by Lorraine Adams
Le corbeau est un livre d’images qui représente le corbeau dans notre environnement, sur de nombreux objets autochtones et finalement dans une photo de l’oiseau même. L’histoire nous demande aussi d’identifier les parties du corps de l’oiseau.
Strategies/Skills Used
Reading Strategy 6: Connect what you read with what you already know.
Writing Skill 2: I organize my ideas based on my purpose for writing.
Writing Skill 4: I write so my thoughts flow smoothly and are easy to read.
TEACHING THE ACTIVITY: PRE-READING
(1) Write the following question on the board: “Où aimes-tu jouer avec tes amis?”
(2) Write the three following responses in three columns under this question: dehors sur l’herbe/à l’intérieur sur une couverture/dans l’eau.
(3) Have students write their name under the response to the question that appeals to them the most.
(4) View the tally of responses as a class.
TEACHING THE ACTIVITY: DURING READING
(5) Use the Story Cycles strategy and Graphic Organizer to record ideas.
(6) Read the story aloud. As you read the book, write or draw in the circle story chart in step (1) some of the places where the raven sits.
TEACHING THE ACTIVITY: POST-READING
(7) Cut out enough raven pictures for each student in your class.
(8) Hand out a raven picture to several students. Have these student volunteers put their raven somewhere in the classroom. Have them share with the class where they put their raven, using this frame: “Mon corbeau est sur __________________.” (un livre) (un placard)
(9) Take your class outside and have all students bring their raven pictures. Have your students put their raven pictures in various places outside. Have several students share where they placed their ravens, using the frame: “Mon corbeau est sur ___________________.” (une roche) (un banc)
(10) Bring your students back to the classroom with their raven pictures. Gather your class in a circle and have students share where they placed their raven outside. On a chart, record students’ shared responses. For example, “Mon corbeau est sur ma chaise,” “Mon corbeau est sur une branche.”
(11) Draw a big picture of a raven on the chart using the image provided. Label its parts together with the students: sa tête, son aile, son oeil, son bec.
(12) Explain to students that they will be making a class book using their ideas for their raven. Have each student write the place where their raven sits and which part of its body they see. Lastly, have them draw and colour the place where the raven sits, on the page provided. “Mon corbeau est sur la branche.” “Vois tu son aile?” (Students draw and colour the branch.)
(13) Compile all the pages in a book and read the class book to students.
TEACHING THE ACTIVITY: POST-READING EXTENSION
(14) Have students play a math game with their raven pictures. They can count, add or subtract ravens with a partner.
(15) Discuss with your students the role of the raven in First Nations communities. Visit the website Spirits of the West Coast for more information.