Post by blackcrowheart on Oct 15, 2006 18:50:26 GMT -5
Author introduces students to American Indian stories, culture
By:Mike Cummings, Journal Inquirer
10/12/2006
ENFIELD - Joseph Bruchac, an Abenaki Indian and children's author, had some sound advice for the young students seated before him Wednesday in the library of Henry Barnard Elementary School.
He reminded the students, who ranged from kindergarten to second grade, that people have two ears and one mouth.
"That means you should listen twice as much as you talk," Bruchac said.
The students had little difficulty following his advice over the course of the next hour as Bruchac introduced them to American Indian stories and traditions.
Bruchac, who lives in Greenfield Center, N.Y., has written more than 70 books, including many children's books with Indian culture-related themes.
He spent the entire day at the school, performing for three large groups of students. At noon, students performed one of his plays based on a traditional Abenaki tale.
Bruchac regaled the youngest students with Indian fables, including a tale of how the chipmunk got its stripes that involved a bear, a brown squirrel, and a challenge to stop the sunrise.
He also sang a traditional welcoming song from the Iroquois tribe and played other tunes on a pair of wooden Indian flutes and a drum.
Henry Barnard's Parent Teacher Organization sponsored the visit, which cost $1,800.
A $1,000 grant from the Target Corporation partly paid Bruchac's fee. The PTO covered the rest.
Rhonda Guhne, the school's library aide, coordinated the visit, arranging various Indian-themed projects for students of all grade levels.
Students completed Indian weaving, beading, and egg-art projects. Samples of the artwork decorated the school's halls.
After his performance, Bruchac asked his audience if there were any questions. Dozens of little hands shot into the air.
A student asked if he has a favorite book.
"I love to read," he said. "I finish reading at least one book everyday. The more you read, the better you get at reading.
"I love reading because it takes you many, many places that your imagination can follow," he said. "I love stories that make me think about the world around me."
He concluded the assembly by teaching the students a friendship dance, which everyone, teachers included, seemed to enjoy.
By:Mike Cummings, Journal Inquirer
10/12/2006
ENFIELD - Joseph Bruchac, an Abenaki Indian and children's author, had some sound advice for the young students seated before him Wednesday in the library of Henry Barnard Elementary School.
He reminded the students, who ranged from kindergarten to second grade, that people have two ears and one mouth.
"That means you should listen twice as much as you talk," Bruchac said.
The students had little difficulty following his advice over the course of the next hour as Bruchac introduced them to American Indian stories and traditions.
Bruchac, who lives in Greenfield Center, N.Y., has written more than 70 books, including many children's books with Indian culture-related themes.
He spent the entire day at the school, performing for three large groups of students. At noon, students performed one of his plays based on a traditional Abenaki tale.
Bruchac regaled the youngest students with Indian fables, including a tale of how the chipmunk got its stripes that involved a bear, a brown squirrel, and a challenge to stop the sunrise.
He also sang a traditional welcoming song from the Iroquois tribe and played other tunes on a pair of wooden Indian flutes and a drum.
Henry Barnard's Parent Teacher Organization sponsored the visit, which cost $1,800.
A $1,000 grant from the Target Corporation partly paid Bruchac's fee. The PTO covered the rest.
Rhonda Guhne, the school's library aide, coordinated the visit, arranging various Indian-themed projects for students of all grade levels.
Students completed Indian weaving, beading, and egg-art projects. Samples of the artwork decorated the school's halls.
After his performance, Bruchac asked his audience if there were any questions. Dozens of little hands shot into the air.
A student asked if he has a favorite book.
"I love to read," he said. "I finish reading at least one book everyday. The more you read, the better you get at reading.
"I love reading because it takes you many, many places that your imagination can follow," he said. "I love stories that make me think about the world around me."
He concluded the assembly by teaching the students a friendship dance, which everyone, teachers included, seemed to enjoy.