Teaching materials for this text pairing include pre- and post-reading prompts, short answer questions, activities, and essay topics that can be used before or after students’ independent or group reading of the texts. The materials are designed to heighten engagement with each text while deepening understanding of common themes. Use the writing options in lessons to create opportunities for finding evidence and support in the texts, employing critical thinking skills, and practicing test-taking skills. 

These materials can be utilized as a basis for lesson planning and unit design, class discussion, Entrance and Exit “tickets,” small group seminars, and writing activity ideas. Fulfill requirements for IEP/GIEP learners, early finishers, independent study, varied learning styles, and more.

1. "Lullaby"  by Leslie Marmon Silko (short story)

2. "Passive Voice" by Laura Da’ (poem)

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

Pre-reading Prompts

1. Before approaching the primary paired texts, consider the importance many Native American cultures place on language and storytelling by reading this excerpt about storytelling in the Laguna Pueblo community from an interview with Leslie Marmon Silko:

The education of the children is done within the community, this is in the old times before the coming of the Europeans.