ELA8, CSS, Sferrazza

It is important to make connections when you read.  Active reading is a process the reader uses to engage with the text being read.  This is a good reading strategy to use to better understand the text and the task being assigned to you. It is important to read text while thinking critically about the material and asking relevant questions as you read.  Active reading also involves understanding what is expected of you.

"ACTIVE" reading stands for Asking questions, Making connections, Tracking down important information, Inferring/predicting, Visualizing and Evaluating and synthesizing.

For example, consider the many different relationships you have in your life.  To set the stage for reading your novel and connecting to a meaningful relationship, take a moment to read Marilyn Dumont's poem "Not Just a Platform for My Dance".

Open your Learning Guide and complete Activity 5.2 - Relationships With Nature as you read the poem or listen to Marilyn Dumont read it in the video below.

Marilyn Dumont b. 1955 (Cree/Metis)

Marilyn Dumont was born in Olds, in northeastern Alberta. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and has a diverse background in film and video productions, as well as education.  In addition to writing, Dumont has taught creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen University College and has been writer in residence at the University of Alberta and writer in electronic residence at the University of Windsor. 

This poem is Dumont's tribute to the earth.  How does she connect to the earth?  Reflect on her relationship with it.

Not Just A Platform for My Dance

by Marilyn Dumont

 

this land is not

just a place to set my house my car my fence

 

this land is not

just a plot to bury my dead my seed

 

this land is

my tongue    my eyes    my mouth

 

this headstrong grass and relenting willow

these flat-footed fields and applauding leaves

these frank winds and electric skies

 

are my prayer

they are my medicine

and they become my song

 

this land is not

just a platform for my dance