Two+Old+Women+Academic+Service+Learning

[[image:two_old_women_cover.jpg width="141" height="180" align="left"]] Teaching //Two Old Women// Through Academic Service Learning
//Two Old Women// is a book that could be taught to students of almost any age given its reading level, straightforward writing, and length. However, complexities such as knowledge of Native American cultures, role of the elderly in society, experience surviving in nature, and familiarity with the art of storytelling necessitate moving beyond traditional literature pedagogy and the use of the text itself as the single source of knowledge. One way to accomplish this end is through the integration of an Academic Service Learning project into classroom instruction. An Academic Service Learning project extends the conversation beyond the classroom, enriching student interaction with their communities. In addition to service learning there are many resources to support going beyond the text.

The diversity and complexity of Native American cultures call for both familiarity with Native People's in general, and a close look at the Athabascan tribe in order to fully understand //Two Old Women//. Because //Two Old Women// is based on a legend passed between mothers and daughters for generations, a sense of the Athabascan way of life, the role of gender and family relations, and the transmission of culture is valuable. Below are a few ways in which students can deepen understanding:
 * CHALLENGE 1: CONNECTING YOUR STUDENTS TO ATHABASCAN CULTURE**


 * Spend Time with Native Americans**

>> This site offers links to several Pow wows in the US as well as links to information about Pow wows
 * //Attend/Participate in Native American events//: One example would be to attend a local powwow after learning the significance behind the celebration and the specific Native American group or groups participating
 * http://dmoz.org/Society/Ethnicity/The_Americas/Indigenous/Native_Americans/Arts_and_Culture/Pow_Wow/
 * //Invite a speaker//: This is most effective after your students have studied about Native American cultures and prepared specific questions/topics they wish to discuss with the guest speaker. Encourage interaction between the students and the guest speaker as opposed to lecture. One suggestion would be to invite the guest speaker to read //Two Old Women// and participate in a discussion with the class. Although you may not be able to have an Athabascan speaker, it may be relevant to explore connections to //Two Old Women//.


 * Study Culture and History**
 * //Engage in research//: Utilize the library, internet, media, pop culture.
 * http://ankn.uaf.edu/curriculum/Athabascan/Athabascans/appendix_a.htmlhttp://ankn.uaf.edu/curricuThis site offers extensive information about Athabascan culture as well as an entire unit plan prepared by the Alaska Native Knowledge Network. Activities are meant for mid to upper elementary but could be adapted.
 * http://www.alaskanative.net/34.asphttp://www.alaskanative.net/34.asphttp://www.alaskanative.net/34.asp This site offers a brief look at Athabascan culture that would be great for an overview.
 * http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/features/croads/athapask.htmlhttp://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/features/croads/athapask.htmlhttp://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/features/croads/athapask.html This site is also a brief overview set up by the Smithsonian Museum.
 * http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/features/croads/athapask.htmlhttp://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/features/croads/athapask.htmlhttp://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/features/croads/athapask.html This site is also a brief overview set up by the Smithsonian Museum.

>> Indian Country is the main Native American news source for the Unites States >>
 * Discuss Current Native American Issues**
 * //Utilize Native run media as well as pop culture//
 * [|http://www.indiancountry.com]

A major factor in fully engaging with this text is the understanding of the difference between age in regards to survival skills. Not only is it a feat to survive the harsh winter on one's own but to be an elderly woman makes the situation that much more difficult. In order to fully grasp the bravery, courage, and skills that these women possess, it will be important to connect with the elderly. Below are some suggestions:
 * CHALLENGE 2: ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH THE ELDERLY**
 * //Spend time with the elderly:// Invite a guest speaker into your classroom to interact with your students and/or visit an elderly community
 * //Create a "Book Club":// Invite the elderly to read and participate in discussion of //Two Old Women// with your class.

The everyday lives of many of your students may not incorporate and extensive amount of interaction with nature. Although they may enjoy spending time in nature, how many of your students have to depend upon the natural elements to get food, shelter and clothing? It is important for your students to reflect on the skills needed in order to be able to survive in the outdoors. Below are some suggestions: >> This site offers information about the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Kalamazoo, MI >> This site offers information about Pretty Lake Adventure Center in Kalamazoo, MI
 * CHALLENGE 3: CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH NATURE**
 * **//Spend time outdoors://** Visit your local Nature Center, park, trails, camp. Invite your students to spend time without a planned activity listening, thinking, journaling. Engage in group initiative activities that encourage community and utilize natural resources.
 * http://www.naturecenter.org/
 * http://www.prettylakecamp.org/
 * //**Discuss literature with strong nature themes**:// For Upper El/Middle School connect to //The Island, [|My Side of the Mountain], [|Island of the Blue Dolphin]////, [|Hatchet]//. For High School/College a particularly interesting connection with Two Old Women might be "[|To Build a Fire]" by Jack London

Because this book is based on an Athabascan oral legend, it is important for students to experience storytelling. Below is a suggestion:
 * CHALLENGE 4: CONNECTING STUDENTS TO THE ART OF STORYTELLING**
 * //Listen/Dialogue with a storyteller:// Invite a storyteller into your classroom and/or visit a storyteller//,// i.e. Storytelling Festival in Kalamazoo, MI. http://www.kpl.gov/events/ShowEvent.aspx?id=2865&isMonthView=t

by Michelle Ringle-Barrett