The objective of this lesson was to discuss the impact of expectations and the impact they have on one’s life in connection with the novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. Students were introduced to the word “self-fulfilling prophecy” and were then asked to use the phrase “who would ______ be if someone paid attention to their dreams” to create an illustration like one from the novel. Students had to use someone they knew, such as a family member. This invoked great discussion when it came to talking about personal stories that some students chose to share about their families.
In the lesson above, students were asked to critically examine the usage of Native American mascots and names in sports. Students first discussed the word “stereotype” and its connection with the main character in the novel. Students were then shown a clip on Indian mascots and names in sports and given handouts of case studies. After students watched and read about the pros and cons of the usage of Indian names and mascots in sports, they were split into two groups: one in favour of using Indian names and mascots in sports and one against. Students had the rest of the class to do their own research and come up with valid points for the debate that would take place next class.