Welcome: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian Activities Description: In Sherman Alexie's 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' Junior feels like a misfit in the reservation and also at his new white school. But things change. With these activities, you are going to find out how Junior goes "from zero to hero"! You will do background research and assignments and relate your findings about the theme of the book to your class in a group presentation.
For this you are going to read the book "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. You will work in a group doing assignments and preparing for the final presentation.
Group responsibilities:
Team Manager: makes sure the group works well together, that everyone does his/her fair share of the work and at the end fills in the 'Group Evaluation and Reflection Form' on behalf of the whole group. He/she is the only group member who can ask the teacher questions if there are difficulties or queries.
Portfolio Manager: is responsible for the final completion of the (digital) portfolio, which includes all the assignments, and makes sure it is handed in on time.
Presentation Manager: is responsible for the final presentation and makes sure it reflects the group's interpretation of the theme in a creative and effective way.
(Language Monitor: if there is a fourth group member this person is responsible for checking that the written and spoken language used is as fluent and correct as possible.)
Your aim is to discover the theme of the book. The assignments will help you. They are sometimes done individually and sometimes as a group and will include (close) reading and writing, doing research on the Internet, watching YouTube clips, brainstorming and discussing together. Save all the finished assignments in a digital portfolio which you will have to hand in.
Your final task is to present your interpretation of the theme to the rest of the class. You can do this in many different ways, for example: by making a short film, a song or rap, a PowerPoint or poster presentation, a cartoon etc.. Be creative and show your audience what you think the book is about.
Step 1
Form groups of three (with the teacher) and allocate roles.
Go to "Assignment 1" and follow the instructions.
Save the assignment in your group portfolio.
Homework for step 2: finish reading the book, pages 7 - 43.
Step 2
You have read pages 7 - 43.
Open "Assignment 2" and answer the questions.
Save the assignment in your group portfolio.
Homework for step 3: finish reading pages 44 - 98.
Step 3
You have read pages 44 - 98.
Open "Assignment 3" and answer the questions.
Save the assignment in your group portfolio.
Homework for step 4: finish reading pages 99 - 149
Step 4
You have read pages 99 - 149.
Open "Assignment 4" and answer the questions.
Save the assignment in your group portfolio.
Homework for step 5: finish reading pages 150 - 198.
Step 5
You have read pages 150 -198.
Open "Assignment 5" and answer the questions.
Save the assignment in your group portfolio.
Homework for step 6: finish reading pages 199 - 230.
Step 6
You have read p. 199 - 230.
Open "Assignment 6" and answer the questions.
Save the assignment in your group portfolio.
Step 7
Decide with your group how you are going to present your interpretation of the main theme. You can make a short film, a rap or song, a cartoon, a poster, PowerPoint, Prezi or PowToon presentation...
When you give your presentation to the class, you should give a short explanation of the discoveries you made while reading and how you decided on the main theme.
The teacher and your classmates can ask you questions about your presentation.
Afterwards you will hand in your group portfolio.