These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the book.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

What qualities make a great teacher? How do teachers make students feel safe and welcome to learn? On the other hand, what are some things that teachers do that make students feel unwelcome?

Teaching Suggestion: This question can help students get ready to encounter the Raven, and to see Olemaun’s expectations dashed by the reality of residential schools. Students may or may not feel comfortable responding to this prompt in a whole-class exchange, but guiding the discussion toward compare and contrast will be helpful for some writing and short answer questions.

Personal Response Prompt

What is the purpose of education?

Teaching Suggestion: Answering this question will prime students to discuss and analyze The Intimate and Impersonal Dimensions of Colonialism and its impacts on education. This question is purposefully vague and broad as a setup for the post-reading activity (see “Activities”) that requires students to contrast what they are told about the purpose of education with what they believe about education in order to form a personal philosophy of education.