The
book I chose: Anansi the Spider, A tale from the Ashanti. Adapted and
illustrated by Gerald McDermott. This is an African story from Ghana, Africa.
This story was passed on through the tribe, Ashanti for years and years. The
book describes Anansi as, “Anansi is a folk-hero to the Ashanti. This funny
fellow is a rogue, a wise and loveable trickster. He is a shrewd and cunning
figure who triumphs over larger foes. An animal with human qualities, Anansi is
a mischief maker. He tumbles into many troubles” (prologue).
Quality
Criteria for Folklore: The story has rhythms throughout the book with colourful
art describing his adventures. The cultural integrity I feel is incorporated
into the story because of the geometric figures all around and the art is
typical of African art. The story discusses several universal themes – in regards
of the Six Elements of Social Justice.
I
picked Element Two: Respect for Others. The story shows how the sons rescued
their father from trouble. However, they lacked respect when they argued over
who should deserve the prize of the Beautiful Globe of White Light. This
displays what kind of respect we should have for one other.
I
will use this book in the classroom, at the very beginning of school year and
probably re-use it again throughout the year to discuss respect. Respect for
their peers and see how effective the attitude will turn out. I want to show the
comparisons between this and American folklore that has been passed for
generations.
I think this book would also be helpful in social studies or art class, as part of a unit on Africa/African art. It would be a great introduction to helping students see that African cultures share some similarities, but are also distinct from each other. I think highlighting the lack of respect the characters show each other is important though, and a good way to show students how /not/ to behave.
ReplyDeleteThis book seems like it would also be great for a larger unit project. In the classroom, you could possibly use this book to lead an art project as well as have the students write down their own passed down stories from their families or friends.
ReplyDeleteI loved this cover , it is colorful and has a different geometric design . To start teaching about to respect to others in classroom is a great idea to do grow up the knowledge and values
ReplyDeleteI loved this cover , it is colorful and has a different geometric design . To start teaching about to respect to others in classroom is a great idea to do grow up the knowledge and values
ReplyDelete