Thanks for the link, PMo. I read the article and remember discussions
just like that when I was at UCLA eons ago. Fortunately, one of the
themes I wrote down for continuing discussion in the text is
stereotyping: race, gender, age. Perhaps I've been the PC route too
long and have become jaded, but I think the "problems" in the text will
be obvious to these Northern California 5th graders and our discussion
will only enhance their cultural awareness and sensitivity. And, in
truth, I think we need to be careful distinguishing between PC and
historical accuracy.
Just my thoughts,
Judy

On 7/02/09, PMo wrote:
> There's an organization that I have completely forgotten but will
> try to remember that does a great analysis of Nat.American
> literature in the classroom. I've used Children of the Longhouse
> with more success than "Sign of the Beaver", though there are
> interesting points mentioned in the linked article that could be
> used in classroom discussions of the novel.
>
> On the Spinelli front, I love "The Library Card" as a read-aloud,
> especially the first story, at beginning of the year, to talk about
> our joint experiences with books, libraries, etc..
>
> LOVE Hatchet; some students had trouble with Elijah of Buxton -
> though many loved it, along with Chasing Vermeer (great tie-in with
> pentominoes, puzzles, and visualization).
>
> Ooops -- couldn't post the link above, will try here
>
>
> http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.b
> logspot.com/2007/04/more-on-sign-of-beaver-below-is-essay.html

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