Several times. Oil paintings of Sylvada (A Symphony of
Whales, 1999, etc.)
are dramatic and lively. Remember the author's observation
of the real story that inspired the story. Although the names of the characters
put it in an Eastern European environment, it is a global story that attests to
the life that rises from the ashes. In the light of recent events, I felt that
this participation was important for writing.
This is certainly a difficult
subject that I will address here, but I think it is necessary to help students
understand the current events taking place in their world. Of course, if you
know me, I know I like to use a text directive to incorporate content as much as
possible! Your students are likely to hear the word "refugee" in the
news a lot recently. It would be a good idea to help them understand the
difference between a refugee and an immigrant - especially those who teach you
about immigration in social studies.
You can download this metadata as a
pre-read activity:
The official definition is "a person fleeing
persecution and conflict". Vocabulary used in the high-level definition,
so use the above activity to help students to identify escape, persecution and
conflict. Students may even have to write synonyms or examples in the real
world of words. (I've also included some downloads to help you.) It may be good
for students to put this definition in their own words to help them understand
the meaning gleam and glow reviews of refugees. Although these immigrants resemble some migrants who
move to a new country looking for a new life, they differ from immigrants
because they are forced to leave their homes to survive.
Once they understand the word, read the book, Gleam and
Glow, by Eve Bunting. I love all of Eve Bunting's books because they address
deep issues in ways that students can understand, not scary or overwhelming for
them.
Do not have a book? You can use my link to buy it!
The few cents I get from my fundraising purchases are used!
I appreciate the schoolbook journal for this book, and I can
not say it better myself, so I'll review it below:
With her outstanding talent for presenting difficult topics
with clarity and sensitivity, Bunting wrote an inspiring story based on the
true experience of a Bosnian family forced to flee their country during the
recent civil war. Eight-year-old Victor watches as his father walks away to
join the Liberation Army, and soon learns that he and his mother and younger
sister Marina will be forced to leave their home, only one step away from the
approaching enemy forces. . Already, strangers pass through the town of Victor
on their way to the border. One man leaves his golden fish with the family,
explaining that "an additional day or two of life is as important to fish
as it is to us." But just a few days later, as they are ready to leave,
Victor launches the fish into her basins. After days of walking and weeks of
living in a refugee camp, the boy, his mother and sister share a glorious
meeting with Baba and eventually return home.
The land is destroyed by war and
their homes are destroyed but the fish have survived; they and their children
have flourished.
The simple and elegant language moves at the same time and
eloquently when aligned with the expressive oil paintings of Sylvada. The
artist's palette of rich earth colors and amazing brush reflect the strong
emotional content of the story. By focusing on the warlike effect of war on
families and children, and on those things that allow people to retain their
humanity, this book deserves to be discussed and discussed. The oil paintings
in Gleam and Glow are beautiful, and as usual, the language of Eve Bunting. The
theme of hope and strength is evident throughout the story.
Since this book is based on the real experience of a refugee
family,
you can help students understand what is happening in other countries
by stopping and discussing while reading.
Important times to stop and discuss
Initially, after leaving Baba to help fight the enemy,
Mama
says they will have to leave soon because it was very dangerous to stay.
Explain that there is a conflict (war) that will force the family to flee.
The family must walk to the border. Discuss that the country
in which they live (Bosnia) was involved in the war, but a neighboring country
was not. They will be safe if they leave their country - cross the border. It
is a very long walk. This is the case for refugees at present who must also
walk. He talked about how people who walk for many miles to escape their country
will do so only for survival and safety.
