Earth Magic, Sky Magic: Native American Stories (Cambridge Reading)
Cambridge reading Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
In 'Earth Magic, Sky Magic,' readers explore 18 Native American tales filled with fantastical elements such as talking animals, shape-changing tricks, and mystical adventures. Characters like Old Man Coyote and wise Spider Woman bring humor and wisdom to the stories, engaging children's imaginations. This book is part of Extended Reading Level A, aimed at Year 5/Primary 6 students, and helps develop their language skills and motivation for reading through captivating short stories. Throughout these tales, readers can meet the Sun, travel to the Moon, and fly with the Thunders, experiencing strange adventures that set their imaginations spinning. The book serves to enrich children's knowledge about language, its vocabulary, forms, structures, and styles, while providing good examples of the short story form.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
95 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you feel when you read about the different Native American stories and their traditions?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do you think the characters' experiences in the stories compare to our lives today?
What lessons can we learn from these stories about respecting nature and other people?
Can you think of a way to incorporate some of the traditions you read about into our daily life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their understanding and personal reflections. Highlight the cultural significance and moral lessons presented in the stories, relating them to modern-day situations to make them more relatable. Emphasize the respect for nature and diverse cultures discussed in the book, encouraging open-mindedness and empathy. Finally, consider creating a family activity related to one of the stories, like a craft or a nature walk, to make the reading experience interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The stories in 'Earth Magic, Sky Magic' often depict Native American characters interacting harmoniously with the environment, showcasing a deep respect for nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take care of their natural surroundings, practicing recycling and conservation in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and bravery
Explanation: Several tales in this collection emphasize the virtues of courage and bravery as characters confront challenges or adversaries.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and cooperation
Explanation: The stories highlight how characters work together or seek advice from elders, illustrating strong community bonds and cooperative spirit.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value teamwork, participate in group activities, and respect the wisdom of elders in their families and communities.
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity and culture
Explanation: By exploring tales from various Native American tribes, the book provides a window into different cultural practices and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity and empathy towards people from different backgrounds in their school and neighborhood.