International Children’s Digital Library
http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
Review the online Jamaican book you read with your partner and engage in a blog discussion
Blog Partner Discussion #1:
http://jamaicablogpartners.blogspot.com/
Please discuss:
1. Your personal response to the book
2. Evaluate it in terms of its genre
3. Evaluate its literary quality
4. Discuss for whom the book is intended and the ways in which it might be used in the classroom
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hello Brenda, are you ready for this intellectual discussion? Hope you are because I am ready to start.
ReplyDeleteSweet Sweet Mango Tree is the name of the book that we are about to evaluate. I propose we discuss the plot first. In summary, the plot tells the story of two men, Ben and an old man. The old man was genuinely in need of food for he and his children while Ben was lazy and greedy. He saw an opportunity in which he could obtain food, money without even working a muscle. He exploited this opportunity and in the end was punished for his blatant greed and dishonesty. What do you think about this book?
ReplyDeleteI love this story particularly because of the message conveyed and especially for the fact that it is intended for young children who need a little guidance as to what is acceptable and ahwat is not. I am happy to know that Ben was taught that his behaviour was rather disgusting and was not tolerated. I felt no pity for him. I think he got what he justly deserved. don't you think so?
ReplyDeleteThe story is quite simple and every child can understand the plot.At the same time it teaches a valuable lesson.Ben learnt the hard way that it does not pay to be greedy.
ReplyDeleteDo you think the children will identify with this story? I think so because greed is something that is wrapped up in the human nature. Besides,this story represents modern fantasy. Children love this genre. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThey will love it and they will also relate to it.Most persons would to get something for nothing. Have you ever seen children fighting for something they found? They think they have a right to same.
ReplyDeleteIn modern fantasy anything is possible. In this story there is this tree which answers to requests. For this plot to succeed, the children will no doubt suspend their disbelief of the plot. The tree gave money, food kind etc, so it was in keeping with the convention of fantasy. The children would be intregued. What about the characters? Compare/contrast Ben and the old man
ReplyDeleteThe children can relate to both Ben and the old man. They will differ in their reaction to each though and this will lead to much discussion. Some may argue that the things were free so there was no reason why Ben should not enjoy the freeness.
ReplyDeleteThe characters' actions are consistent with trait. Moral issues surface and here we see that the old man in the story though in need was wise enough to make his request honestly. In contrast, Ben who was younger was not wise. In fact, he was deceptive as well as dishonest. He did not have a genuine need and he sat as devized ways in which he could get money without working for it and if that was not bad enough, he tried to make a profit from the things/money he got from the tree. Even the tree realized that Ben was a bad person. He did not say thank you to the tree. He did not care about moral issues. What about the theme?
ReplyDeleteI think the theme has to do with dishonesty and ingratitude and their effects. The story is such that the chn can relate and even if initially they did not look beyond the surface this can be brought out through discussion.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely the theme has to be highlighted. The theme in this story is moralistic. There was punishment for greed and Ben was the recepient of this punishment. There was no mercy for him as he was completely ignored by the old man. Ben partially destroyed the tree which is the source of help and for this he was not spared.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you think of the language and style of the story.
The book is quite simple and suitable for children in grades 2-4, ie. 8-10 years old. The language is simple with no challenging vocabulary. There is some repitition which children always enjoy.
ReplyDeleteChildren will be able to read this story without adult assistance.
I quite agree with you about language and style but I was looking for cultural information. This is supposed to be a Jamaican story but there is little to identify with the culture, not one word or phrase. The setting was just in the bush. I think more could be incorporated.
ReplyDeleteThat's true but maybe it was done that way because of the age group for it was intended.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are colourful and attractive but not really realistic. Children who like to draw may want to produce other related art work.
This story is a relatively good one for classroom instruction. The classroom teacher could try to incorporate dramatization, discussion, writing and listening activities. For example, children could be asked to role play the events in the story, they could be engaged in a discussion/ debate on moral issues in the story, could be asked to write a letter to Ben explaining to him the evil in his actions etc. I am sure the children will benefit from these activities.
ReplyDelete