Guided_Practice_Activity

Guided Practice 4.1 A2: The Mole - A Think Aloud Exercise

Instructions

Read the following questions aloud, and write a response for each. Read aloud the answers provided. Repeating information aloud, especially numerous times, can help you remember and retain information!

1. Why is it unusual for a tiny mole to be a hero?

**Answer**
Usually when we think of heroes we think of people who overcome challenges and obstacles by being very smart or very strong. However, in this case, the mole is most admired because he is always "in touch with mother earth," and that is how he "gets wise."

2. How is the story structure of The Mole different from Greek and many modern stories?

**Answer**
The Mole doesn't seem to have a formal plotline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Instead, the story simply explains why and how the mole is the most respected warrior in the animal kingdom.

3. What lesson can a reader take from this story?

**Answer**
The reader can take from this story that wisdom can be gained through being in touch with mother earth and your feelings.

4. How does listening to The Mole orally, rather than reading it, help you to better connect to this tribal story?

**Answer**
Listening to the story helps the audience connect to the oral culture associated with tribal narratives. Hearing the story in the vernacular of the storyteller gives the story an authentic and informal tone. Other answers may be correct.

Discussion Prompt

Discuss and consider the following questions: Do we have the attention span to sit and listen to a story, or are we TV and computer screen addicts? Oral language was very important to many cultures historically; in what ways is storytelling still important today?

Guidelines for contribution:

Outline your opinion of the modern person's attention span. Then describe two examples of how story telling is still important.

Complete Section Assignment 4.1A: Comparing Traditions.