April 26, 2010

Housekeeping

• Exams

• Text: “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”

Possessive Pronouns, p. 480-481

Possessive pronouns show ownership.

[Review the list on p.480.]

Ex: That is my book.

Ex: She forgot her bag.

Ex: The dog wagged its tail.

Possessive Pronouns, p. 480-481

Possessive pronouns never use apostrophes.

NOT: That book is her’s. x

BUT: That book is hers. and

NOT: The dog wagged it’s tail. x [it’s = it is]

BUT: The dog wagged its tail.

Activity 2, p. 481

Find the incorrect pronoun and write down the correct one, as in the example.1. its2.theirs3. ours4. hers5. yours

Demonstrative Pronouns, p. 481-482

These types of pronouns point out people or things.• this, these [use for things that are close by]• that, those [use for things farther away]

Ex: That exam (last week) was difficult, but this exam (today) will be easier.

orEx: These flowers on our table are beautiful; those

over at the next table are dried out.

Demonstrative Pronouns, p. 481-482

Do not use the following slang forms for pointing out:

• them

• this here

• that there

• those there

Activity 3, p. 482

Write the correct pronoun on your own paper.1. This2. These3. These/Those 4. That5. These/Those

Review Test, p. 482• Do the review test now. It reviews subject and

object pronouns too, so you may need to review those pages to refresh your memory.

• Write the correct word on your paper.1. him2. hers3. me4. those5. me

Review Test, p. 482

6. she7. That 8. her9. theirs10.he

BREAK

Novel – Introductory Activities

What are some assumptions or stereotypes people have (or have had) about you based on your race, nationality or other characteristics? Write your thoughts in a sentence or two.

Some definitions

• Assumption: A judgement about someone or something made without knowledge.

• Stereotype: A commonly held oversimplified judgment or bias of a person or group.

Novel – Introductory Activities

Stereotypes might have a small seed of truth to them, but they are not the whole truth and they blind us to each individual’s uniqueness.

Novel – Introductory Activities

Look at the front cover of the novel. Based on the text and illustrations, what do you think it might be about? Discuss with your neighbour.

Novel – Introductory Activities

“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”

Images = toy cowboy and indian

Novel – Introductory Activities

What do you “know” about North American Indians (Aboriginals)? (Student responses below)Aboriginals came to north america from russia; then with people came from Europe and forced Aboriginals off land.Connected to the earth and the land.Been abused by European people who came to their land.Aboriginal people have their own culture

Student responses (Cont’d.)

• Some people are interested in Aboriginal spirituality

• Lost their culture and language and are trying to keep it

• Live in countryside, farm; some live in cities – Vancouver’s east side

• Have their own benefits• In USA still a strong group fighting for their rights

(Lakota). Canadian aboriginals are more quiet.

Introduction to the Novel

• This novel contains a bit of mature subject matter, including: – some swearing– mild references to sex and sexual activities

• The author’s decision to include these things is not gratuitous; it is to make the character and story authentic.

Some definitions

• Gratuitous (adj.): done for no reason other than entertainment or shock value

• Authentic (adj.): not fake; real, genuine

• Authenticity (n.): the quality of being real

Homework

• Continue reading novel to p. 54 (by Monday)• Make notes on the following (for discussion

and future assignments)– new or interesting vocabulary– what the main character says and how he says it– key events – metaphors or similes

• Be prepared for a short comprehension quiz on Monday (5-10 marks).