Activities
Strip and Tease – Observing Details
In this activity, the cover of the book Katie Henio Navajo Sheepherder with small strips of paper. Ask the students: What do you notice about the book? Do you know what the book is about? Are there any details that is observable? The taped pieces of paper will be removed one at a time revealing more details. Each time a piece of paper is removed, students will be asked to talk about the details. Once all the pieces are removed it will reveal a Navajo grandmother standing in the middle of the corral with her sheep. Why is sheep important to the Navajos? In Navajo culture, sheep is used for several things, including food, using the skin for bedding, and using wool for weaving.
Compare and Contrast
I will read Faith Ringgold’s Tar Beach to the students. The story in the book takes place in New York in 1939. Tar Beach refers to the roof of Cassie's Harlem apartment building where her family spend time relaxing on hot summer nights. In the story, the character dream to be free and go wherever she wants. One day it comes true when the stars help her to fly across the city. The children will explore the theme of 'freedom' and do so by creating their own story. What does freedom mean to them? What does freedom mean to the character? How are the students like the character?
Paper Quilt Art
Since Faith Ringgold has a painting with the same title as the book, students will study the painting to see if they notice any designs. The painting itself combines painting, quilt-making, fictional narrative, and autobiography in a single art form. Students will be encouraged children to create an art piece about a dream where they master their own world by flying over it, to soar high and follow their dreams. They will also be encouraged to add people who encourage them to fly, and cultural ideas and pieces that add meaning to their journey.
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