BEFORE READING STRATEGIES
What do you notice when you are looking at the text features of your book?
Features:
- The front cover has a dramatic image, maybe it shows fire or nature.
- The title is "Fire Song," which sounds interesting and powerful.
- The author's name, Adam Garnet Jones, is on the cover, and I see it also includes "a novel."
- The back cover has a short description that makes me curious about the story.
What they might mean:
- The dramatic image could suggest themes of passion or struggle.
- The title might relate to music, culture, or emotional expression.
- Knowing the author’s name could help me connect with their previous works if I know them.
- The description on the back gives a hint about the main idea and draws me in.
Background Knowledge - what do you know based on the title, synopsis on the back of the book, author, or any other features?
I don't know much about Adam Garnet Jones, but I think he might write about Indigenous experiences or themes since the title and cover suggest this. The title makes me think the book can have strong feelings or important messages.
What predictions do you have for what the book is going to be about?
I think the book might be about a person's journey dealing with their identity or culture. There might be issues related to Indigenous experiences, family, and maybe challenges or conflicts.
DURING READING STRATEGIES
I read until the page…
[TYPE PAGE NUMBER HERE]
OBSERVE AND INFER
Who are the characters?
I noticed a main character (maybe a young person) who is trying to find their place. There might be friends or family members who influence their story.
What do we know about their identities so far?
The main character seems to have a connection to Indigenous culture. They may be struggling with their cultural identity and how to express it.
What is the setting?
The setting seems to be a community with Indigenous influences. It might be in a small town or near nature, which is important for their culture.
What has happened in the plot so far?
So far, the character is facing some personal challenges. There are hints about family issues and cultural expectations.
What have you noticed about how the story (or information) is communicated so far?
The story uses descriptive language that helps me feel what the characters feel. There are emotions and connections to culture throughout the pages.
PREDICT
What do you predict will happen next?
I think the character will have to make important decisions about their identity and may face conflicts with those around them. There could be a significant event that causes them to change or grow.
ASK QUESTIONS
What am I wondering about the text so far? What information is missing?
I am wondering more about the main character’s family background. What specific challenges will they face? How will the culture affect their choices?
CONNECT
Which Indigenous topics/issues have I noticed in the book so far?
I notice themes of identity, culture, and possibly the impact of colonial history on Indigenous peoples.
How do they connect to our world/present day?
These issues are very relevant today. Many Indigenous people are still fighting for recognition and rights, and identity struggles are common for many young people.
What are some of the big ideas (themes) that you see emerging so far?
Some big ideas might include identity, belonging, family dynamics, and the connection to culture and nature.
VOCABULARY
What words are new to me?
- Cultural Identity - Understanding and connecting to your own culture.
- Colonialism - The control or governing of one nation by another, often causing harm to the colonized.
- Struggle - A challenging situation or fight to achieve something.
- Belonging - A feeling of being accepted or included in a group.
I will look up these words to understand them better and help with my reading.
1 answer