Text Set on Culture and Conflict
I have created a themed text set on children and cultures in conflict to cricially engage elementary readers. The text set includes children's literature, digital images, video, and articles that suggests a broader definition for what counts as classroom reading material. I invite teachers to consider meshing different types of texts in content areas to provide a broader and more critical perspective for student learning. Text sets not only invite multiple perspectives, but serve as a way to frontload knowledge to develop more proficient comprehension (Bishop, Reyes, Pflaum, 2006). Ways in which texts grouped into sets can work as a tool for building background knowledge and develop vocabulary will be demonstrated. One outcome of the use of text sets is the ability to build deeper meanings as well as increase student motivation to read about a particular topic (Soalt, 2005).
Bishop, Reyes, & Pflaum. (2006). Read Smarter, Not Harder: Global Reading
Soalt, J. (2005). Bringing Together Fictional and Inforamtional Texts to Improve Comprehension. The Reading Teacher, April 2005.
Labels: text set
posted by Tammy Everett @ 8:24 AM
34 Comments:
After reading the Breadwinner, I enjoyed it so much that I had to know what happened next, so I read Parvana's Journey. While I was at the library, I also picked up Mud City, just so I can complete the story.
I think using text sets in order to increase knowledge about a particular topic (in this case, the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan) is very useful. Text sets allow students to gain information about a topic that they might not otherwise learn about. The Taliban probably isn't a topic that would come up at home, for instance. I think when students learn about these kinds of topics it create students that are conscientious and well-rounded.
I too like Laruen loved reading "The Breadwinner"! In fact i went to library and also picked up "Parvana's Journey". I had to know what happened on their journet to find the rest of her family.
Using text sets in this particular area is very needed in order to gain more knowledge of other cultures. As an adult reading this story, i found a lot to be true i didn't know. These books were very educational. It is important for a child to be exposed to other cultures around them. Reading about certain things that are not always talked about helps student's develop that "awareness" and knowledge needed in today's society.
My name is Lindsey Scott. I am the smart one who posted the anonymous post just above this one. I am still learning the technology! I had to create an account first. :)
Tom Ryan
The "Breadwinner" book has a lot to offer young readers in our country. There are obstacles that some families have to take in life. In our country I believe that there is not a lot of knowledge about certain cultures that exist. I believe children need a well rounded understanding of cultures and beliefs that some people groups have.
It is important that children read books where the background and atmosphere is different than that is found in the United States. It is another piece of the puzzle they can fit into their minds on how the world is made up of different people. The world doesn't become a place where an individual lives, but rather a planet where billions live. Instead of an inward focus it can become an outward focus on the world around us.
I just read the books "Breadwinner" and "Parvana's Journey" by Deborah Ellis. While I was reading the first book I could not help but get caught up in Parvana's story and needed to know the rest of it! I believe these texts would be a great way to introduce the Afghanistan culture to our young readers. All we usually see on the news is information about the Taliban and what they are doing but it is rare to hear about what the people of the country are going through. I also believe that this is another way to show our young readers how to have a sense of pride in our country and thankfulness for our military for keeping us safe.
I also read the book the "Breadwinner" I am trying to find "Parvana's Journey" as well because I want to know what happens. I think this book would be good for young readers sixth grade and up. It is a good read to help introduce other cultures to our youth. It is important for kids to understand that there are other cultures in our world and they differ from ours. I also learned a lot about Afghanistan and found that I wanted to learn even more about it because of this book. I hope that if kids read these books it would help to grab their curiosity and push them to explore more about other countries and cultures.
I read the Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey and I agree that reading text sets can improve vocabulary. I found myself understanding more and looking at the glossary less when reading Parvana's Journey. I think these books are great to incorcorate reading into a history lesson, as well as to spark a child's curiosity about happenings around the world.
Jill Maxon
I really enjoyed reading the Bread Winner. I have picked up Parvana's Journey. And just like the others who have commented, I want to know what happens next. I learned a lot, I did not know about the Afghan culture. I think having text sets in the classroom motive students to read more, if they find a book that they are interested in and see that they have more options about the same subject they will be more willing to read. And just like I want to know what is going to happen next if I use text sets in my classroom my students will want to know what happens next too. I want to be the teacher who inspires my students to read now and forever.
I read the "Breadwinner" and "Parvana's Journey" by Deborah Ellis. I agree with all of you above. I am so anxious to know what happens next. Before these books, I also knew nothing about Afghan culture and these books have helped me understand how their culture is so much different than ours. These books would be good to use in middle school and high school classes to teach the kids about different cultures. I know if I were reading this book at that age I would be intrigued and excited to learn ways that I could better their culture and share some of ours with them.
I checked out and read 14 Cows For America. this was the first time I had heard this story and was very moved. I remember clearly huddling around the radio at work listening in disbelief and astonishment of the events of Semptember 11, 2001. The Maasai tribe in Kenya believe giving gifts that are dearest to oneself are the best gifts. They gave 14 cows to America to help heal our grief of September 11th. Fourteen cows to them is millions of dollars to us. It's actually more, because it represents life. This book had many of the same messages of compression, grief and humility of the breadwinner, that crossed over boundaries of time, race and location. These books can connect our children to world views and emotions to help their perspectives and love grow for all humanity. I loved the quote out of the book 14 Cows For America that said, "there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer comfort".
I read Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey. I really enjoyed both. I learnt a lot about the Afgan culture. I learnt a lot about the Taliban, and am anxious to read the next book. It was really informational. I agree that reading text sets increases knowledge and increases vocabulary. I believe these books would be appropriate for middle school and high school, and could be used in a world culture unit.
Just like many others have already mentioned I really did enjoy reading the book "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis. As I read I found myself getting so wrapped up in the story that at times I even cried for Parvana. It saddens me to think that people's lives really are like this. Unfortunately though I know that it is true. No one should have to live in that kind of fear. It made me want to do something for her and her family.
I am looking forward to finishing the other two books in this trilogy as well. As soon as I finished the first one I downloaded the second on to my Kindle and am reading it right now. These books are perhaps the best way for us to really get an image and an idea of what life is like in other cultures. We take it for grated here in the United States and sometimes forget that others do not have the same freedoms that we enjoy. As a future teacher I see how using this book as well as the others in the trilogy could really build on a student's knowledge of other cultures. Hopefully it would even impact them in a way that would make them want to do something about it.
I guess I am one of the many who enjoyed reading "The Breadwinner" so much that I just had to see what happened to Parvana. I continued on with her story by reading "Parvana's Journey". I found myself becoming overwhelmed with how much I felt for her and the people under the Taliban's rule. I was reminded of how much I take for granted and I believe that these stories would be a great teaching tool for students to see how other are forced to live. Textbooks are only a small way that we can teach history, cultures and facts, however I feel that by giving students trade books to read, we can really help place them in what we are trying to teach. We can give students the same feelings about people in Afghanistan that I felt when reading these two stories.
I read The Breadwinner and Pravana's Journey both by Deborah Ellis. I find this culture very interesting, especially knowing I may have students with families from this culture. I think these books will be great trade books to use in a upper elementary classroom or middle school classroom. Teaching students about the different cultures that are out there is great information for them to learn about. It can also make them appreciate the culture we live in today, I know these books really made me appreciate what I have.
I recently had the opportunity to read both The Breadwinner and Pravana's Journey. These books are really eye opening into the lives of families from different cultures. They really help the reader get an idea of the hardships others must endure.
I recently read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. I went to the local library to find Pravana’s Journey, but they did not have it. I was anxious to hear what her next journey entailed. Instead I read The Library of Basra: A True Story from Iraq. It was about a lady that worked at the library and had a deep love for her books. She got word about a possible bombing, and was worried about her books. Eventually she loaded up all of her books and moved them to keep them safe. Her love for books reminded me of Pravana’s love for her father’s books. When the Taliban raided her house, she tried to distract them so they wouldn’t find the books and destroy them. Pravana loved the escape that the books gave her, and loved the knowledge she gained from them. Text sets on culture and conflict are a wonderful way to teach students a theme. They keep the students interested and motivated to keep learning. They provide students with the back ground knowledge they need to get a clearer picture so they can learn the most they can.
I too, recently read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. The story inspired a young adult like myself to see such a young child grow up as quickly as Parvana did. I loved her never-ending dedication to her "new" life as a boy to keep her family together during the absence of her father. I honestly don't know which character I would relate to if I was to be in a similar situation. The book had me thinking, would I be the depressed mother and be another reliability? Would I be the "negative nancy" Nooria doing the easy work and griping about it? Would I be the family friend that would whip the family into shape and try to make a difference? Hopefully I would be the young and brave Parvana, r ready to face the cruel hard world outside that little room, and put my fears and memories of the good past to the side, to step out the door each morning with just a few dollars in my pocket and a string of hope?
I too, recently read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. The story inspired a young adult like myself to see such a young child grow up as quickly as Parvana did. I loved her never-ending dedication to her "new" life as a boy to keep her family together during the absence of her father. I honestly don't know which character I would relate to if I was to be in a similar situation. The book had me thinking, would I be the depressed mother and be another reliability? Would I be the "negative nancy" Nooria doing the easy work and griping about it? Would I be the family friend that would whip the family into shape and try to make a difference? Hopefully I would be the young and brave Parvana, r ready to face the cruel hard world outside that little room, and put my fears and memories of the good past to the side, to step out the door each morning with just a few dollars in my pocket and a string of hope?
I really enjoyed this post about text sets! I was unfamiliar with that phrase before now. I find them to be tools that I will use in my classroom. It will be fun & interesting to group books by topic so that students will have a "mini library" in my classroom about one certain topic.
The only books in the Lamoni library that were on that list were the Deborah Ellis books. Since I'd just read The Breadwinner, I really wanted to find something else from a different author, so I found Behind the Burqa: Our Life in Afghanistan and How We Escaped to Freedom. I found that it conflicted with the message in The Breadwinner, where Taliban soldiers forced their way into Parvana's home to take her dad for what seemed like no reason. In Behind the Burqa, they say that Taliban forces are not just randomly breaking into houses and killing people.... "If we keep all the rules, then we will be safe." It was gut-wrenching to read about the regular abuse of and complete lack of regard for women in the Afghan culture but this story of two strong sisters who fled two different regimes during two different time periods is inspiring and it gave me a great glimpse into their former lives.
~Tracy Martin
I am Robin Jett.
I have recently read The Breadwinner and Pravana’s Journey. I really enjoyed both books. I liked the way it allowed me to really see what life is like in that culture for children and women. It is something that I have known but something that you don't often think about or take to heart that this is really happening. I think the books did a great job of really drawing me in and keeping me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Holly Teubel
I have read The Breadwinner and Fireboat. They were two books that really intrigued me. It makes me want to read farther and see what happens in the rest of The Breadwinner trilogy and read more about the John J. Harvey Fireboat. Both books take you on a journey of two very different places and how people have lived through the hard times in their lives. What really pulled me in to read Fireboat was the beautifully painted illustrations. They help make history of this little fireboat come to life.
The owners decide that the boat is no longer useful but someone comes along to buy the boat and fixes it up. The story leads into the events of September 11, 2001. The story tells us what each crew member was doing at the time of the attack. This is something they will never forget. Anyone who was old enough at the time will always remember where they were and what they were doing when they found out about the horrific events of that day. I will alway remember, I was in 8th grade going to my second hour English class when everyone turned on their televisions. We watched history be made just the same as the John J. Harvey Fireboat did.
We can see on the t.v. about the horrible things that are going on in Afghanistan and read about it in the history books. We can re-watch the news coverage and read books about the attacks of September 11. However we aren't living in Afghanistan and we weren't there in New York City. These two books can put us as readers and the children in those places in our minds.
After reading the Breadwinner, I, like many of you, just HAD to know what happened next & read "Parvana's Journey." I did not see Mud City, but will have to make a trip back very soon!
I think text sets are essential to learning. Not only does it increase comprehension of the subject or theme you are teaching, it broadens children's conception of how knowledge is obtained. Students often time think learning only comes from teachers and text books, but learning comes from EVERYWHERE - it can even come from a child your age - how cool is that??
I learned so much from these two books - it increased my knowledge of struggle in other countries, intrigued my interest of life in other countries & smothered a bit of my sheltered ignorance on the topic. If I can learn THIS much from children's books at 23, imagine the possibilities for a 5th grader - endless!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
I also just finished reading The Breadwinner and was motivated to continue reading this trilogy. I chose to read Mud City to find out what happened to Shauzia. (Actually I purchased it so that my children can read this book as well.) As I read Mud City I learned more about the Afghan people, lost children, and what life is like in refugee camps. Once again I read about terrible circumstances that no human, especially a child, should ever have to go through. At one point Shauzia is rescued by an American family, later to be returned to the refugee camp.
Like texts sets are intended to, each book broadened my own horizons and understandind. What a wonderful way to make students of all ages genuinely interested in a topic! I can see that the sky is the limit using text sets. After I finsished the last book I started thinking of all of the possibilites for activities that could be combined with using text sets for an even more meaningful learning experience.
When I read the last page of The Breadwinner, my mind began to fill with question upon question about Parvana and how her journey would end. Thankfully, I found Parvana's Journey to feed my curiosity and I will soon begin Mud Run. This series provides a different perspective, one that is much different than our media portrays. This story allows us a glimpse into possible real life events for people living under Taliban control.
I think that providing our students with text sets, such as this one, allows them the opportunity to explore topics in a variety of ways. I also think it is important when building classroom text sets that we provide a variety of reading levels so that all student share the same opportunity to explore the topics on their own level. I can see myself introducing text sets one at a time (while the topic is being introduced) so that the students will become interested and engaged in the different topics presented.
I recently also finished and enjoyed the Breadwinner. What an amazing and powerful story. I think that the author does a remarkable job of sharing the story in a way that you want to continue reading the next in the set. You are left wondering what will become of Parvana's life and the lives of her family members so I too will be reading the other stories. I feel that sets like this one are a necessity in building a desire in our students to want to learn more and to become interested and learn about cultures and the different ways of the world. Stories like this provide a way for us as teachers to paint a picture for our students that the media and other outlets do not share thus leaving no connection to compassion or desire to learn more about the reality of what goes on in the daily life under Taliban control.
I have read both The Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey by Deborah Ellis. I really believe that these books do increase student motivation to read about this topic. Not only do they the stories tell about a child that draws them in, they also learn what it is like in the war torn nations like Afghanistan. These books are not only entertaining to children, but they are eye opening. I plan to read Mud Run soon because I have to see how Parvana's story continues!
Just like everyone else - I read the Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey. I was so disappointed when The Breadwinner was over and needed resolution!!
I love text sets in the classroom and utilizing them as a means to bring the world in for the children. As someone stated above, the living conditions in Afghanistan are not something that naturally come up in the classroom setting (or probably at home) so it is necessary to force the topic into conversation so the students are aware and are learning about other societies in the world.
When I was reading The Breadwinner I found myself in the back, looking up certain items in the glossary. I think that using this allows us to ensure our understanding, along with our students understanding, of what their culture is about. I believe that this book allowed for an opening of information that will help bridge that gap of ignorance that seems to reign down on our society when it comes to different cultures. This set of books allows us to open the door of education on the world that is surrounding our students. The Breadwinner did a great job of educating while opening a door to intrigue that I will want my students to hold.
I just finished reading "The Bread Winner" and "14 Cows for America". I really liked your idea of text sets to "immerse" the student in a subject. A subject like cultural difference and war is hard to convey because we live in a peaceful country. I think this is a very effective method and I will definitely use it in my classroom! Both books affected me in different ways. The Bread Winner opened my eyes to the real suffering of the Afghan women under the Taliban. I knew they had to cover up and wear burqas but I did not know the extent of the persecution. 14 Cows for America touched me in a different way. To think that a poor (by our standards) tribe was willing to give such a precious gift to help our country after 911 was very eye opening.
I also read Breadwinner and then the same had to continue reading Parvana's Journey. I think text sets are a great thing to use in the classroom, with the background knowledge that you can get from these two text and looking forward to the third it is amazing at what all the students can learn and enjoy reading at the same time..
Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey opens your eyes to what is going on in Afghanistan and the journey for women and men...
I have recently read the Breadwinner and found it to be a great teaching tool. This book can make student aware of new cultures and ways of life. It shows them that just the way they are and how they live is not the same as everyone. What may be a norm for one culture can be strange to another and visa versa. I would defiantly use these text sets in a classroom.
I recently read The Breadwinner. I feel that this book is a great teaching tool that I definitely want to incorporate into my future classroom. This book is a great book to help teach kids how to find their inner-strength and do what it needed to survive. I think it is important to expose kids to the outside world and teach them about other countries that are not able to live as ‘well-off’ as we do here in America. I believe that it is adamant to expose our kids to poverty and teach them to appreciate the many amenities that they have. This particular text is one that can inspire people of all ages - I know I felt inspired after reading it, and I know my students will as well!
~Sarah Boyer
I recently read The Breadwinner as well! I enjoyed the book for many reasons but most importantly because of the lesson it taught on bravery, perseverance and strength. I will have this book in my classroom library for my students to access because of it's great message, and not to mention it's a pretty easy read! It shows that family support means a lot and is an unbreakable bond so that can help make even the toughest times easier. It is an eye opener for students to experience a glimpse of other children's childhood and see that they are capable of doing anything they set their minds to! It's an inspirational read for all!
-Alexandria Hazelrigg-Zey
After reading The Breadwinner, I thought of so many ways I could incorporate this book into content areas. Textbooks are a thing of the past! As teachers we need to provide our students with a variety of readings and learning styles. The last class I had was Reading in the Content Area and we learned all about text sets and new ways to teach in content areas. I hope to take books like The Breadwinner and use them in my own classroom for other ways to teach in content areas.
Megan Buck
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