The following books would be appropriate to read to have a more varied view of Africa as a whole. Most deal with themes we will be discussing in our book but will help give you a view of many different authors from Africa and the diversity of the stories and storytelling. Enjoy!
Things Fall Apart- Chinua Achebe
Amazon.com
One of Chinua Achebe's many achievements in his acclaimed first novel, Things Fall Apart, is his relentlessly unsentimental rendering of Nigerian tribal life before and after the coming of colonialism. First published in 1958, just two years before Nigeria declared independence from Great Britain, the book eschews the obvious temptation of depicting pre-colonial life as a kind of Eden. Instead, Achebe sketches a world in which violence, war, and suffering exist, but are balanced by a strong sense of tradition, ritual, and social coherence. His Ibo protagonist, Okonkwo, is a self-made man. The son of a charming ne'er-do-well, he has worked all his life to overcome his father's weakness and has arrived, finally, at great prosperity and even greater reputation among his fellows in the village of Umuofia. Okonkwo is a champion wrestler, a prosperous farmer, husband to three wives and father to several children. He is also a man who exhibits flaws well-known in Greek tragedy:
Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children. Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw. Okonkwo's fear was greater than these. It was not external but lay deep within himself. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father.
And yet Achebe manages to make this cruel man deeply sympathetic. He is fond of his eldest daughter, and also of Ikemefuna, a young boy sent from another village as compensation for the wrongful death of a young woman from Umuofia. He even begins to feel pride in his eldest son, in whom he has too often seen his own father. Unfortunately, a series of tragic events tests the mettle of this strong man, and it is his fear of weakness that ultimately undoes him.
Achebe does not introduce the theme of colonialism until the last 50 pages or so. By then, Okonkwo has lost everything and been driven into exile. And yet, within the traditions of his culture, he still has hope of redemption. The arrival of missionaries in Umuofia, however, followed by representatives of the colonial government, completely disrupts Ibo culture, and in the chasm between old ways and new, Okonkwo is lost forever. Deceptively simple in its prose, Things Fall Apart packs a powerful punch as Achebe holds up the ruin of one proud man to stand for the destruction of an entire culture. --Alix Wilber
The Number One Ladies Detective Agency- Alexander Mccall Smith
Penzler Pick, July 2001: Working in a mystery tradition that will cause genre aficionados to think of such classic sleuths as Melville Davisson Post's Uncle Abner or Robert van Gulik's Judge Dee, Alexander McCall Smith creates an African detective, Precious Ramotswe, who's their full-fledged heir.
It's the detective as folk hero, solving crimes through an innate, self-possessed wisdom that, combined with an understanding of human nature, invariably penetrates into the heart of a puzzle. If Miss Marple were fat and jolly and lived in Botswana--and decided to go against any conventional notion of what an unmarried woman should do, spending the money she got from selling her late father's cattle to set up a Ladies' Detective Agency--then you have an idea of how Precious sets herself up as her country's first female detective. Once the clients start showing up on her doorstep, Precious enjoys a pleasingly successful series of cases.
But the edge of the Kalahari is not St. Mary Mead, and the sign Precious orders, painted in brilliant colors, is anything but discreet. Pointing in the direction of the small building she had purchased to house her new business, it reads "THE NO. 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY. FOR ALL CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS AND ENQUIRIES. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED FOR ALL PARTIES. UNDER PERSONAL MANAGEMENT."
The solutions she comes up with, whether in the case of the clinic doctor with two quite different personalities (depending on the day of the week), or the man who had joined a Christian sect and seemingly vanished, or the kidnapped boy whose bones may or may not be those in a witch doctor's magic kit, are all sensible, logical, and satisfying. Smith's gently ironic tone is full of good humor towards his lively, intelligent heroine and towards her fellow Africans, who live their lives with dignity and with cautious acceptance of the confusions to which the world submits them. Precious Ramotswe is a remarkable creation, and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency well deserves the praise it received from London's Times Literary Supplement. I look forward with great eagerness to the upcoming books featuring the memorable Miss Ramotswe, Tears of the Giraffe and Morality for Beautiful Girls, soon to be available in the U.S. --Otto Penzler
The Poisonwood Bible- Barbara Kinsolver
From Publishers Weekly
In this risky but resoundingly successful novel, Kingsolver leaves the Southwest, the setting of most of her work (The Bean Trees; Animal Dreams) and follows an evangelical Baptist minister's family to the Congo in the late 1950s, entwining their fate with that of the country during three turbulent decades. Nathan Price's determination to convert the natives of the Congo to Christianity is, we gradually discover, both foolhardy and dangerous, unsanctioned by the church administration and doomed from the start by Nathan's self-righteousness. Fanatic and sanctimonious, Nathan is a domestic monster, too, a physically and emotionally abusive, misogynistic husband and father. He refuses to understand how his obsession with river baptism affronts the traditions of the villagers of Kalinga, and his stubborn concept of religious rectitude brings misery and destruction to all. Cleverly, Kingsolver never brings us inside Nathan's head but instead unfolds the tragic story of the Price family through the alternating points of view of Orleanna Price and her four daughters. Cast with her young children into primitive conditions but trained to be obedient to her husband, Orleanna is powerless to mitigate their situation. Meanwhile, each of the four Price daughters reveals herself through first-person narration, and their rich and clearly differentiated self-portraits are small triumphs. Rachel, the eldest, is a self-absorbed teenager who will never outgrow her selfish view of the world or her tendency to commit hilarious malapropisms. Twins Leah and Adah are gifted intellectually but are physically and emotionally separated by Adah's birth injury, which has rendered her hemiplagic. Leah adores her father; Adah, who does not speak, is a shrewd observer of his monumental ego. The musings of five- year-old Ruth May reflect a child's humorous misunderstanding of the exotic world to which she has been transported. By revealing the story through the female victims of Reverend Price's hubris, Kingsolver also charts their maturation as they confront or evade moral and existential issues and, at great cost, accrue wisdom in the crucible of an alien land. It is through their eyes that we come to experience the life of the villagers in an isolated community and the particular ways in which American and African cultures collide. As the girls become acquainted with the villagers, especially the young teacher Anatole, they begin to understand the political situation in the Congo: the brutality of Belgian rule, the nascent nationalism briefly fulfilled in the election of the short-lived Patrice Lumumba government, and the secret involvement of the Eisenhower administration in Lumumba's assassination and the installation of the villainous dictator Mobutu. In the end, Kingsolver delivers a compelling family saga, a sobering picture of the horrors of fanatic fundamentalism and an insightful view of an exploited country crushed by the heel of colonialism and then ruthlessly manipulated by a bastion of democracy. The book is also a marvelous mix of trenchant character portrayal, unflagging narrative thrust and authoritative background detail. The disastrous outcome of the forceful imposition of Christian theology on indigenous natural faith gives the novel its pervasive irony; but humor is pervasive, too, artfully integrated into the children's misapprehensions of their world; and suspense rises inexorably as the Price family's peril and that of the newly independent country of Zaire intersect. Kingsolver moves into new moral terrain in this powerful, convincing and emotionally resonant novel.
Petals of Blood- Ngugi wa Thiongo
This is a multilayered and fascinating book that addresses various problems in post-independence Kenya.What starts as a murder investigation with the detention of 4 people Munira,Abdullah,Karega and Wanja goes on to reveal issues such as corruption,politics,Urbanisation,social dislocation,colonialism,the emergency period and the African elite.As the novel unfolds the lives of the 3 people murdered entwines that of the detainees in numerous ways.It is also a who dunnit.The detainees are Munira- a teacher,Abdullah-an intinerant trader,Karega- a trade unionist and Wanja a scarlet lady..It is set mainly in the rustic village of Ilmorog in Kenya that later becomes a boomtown.Ngugi tells not only the story of Kenya but that of Africa and other colonised peoples worldwide.It is indeed as relevant today as it was in 1977 when published.
I Laugh So I Won't Cry: Kenya's Women Tell The Story Of Their Lives (Paperback)
I haven't read this but it might be interesting for our novel. Use parent discretion if you want to read this one.
In I Laugh So I Won’t Cry, Kenya’s women tell their stories of love, struggle, happiness, and tragedy in their own words. I Laugh strikes a balance between intimate acquaintance and a comprehensive view. In-depth portraits allow readers to know a diverse selection of women intimately. Topical chapters feature the voices of a large range of women talking about the subjects closest to their hearts. Chapters cover: marriage, childrearing, work and getting by when there is no work, women’s self-help groups, genital cutting, ethnic tensions, and the new government that has promised huge reforms. I Laugh shows the full panorama of women’s struggles in sub-Saharan Africa without sacrificing the vivid details of individual lives. Subsistence farmers, herders, beggars, sex workers, office workers, hawkers, business executives and a few friends who stopped an ethnic war all speak in I Laugh So I Won’t Cry. I Laugh will interest readers who seek to understand the multiple realities of contemporary Africa. Excerpts from I Laugh So I Won’t Cry: On Husbands “You know, men don't like laughing with their wives. Other men will say, ‘Don't laugh with her. You are showing her that you love her too much. She will shame you. She will make you serve tea.’ So they just sit stony-faced.” “A man wouldn't like the woman to know how much money he has. If a wife asks her husband to buy something that is needed, like soap or tea, he will ask himself, ‘Now, how did she know that I have money in my pocket?’” On Education “Women who have been educated are respected. A husband knows that she is also an independent person and can do things on her own. The man is scared. He thinks maybe that if he hits her she is free to leave, but an uneducated lady is just forced to stay even if she gets problems in her marriage.” On Female Genital Cutting “Our mothers live with us. They will say it must be done. I can't disagree with my mother regarding my daughter. But for my daughter's daughter, it will change.” “There's the social pressure, even when they are very young. Because it is being done to all her friends in school, she would feel that you are denying her right. “
by Helena Halperin
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Kenya Vocab Day one and two
Kenya Vocabulary Name:____________________
Day 1
New Words:
sojourn homage resounding prostrate trudge
Candy Mountain
One of my favorite things to do, at least once a year in my dreams, is sojourn at the base of Candy Mountain with my friend “Charlie the Unicorn”. Although the path to get there is quite far and I often find myself trudging across the magical bridge, it is well worth the trip. As soon as I can view its sweet deliciousness I pay homage by sacrificing a candy cane. I then prostrate myself before the giant fountain of chocolate. If I am not too full after drinking from in the stream I climb to the gumdrop top and let out a resounding yelp of joy! Candy Mountain! Candy Mountain!
Sample sentences: Try your hand now at using your new words by writing them in their correct form (change endings if necessary) in these sentences:
1. Charlie the unicorn loved to ______________ in the meadow filled with butterflies and daisies.
2. The students paid ___________ to their teacher by always bringing him flowers.
3. After the marathon, we still had to ------_____________ across the parking lot to drive home.
4. The man was lying _______________ before the king as he asked him a favor.
5. The ______________ echo moved through the entire canyon and called all the people out of their houses.
Definitions: Match the new words with their dictionary meanings.
6. sojourn ___ a. respect paid or rendered
7. homage ___ b. a temporary stay
8. resounding ___ c. to walk laboriously or wearily
9. prostrate ___ d. (1)impressively complete (2.) utterly loud
10. trudge ___ e. lying face down on the ground, as in token of humility,
submission, or adoration.
Swahili Lesson
Jambo = Hello
Kwa Heri = Godbye
Kenya Vocabulary Name:____________________
Day 2
New Words:
Bewilder smolder incessant staunch injunction
Kenya Digit!!
Lions!! Need I say more!! Before you hear me incessantly rave about the amazing wildlife Kenya has within its borders, let me tell you more about Kenya’s culture. Home to countless cultures and ethnic groups, Kenya will bewilder and amaze you with the vastness of its diversity. In addition, think of the landscape! Can you imagine sitting beneath a starry sky as dinner smolders in the fire and the sound of elephants resound in the background? As a staunch friend of wildlife, culture, and beauty, I must insist that you visit Kenya. Think of it as an injunction!! Book your plane ticket today.
Sample sentences: Try your hand now at using your new words by writing them in their correct form (change endings if necessary) in these sentences:
1. The confusing math exam left me in a ________________ state.
2. The judge declared an ______________ on the striking airline pilots and forced them to return to work.
3. The student was a _____________ critic of the new no-sugar policy. He protested against it every lunch hour with picket signs.
4. Crickets kept me awake all of last night with their ______________ chirping.
5. The jealous opponent’s anger ______________ all year long as he plotted his revenge.
Definitions: Match the new words with their dictionary meanings.
6. bewilder ___ a. to exist in a suppressed state
7. smolder ___ b. to confuse or puzzle
8. incessant ___ c. strong, steadfast, loyal
9. staunch ___ d. a command or order
10. injunction ___ e. continuing without interruption
Swahili Lesson
Hujambo? How do you do?
Njembe Fine
Day 1
New Words:
sojourn homage resounding prostrate trudge
Candy Mountain
One of my favorite things to do, at least once a year in my dreams, is sojourn at the base of Candy Mountain with my friend “Charlie the Unicorn”. Although the path to get there is quite far and I often find myself trudging across the magical bridge, it is well worth the trip. As soon as I can view its sweet deliciousness I pay homage by sacrificing a candy cane. I then prostrate myself before the giant fountain of chocolate. If I am not too full after drinking from in the stream I climb to the gumdrop top and let out a resounding yelp of joy! Candy Mountain! Candy Mountain!
Sample sentences: Try your hand now at using your new words by writing them in their correct form (change endings if necessary) in these sentences:
1. Charlie the unicorn loved to ______________ in the meadow filled with butterflies and daisies.
2. The students paid ___________ to their teacher by always bringing him flowers.
3. After the marathon, we still had to ------_____________ across the parking lot to drive home.
4. The man was lying _______________ before the king as he asked him a favor.
5. The ______________ echo moved through the entire canyon and called all the people out of their houses.
Definitions: Match the new words with their dictionary meanings.
6. sojourn ___ a. respect paid or rendered
7. homage ___ b. a temporary stay
8. resounding ___ c. to walk laboriously or wearily
9. prostrate ___ d. (1)impressively complete (2.) utterly loud
10. trudge ___ e. lying face down on the ground, as in token of humility,
submission, or adoration.
Swahili Lesson
Jambo = Hello
Kwa Heri = Godbye
Kenya Vocabulary Name:____________________
Day 2
New Words:
Bewilder smolder incessant staunch injunction
Kenya Digit!!
Lions!! Need I say more!! Before you hear me incessantly rave about the amazing wildlife Kenya has within its borders, let me tell you more about Kenya’s culture. Home to countless cultures and ethnic groups, Kenya will bewilder and amaze you with the vastness of its diversity. In addition, think of the landscape! Can you imagine sitting beneath a starry sky as dinner smolders in the fire and the sound of elephants resound in the background? As a staunch friend of wildlife, culture, and beauty, I must insist that you visit Kenya. Think of it as an injunction!! Book your plane ticket today.
Sample sentences: Try your hand now at using your new words by writing them in their correct form (change endings if necessary) in these sentences:
1. The confusing math exam left me in a ________________ state.
2. The judge declared an ______________ on the striking airline pilots and forced them to return to work.
3. The student was a _____________ critic of the new no-sugar policy. He protested against it every lunch hour with picket signs.
4. Crickets kept me awake all of last night with their ______________ chirping.
5. The jealous opponent’s anger ______________ all year long as he plotted his revenge.
Definitions: Match the new words with their dictionary meanings.
6. bewilder ___ a. to exist in a suppressed state
7. smolder ___ b. to confuse or puzzle
8. incessant ___ c. strong, steadfast, loyal
9. staunch ___ d. a command or order
10. injunction ___ e. continuing without interruption
Swahili Lesson
Hujambo? How do you do?
Njembe Fine
Nyambura Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Nyambura
I am the daughter of Joshua. I am quiet and have long dark hair. I want to please my father and believe like he does, but his beliefs are like the white man’s and do not leave room for our tribal traditions. I am close to my younger sister, but I am afraid for her. She is strong-willed and wants things that our father would not approve. Even though my father hates Waiyaki, I am in love with him.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: Your sister is thinking about running away from home because of your strict father. How will he advise her?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Nyambura
I am the daughter of Joshua. I am quiet and have long dark hair. I want to please my father and believe like he does, but his beliefs are like the white man’s and do not leave room for our tribal traditions. I am close to my younger sister, but I am afraid for her. She is strong-willed and wants things that our father would not approve. Even though my father hates Waiyaki, I am in love with him.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: Your sister is thinking about running away from home because of your strict father. How will he advise her?
Muthoni Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Muthoni
I am Joshua’s daughter and the younger sister of Nyambura. I want to be a woman…. a real woman in the ways of our tribe. I have embraced the white man’s faith, but I believe in tribal customs. The white man’s God does not quite satisfy what I believe about the world. I am torn between tradition and Christianity.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: How might you make peace with your desires to embrace both Tribal tradition and Chrisitanity?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Muthoni
I am Joshua’s daughter and the younger sister of Nyambura. I want to be a woman…. a real woman in the ways of our tribe. I have embraced the white man’s faith, but I believe in tribal customs. The white man’s God does not quite satisfy what I believe about the world. I am torn between tradition and Christianity.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: How might you make peace with your desires to embrace both Tribal tradition and Chrisitanity?
Miriamu CHaracter Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Miriamu
I am a peace-loving person. I am trying to be a good obedient Christian wife to Joshua, but he asks me to reject my daughter because he thinks she is following Satan. My heart is breaking. Inside of me, the true Gikuyu woman is sleeping.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: Will you find the courage to stand up to your husband?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Miriamu
I am a peace-loving person. I am trying to be a good obedient Christian wife to Joshua, but he asks me to reject my daughter because he thinks she is following Satan. My heart is breaking. Inside of me, the true Gikuyu woman is sleeping.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: Will you find the courage to stand up to your husband?
Livingston Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Livingstone
I am a white man. I am a missionary. I have brought the word of God to Joshua’s village. I was disgusted by their suggestive dances and traditional rituals. They needed to see the light that Jesus offers them. Joshua now continues to spread the word….he continues my work. I occasionally visit the hills to give new life and energy to my followers.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You have been invited to a tribal ceremony, would you accept the ceremony?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Livingstone
I am a white man. I am a missionary. I have brought the word of God to Joshua’s village. I was disgusted by their suggestive dances and traditional rituals. They needed to see the light that Jesus offers them. Joshua now continues to spread the word….he continues my work. I occasionally visit the hills to give new life and energy to my followers.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You have been invited to a tribal ceremony, would you accept the ceremony?
Kinuthia Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Kinuthia
I am a man with slow and wide eyes, a smooth forehead and big muscles. I live with my uncle in a village beyond the two ridges. My father died when I was very young. I am a friend of Waiyaki and fellow teacher in Waiyaki’s school. I fear for Waiyaki’s safety, but I will try to stand by him.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You have overheard talk that one of the elders wants to hurt your friend Waiyaki. Will you help him?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Kinuthia
I am a man with slow and wide eyes, a smooth forehead and big muscles. I live with my uncle in a village beyond the two ridges. My father died when I was very young. I am a friend of Waiyaki and fellow teacher in Waiyaki’s school. I fear for Waiyaki’s safety, but I will try to stand by him.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You have overheard talk that one of the elders wants to hurt your friend Waiyaki. Will you help him?
Kamau Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Kamau
I am the son of Kabonyi. I am tall and I have an unusually long neck. I grew up to despise Waiyaki. My father believes that I, not Waiyaki, would be the best leader of our people. I want the woman who loves Waiyaki. I will do whatever I must to take her away from him, and I will try to destroy him.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You happen to see Waiyaki and Nyambura making out in the bushes. What will you do?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Kamau
I am the son of Kabonyi. I am tall and I have an unusually long neck. I grew up to despise Waiyaki. My father believes that I, not Waiyaki, would be the best leader of our people. I want the woman who loves Waiyaki. I will do whatever I must to take her away from him, and I will try to destroy him.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You happen to see Waiyaki and Nyambura making out in the bushes. What will you do?
Kabonyi Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Kabonyi
I converted to Christianity. I see Waiyaki as a boy with silly ideas. I broke away from tradition and then changed my mind. I want my son to be a leader more than anything. I am jealous of Waiyaki and the respect he receives from our people. I want that respect. I will rid my tribe of the white man’s ways and restore the purity of wisdom from our old ways.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You want your son to become the next leader of the tribe. Would you go so far as to commit violence to make this happen?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Kabonyi
I converted to Christianity. I see Waiyaki as a boy with silly ideas. I broke away from tradition and then changed my mind. I want my son to be a leader more than anything. I am jealous of Waiyaki and the respect he receives from our people. I want that respect. I will rid my tribe of the white man’s ways and restore the purity of wisdom from our old ways.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: You want your son to become the next leader of the tribe. Would you go so far as to commit violence to make this happen?
Joshua Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Joshua
I am a powerful man. My words are the words of the Christian God. I bring the possibility of salvation to these heathen savages. I carry on the work of God that Livingstone started in my village. I speak in sharp ringing tones of power and knowledge. I was one of the first people of my village to be converted to the new faith when I learned to read and write with the white man’s help. I have realized the ignorance of my people and I feel the depth and darkness in which they live. I love my daughter, Nyambura, but she is pulling away from me.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: There has been a rumor that your daughter has participated in a tribal ceremony. How would you deal with the situation?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Joshua
I am a powerful man. My words are the words of the Christian God. I bring the possibility of salvation to these heathen savages. I carry on the work of God that Livingstone started in my village. I speak in sharp ringing tones of power and knowledge. I was one of the first people of my village to be converted to the new faith when I learned to read and write with the white man’s help. I have realized the ignorance of my people and I feel the depth and darkness in which they live. I love my daughter, Nyambura, but she is pulling away from me.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: There has been a rumor that your daughter has participated in a tribal ceremony. How would you deal with the situation?
Chege Character Sheet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Chege
I am the father of Waiyaki. I am a descendant of our tribal ancestors. It has been my duty to prepare my son for his role as a leader of our people. I am a well-known elder. Some people in my village say I have the gift of magic. Others say that I am a seer of the future. Our tribal god, Murungu, spoke to me in a dream. He told me of the white man and what will come of our people. I will tell what appeared o me in my dream….this is my responsibility and my calling, but the people may not ehar me.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: There is an opening at the new Christian hill school. Will you enroll you son Waiyaki?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Chege
I am the father of Waiyaki. I am a descendant of our tribal ancestors. It has been my duty to prepare my son for his role as a leader of our people. I am a well-known elder. Some people in my village say I have the gift of magic. Others say that I am a seer of the future. Our tribal god, Murungu, spoke to me in a dream. He told me of the white man and what will come of our people. I will tell what appeared o me in my dream….this is my responsibility and my calling, but the people may not ehar me.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: There is an opening at the new Christian hill school. Will you enroll you son Waiyaki?
Waiyaki Character SHeet
Name:________________________
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Waiyaki
I am the main character, and I grow from a boy into a man during this story. I believe I am a chosen leader for my people. They call me “The Teacher”. However, I am torn between the traditional ways of my people and the magic of the white man. My eyes are what I often use instead of words to communicate. Some people have said that I have the eyes of my father….they remain young as I grow older. I am in love with Nyambura, a girl from the village across the river. Her father hates me.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: Nyambura has invited you to a church social. Will you go?
Invitation:
You are invited to a costume tea party next class. We will provide tea and finger food, but you will be the life of the party. Sharpen you acting skills, find a fitting costume if you like, but you must transform into a character from The River Between.
Specific Instructions
1. Know your info
You are to become the character described below. Please know the information about yourself- get into character enough- so that you can mingle with the other characters and share the valuable information. Note: your classmates are depending on you, and only you, for information about this character. You will not be able to read/refer to the information once the party begins.
Waiyaki
I am the main character, and I grow from a boy into a man during this story. I believe I am a chosen leader for my people. They call me “The Teacher”. However, I am torn between the traditional ways of my people and the magic of the white man. My eyes are what I often use instead of words to communicate. Some people have said that I have the eyes of my father….they remain young as I grow older. I am in love with Nyambura, a girl from the village across the river. Her father hates me.
2. Name tag
Please make a name tag that you will wear during the party and turn in afterward. The tag must include your character’s name written clearly and must have a symbol or drawing that represents the character. Bonus points will be awarded if the tag is exceptionally well done.
3. Brief Prediction
As your character, answer the following question on the back of your name tag in a sentence or two-MAX!
Q: Nyambura has invited you to a church social. Will you go?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Kenyan Penpal
Here is a link for penpals. Please try to find someone close to your age. Bring in a copy of you correspondence and you will receive extra credit.
http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/penpals/penpal_ads.php?Pays_Choisi=KEN
http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/penpals/penpal_ads.php?Pays_Choisi=KEN
Peer Edit Australia Essay
PEER EDIT: Writer’s name:________________
Peer Editor Name:_________________________
1. What question is the paper answering? ___________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Does the hook grab the reader’s attention and fit the paper?______________________
3. Write the full thesis here: ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Does the author mention the stories they will be using for support in the introduction and the thesis?_________________________________
5. Is the thesis an opinion that fully answers this question?________________________
6. Does the thesis have a blueprint that outlines the argument? _____________________
7. Please list the three assertions that are in the blueprint:
a)
b)
c)
8. Look at each assertion/ topic sentence. List them each here fully.
a)
b)
c)
9. Does the blueprint follow the order and statements of the assertion statements?_______________. If not, circle the ones that do not fit.
10. Do the assertions clearly connect to the thesis (the main argument)? ___________________________________________
7. Are the assertions opinions that answer the overall question?
#1 yes/ no (explain)
#2 yes/ no (explain)
#3 yes/no (explain)
8. Are there transitions between each paragraph?
9. Does the author use at least two stories to clearly back up their point?
10. Is the argument clearly backed by the facts, examples, and explanations? Write one thing they could add for each assertion.
#1___________________________________________________________________
#2___________________________________________________________________
#3___________________________________________________________________
11. Find one place where the author could have used a quote? List the assertions and how it could be used.
12. Does all the support in each assertion back up the assertion statement?
List any sentences that do not.
13. Does the author use first person (I, you, we)? If yes, how can they change the sentence to take this out?
Peer Editor Name:_________________________
1. What question is the paper answering? ___________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Does the hook grab the reader’s attention and fit the paper?______________________
3. Write the full thesis here: ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Does the author mention the stories they will be using for support in the introduction and the thesis?_________________________________
5. Is the thesis an opinion that fully answers this question?________________________
6. Does the thesis have a blueprint that outlines the argument? _____________________
7. Please list the three assertions that are in the blueprint:
a)
b)
c)
8. Look at each assertion/ topic sentence. List them each here fully.
a)
b)
c)
9. Does the blueprint follow the order and statements of the assertion statements?_______________. If not, circle the ones that do not fit.
10. Do the assertions clearly connect to the thesis (the main argument)? ___________________________________________
7. Are the assertions opinions that answer the overall question?
#1 yes/ no (explain)
#2 yes/ no (explain)
#3 yes/no (explain)
8. Are there transitions between each paragraph?
9. Does the author use at least two stories to clearly back up their point?
10. Is the argument clearly backed by the facts, examples, and explanations? Write one thing they could add for each assertion.
#1___________________________________________________________________
#2___________________________________________________________________
#3___________________________________________________________________
11. Find one place where the author could have used a quote? List the assertions and how it could be used.
12. Does all the support in each assertion back up the assertion statement?
List any sentences that do not.
13. Does the author use first person (I, you, we)? If yes, how can they change the sentence to take this out?
Monday, December 3, 2007
"Enri-Enri" study guide
Global Literature: Australia Name:________________
“Enri- Enri and the Kookaburra”
1. Who is the main character? What was his life like before he came to the outback?
2. What is the symbolic significance of the shedding of the clothes and the watch?
3. What does the main character hope to accomplish there?
4. Why do the aborigines laugh at Henry when they first see him?
5. How does Enri earn his name?
6. Show three ways in which Henry becomes part of the Aboriginal community:
a.
b.
c.
7. The author illustrates two very different lifestyles in this story. What aspects of aboriginal life does the author prefer to Henry’s old life. Explain his reasoning.
8. How comfortable would you be in Enri’s situation? What would you miss about your old life & how would your life improve?
9. List two philosophical (deep questions about life) questions the author poses in this story. Then answer the question from the author’s point of view.
“Enri- Enri and the Kookaburra”
1. Who is the main character? What was his life like before he came to the outback?
2. What is the symbolic significance of the shedding of the clothes and the watch?
3. What does the main character hope to accomplish there?
4. Why do the aborigines laugh at Henry when they first see him?
5. How does Enri earn his name?
6. Show three ways in which Henry becomes part of the Aboriginal community:
a.
b.
c.
7. The author illustrates two very different lifestyles in this story. What aspects of aboriginal life does the author prefer to Henry’s old life. Explain his reasoning.
8. How comfortable would you be in Enri’s situation? What would you miss about your old life & how would your life improve?
9. List two philosophical (deep questions about life) questions the author poses in this story. Then answer the question from the author’s point of view.
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