
The poem illustrates another perspective on the Native American experience. It is crucial for students to be exposed to various perspectives from a culture in order to have a deeper understanding of that culture.
Title:
Native American Culture, Stories & Music By Tom McCormack “Story: Mouse and Chickenhawk”
Format and Complexity:
Podcast/Below Grade Level
Summary:
The myth explains how the mouse had come to be known as a sacred animal to the Hopi people. When a large chickenhawk starts to cause chaos in a small town, a young brave mouse comes to the rescue and saves the townspeople.
Potential Use:
Whole Class
Listen to the short story and take notes on the sequence of the narrative.
Discuss the possible theme/moral of the story.
Individually
Write an original narrative with a similar moral/theme to the myth about another animal.
Justification:
This story is an example of Native American folklore so it is important that student be exposed to it during the unit. In addition, the themes and ideas present relate to the anchor text (such as the theme of responsibility to one's community)
Native American Culture, Stories & Music By Tom McCormack “Story: Mouse and Chickenhawk”
Format and Complexity:
Podcast/Below Grade Level
Summary:
The myth explains how the mouse had come to be known as a sacred animal to the Hopi people. When a large chickenhawk starts to cause chaos in a small town, a young brave mouse comes to the rescue and saves the townspeople.
Potential Use:
Whole Class
Listen to the short story and take notes on the sequence of the narrative.
Discuss the possible theme/moral of the story.
Individually
Write an original narrative with a similar moral/theme to the myth about another animal.
Justification:
This story is an example of Native American folklore so it is important that student be exposed to it during the unit. In addition, the themes and ideas present relate to the anchor text (such as the theme of responsibility to one's community)
References
Alexie, S. (2015). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. London: Andersen Press. Group
offers hope to native Alaskan youths. (2015, March 4). Alaska Dispatch News. Retrieved from https://newsela.com/read/alaska-nativesurvivors/id/7660/
Hill, R. J. (1984). Star Quilt.
“Improving education for Native American students,” Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/88247d7588aa7831f6a26c36c38d6dd9.
McCormack, T. (2006, September 15). Native American Culture, Stories & Music: Mouse and
Chickenhawk [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/native-american-culture-stories-music/id202615645?mt=2
[Photograph found in 25 Portraits of American Indians You Might Not Have Seen, Indian
Country Today]. (2017, June 2). Retrieved from https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/history/people/25-portraits-american-indians-not-seen-no-curtis/
Sherman Alexie: How Storytelling Can Create Social Change [Interview by The Takeaway]. (2015, September 22). Retrieved from
http://www.wnyc.org/story/sherman-alexie-fathers-sons-race-and-american-machine/
Spokane History Timeline. (2002, September 22). Retrieved November 17, 2017, from
http://discoveryrobots.org/spokanehistory/cowley.html
“Spokane Reservation first mission, Wellpinit, Washington,” Digital Public Library of America,
http://dp.la/item/592fa512bbd2c8c56e5fd6317d75eec6.
The Danger of a Single Story: Stereotypes as Seen in Sherman Alexie's YA Lit [Video file]. (2009,
October 7). Retrieved from https://ed.ted.com/on/xlsyR71P
Alexie, S. (2015). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. London: Andersen Press. Group
offers hope to native Alaskan youths. (2015, March 4). Alaska Dispatch News. Retrieved from https://newsela.com/read/alaska-nativesurvivors/id/7660/
Hill, R. J. (1984). Star Quilt.
“Improving education for Native American students,” Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/88247d7588aa7831f6a26c36c38d6dd9.
McCormack, T. (2006, September 15). Native American Culture, Stories & Music: Mouse and
Chickenhawk [Audio blog post]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/native-american-culture-stories-music/id202615645?mt=2
[Photograph found in 25 Portraits of American Indians You Might Not Have Seen, Indian
Country Today]. (2017, June 2). Retrieved from https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/history/people/25-portraits-american-indians-not-seen-no-curtis/
Sherman Alexie: How Storytelling Can Create Social Change [Interview by The Takeaway]. (2015, September 22). Retrieved from
http://www.wnyc.org/story/sherman-alexie-fathers-sons-race-and-american-machine/
Spokane History Timeline. (2002, September 22). Retrieved November 17, 2017, from
http://discoveryrobots.org/spokanehistory/cowley.html
“Spokane Reservation first mission, Wellpinit, Washington,” Digital Public Library of America,
http://dp.la/item/592fa512bbd2c8c56e5fd6317d75eec6.
The Danger of a Single Story: Stereotypes as Seen in Sherman Alexie's YA Lit [Video file]. (2009,
October 7). Retrieved from https://ed.ted.com/on/xlsyR71P