Discuss with a Partner the following 6 questions:
1) Why must Barney's friendship with Birrung stay a secret? Making Connections: 2) What kind of text do you think it is? 3) Where is it set? What are you imagining? Predicting: 4) What do you think will happen in the text? 5) What clues make you think that? Discussion: 6) Why do people keep secrets? |
aboriginal_and_torres_strait_islander_culture_year_4_inquiry_journal_by.pptx | |
File Size: | 2762 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
HASS:
7) What was life like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before the arrival of the Europeans?
8) What was the consequence of contact between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and early settlers?
9) How does the environment support the lives of people and other living things?
10) Before and during European settlement, what did the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples live close to? Why?
11) How was knowledge and understanding of the land shared between Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples?
7) What was life like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before the arrival of the Europeans?
8) What was the consequence of contact between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and early settlers?
9) How does the environment support the lives of people and other living things?
10) Before and during European settlement, what did the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples live close to? Why?
11) How was knowledge and understanding of the land shared between Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples?
Week 2 - Monday
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Gurgle
Muttering
Shrugged
Pannikin
Glanced
Clenched
Muttering
Shrugged
Pannikin
Glanced
Clenched
1a) Why did the "Bullock Man" say "something nasty is going to happen to you"?
The bullock man said 'something nasty is going to happen to you' because ...
1b) Who are 'the Indians'?
The Indian are ....
1c) What was the boys first impression of the girl? (Use evidence to help you support this)
The boys first impression of the girl was ...
1d) Why did the Bullock Man chase the boy?
The Bullock Man chased the boy **T2 word** because ....
The bullock man said 'something nasty is going to happen to you' because ...
1b) Who are 'the Indians'?
The Indian are ....
1c) What was the boys first impression of the girl? (Use evidence to help you support this)
The boys first impression of the girl was ...
1d) Why did the Bullock Man chase the boy?
The Bullock Man chased the boy **T2 word** because ....
Week 2 - Tuesday
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Dimness
Triumphant
Nicked
Squirmed
Calluses
Suspiciously
Triumphant
Nicked
Squirmed
Calluses
Suspiciously
2a) Define: higgledy-piggledy
2b) Why would Elsie be scared to be alone?
Elsie may be scared to be alone because....
2c) Define: insolence
2d) Why do you think Elsie followed Abaroo?
I believe Elsie followed Abaroo because...
2b) Why would Elsie be scared to be alone?
Elsie may be scared to be alone because....
2c) Define: insolence
2d) Why do you think Elsie followed Abaroo?
I believe Elsie followed Abaroo because...
Week 2 - Wednesday
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Haul
Lard
Hearth
Cuff
Lard
Hearth
Cuff
3a) What do you visualise when you think of the first time the boy saw the inside of the house?
When Barney first saw the house he saw.... He thought it was...
3b) What do you think Elsie thought when she first saw the house?
When Elsie first saw the house, she may have thought it was...
3c) What does it mean by "her voice was as sharp as a pickpocket's knife"?
When Sally's voice is described as being as sharp as a pickpocket's knife, this means her comment was...
When Barney first saw the house he saw.... He thought it was...
3b) What do you think Elsie thought when she first saw the house?
When Elsie first saw the house, she may have thought it was...
3c) What does it mean by "her voice was as sharp as a pickpocket's knife"?
When Sally's voice is described as being as sharp as a pickpocket's knife, this means her comment was...
Week 3 - Monday
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Pease
Servant
Insolence
Servant
Insolence
4a) Why was the boy shocked to see Elsie eating with a knife and fork?
Barney was shocked to see Elsie eating with a knife and fork because...
4b) Describe the difference in sleeping conditions between the house and their hiding place in the bushes.
When Barney and Elsie were sleeping in the broken down house it was..... Their new sleeping conditions are....
4c) What did they eat for supper?
For supper they ate ....
Barney was shocked to see Elsie eating with a knife and fork because...
4b) Describe the difference in sleeping conditions between the house and their hiding place in the bushes.
When Barney and Elsie were sleeping in the broken down house it was..... Their new sleeping conditions are....
4c) What did they eat for supper?
For supper they ate ....
CHAPTER 5
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Privy
Hooted
Trembling
Petticoat
Husky
Stiff
Native
Gibber (language)
Hooted
Trembling
Petticoat
Husky
Stiff
Native
Gibber (language)
5a) Why did he think Elsie was rich before?
Barney thought Elsie was rich before they met because....
5b) Why was Elsie and the boy suddenly relaxed?
Elsie and Barney were suddenly relaxed when...
5c) What is Abaroo's real name?
Abaroo's real name is...
5d) Why do you think Abaroo told him her real name?
Abaroo told Barney her real name because...
5e) Why does the boy want to learn Abaroo's language?
Barney wants to learn Abaroo's language because...
Barney thought Elsie was rich before they met because....
5b) Why was Elsie and the boy suddenly relaxed?
Elsie and Barney were suddenly relaxed when...
5c) What is Abaroo's real name?
Abaroo's real name is...
5d) Why do you think Abaroo told him her real name?
Abaroo told Barney her real name because...
5e) Why does the boy want to learn Abaroo's language?
Barney wants to learn Abaroo's language because...
CHAPTER 6
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Multitude
Coaxed
Damper
Blaggard
Withered
Coaxed
Damper
Blaggard
Withered
6a) define: coaxed "But Elsie didn't speak, no matter how much Mrs Johnson coaxed her" pg 47
Coaxed:
6b) How are the Barney Bean and Birrung alike?
Barney and Birrung are alike .... (think about ---> values, personality, likes, dislikes, what makes them feel safe, personal history)
6c) Why did the store install a tiled roof?
They installed a tiled roof because...
6d) What are the "gentle folk"
The 'gentle folk' are...
6e) Why do you think Elsie doesn't speak?
I believe Elsie doesn't speak because.... The evidence in the book that supports this is...
Coaxed:
6b) How are the Barney Bean and Birrung alike?
Barney and Birrung are alike .... (think about ---> values, personality, likes, dislikes, what makes them feel safe, personal history)
6c) Why did the store install a tiled roof?
They installed a tiled roof because...
6d) What are the "gentle folk"
The 'gentle folk' are...
6e) Why do you think Elsie doesn't speak?
I believe Elsie doesn't speak because.... The evidence in the book that supports this is...
CHAPTER 7
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Beckoned
Stubborn
Irritated
Gullies
Stubborn
Irritated
Gullies
7a) Why would Elsie ask "Is Birrung prettier than me?"
7b) Why are they concerned about Mrs Johnson?
They are concerned about Mrs Johnson because ...
7c) What emotions would people be feeling about waiting for the ship?
The different emotions that people would be feeling while waiting for the ship would be _____, ______ and _____ (T2 Words).
7b) Why are they concerned about Mrs Johnson?
They are concerned about Mrs Johnson because ...
7c) What emotions would people be feeling about waiting for the ship?
The different emotions that people would be feeling while waiting for the ship would be _____, ______ and _____ (T2 Words).
CHAPTER 8
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Flared
Hurriedly
Murmured
Dozing
Hurriedly
Murmured
Dozing
8a) How had Mr Johnson's opinion of Birrung changed?
Mr Johnson's opinion of Birrung changed because ...
8b) Why did they call the baby 'Milbah'?
I think that they called the baby Milbah because ...
Mr Johnson's opinion of Birrung changed because ...
8b) Why did they call the baby 'Milbah'?
I think that they called the baby Milbah because ...
CHAPTER 9
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
Muck
Civilised
Gaol
Plague
Hesitated
Civilised
Gaol
Plague
Hesitated
9a) Why was Birrung sobbing?
Birrung was sobbing because ...
9b) How does Abaroo know what foods to give Mrs Johnson?
Abaroo knows exactly what foods to give Mrs Johnson because...
9c) Define 'civilised'?
Civilised:
Extension: Finish these sentences:
Birrung knows about the medicinal benefits of foods because...
Mr Johnson respects Birrung but...
Birrung was sobbing because ...
9b) How does Abaroo know what foods to give Mrs Johnson?
Abaroo knows exactly what foods to give Mrs Johnson because...
9c) Define 'civilised'?
Civilised:
Extension: Finish these sentences:
Birrung knows about the medicinal benefits of foods because...
Mr Johnson respects Birrung but...
CHAPTER 10
Combining sentences can change the mood of a sentence.
The crowd was nervous.... Mr Smith approached in a new shiny sports car.
- even though
- if
- when
- unless
- until
- while
- as soon as
- before
- because
- although
- after
- as
The crowd was nervous.... Mr Smith approached in a new shiny sports car.
- even though
- if
- when
- unless
- until
- while
- as soon as
- before
- because
- although
- after
- as
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
cradle
squirmed
gestured
embroidery
squirmed
gestured
embroidery
10a) What did Birrung go to collect?
Birrung went to go and collect ...
10b) How is Birrung's and the Officer's way of getting meat different?
Birrung and the officers way of getting meat is very different. Birrung gets her meat ....... and the officer gets his meat .....
10c) "As if she know food was all around her. I reckoned for her it was" what does this mean? Why?
I think it means .... because...
10d) What is a shooting star?
A shooting star is
10e) Who is your favourite charater, why?
My favourite character is ..... because ....
10f) Do you have any similarities/differences to this character and if so what?
Some similarities/differences I share with the character are .... This is because sometimes I ...
Birrung went to go and collect ...
10b) How is Birrung's and the Officer's way of getting meat different?
Birrung and the officers way of getting meat is very different. Birrung gets her meat ....... and the officer gets his meat .....
10c) "As if she know food was all around her. I reckoned for her it was" what does this mean? Why?
I think it means .... because...
10d) What is a shooting star?
A shooting star is
10e) Who is your favourite charater, why?
My favourite character is ..... because ....
10f) Do you have any similarities/differences to this character and if so what?
Some similarities/differences I share with the character are .... This is because sometimes I ...
CHAPTER 11
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
wretches
typhus
lugged
dismal
typhus
lugged
dismal
11a) Why was Mr Johnson worried when the ships arrived?
Mr Johnson was worried when the ships arrived to port because...
11b) Define: indignant
Indignant:
11c) "man shouldn't be alone at a time like this?" what does this mean ?
I think 'man shouldn't be alone at a time like this' means ....
11d) Why is Elsie upset?
Elsie is upset because ...
Mr Johnson was worried when the ships arrived to port because...
11b) Define: indignant
Indignant:
11c) "man shouldn't be alone at a time like this?" what does this mean ?
I think 'man shouldn't be alone at a time like this' means ....
11d) Why is Elsie upset?
Elsie is upset because ...
CHAPTER 12
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
greedy
savage
mattered
savage
mattered
12a) Describe the actions and personalities of the new captains?
When the new captains arrived they were ... (Actions T2 words). The personality traits that they displayed were... This gave everyone the impression that they should be .... (Worried or happy - What emotion?)
12b) What do the other convict workers think of Birrung?
The other convict workers thought that Birrung was...
12c) What are some of the things Birrung knows about the environment?
Some of the things Birrung knows about the environment is ...
12d) Why did Barney cry?
Barney cried because...
When the new captains arrived they were ... (Actions T2 words). The personality traits that they displayed were... This gave everyone the impression that they should be .... (Worried or happy - What emotion?)
12b) What do the other convict workers think of Birrung?
The other convict workers thought that Birrung was...
12c) What are some of the things Birrung knows about the environment?
Some of the things Birrung knows about the environment is ...
12d) Why did Barney cry?
Barney cried because...
CHATPER 13 & 14
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
clung
weary
poisoned
weary
poisoned
13a) How did Barney know that Birrung had come to visit?
Barney knew that Birrung had come to give because ...
13b) Why was Barney jealous?
Barney was jealous because ...
13c) Why do you think Birrung came to see everyone?
Birrung came to see everyone
Barney knew that Birrung had come to give because ...
13b) Why was Barney jealous?
Barney was jealous because ...
13c) Why do you think Birrung came to see everyone?
Birrung came to see everyone
14a) What did Birrung teach Barney?
Birrung taught Barney that ...
14b) What does it mean by "see the land"
'See the land' means...
14c) What was Barney's secret?
Barney's secret was...
Birrung taught Barney that ...
14b) What does it mean by "see the land"
'See the land' means...
14c) What was Barney's secret?
Barney's secret was...
Authors Note's
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Vocabulary Focus
AN1) What did the convicts think of the real Mr Johnson?
The convicts really thought .... of the real Mr Johnson.
AN2) How many convicts did they teach at the school?
They taught .... convicts at the school.
AN3) Why do they think the officers felt guilty?
They think the officers felt guilty because ....
AN4) What happened to the Church that Mr Johnson built? Why?
The church that Mr Johnson built .......
AN5) What happened to Milbah?
Milbah ....
The convicts really thought .... of the real Mr Johnson.
AN2) How many convicts did they teach at the school?
They taught .... convicts at the school.
AN3) Why do they think the officers felt guilty?
They think the officers felt guilty because ....
AN4) What happened to the Church that Mr Johnson built? Why?
The church that Mr Johnson built .......
AN5) What happened to Milbah?
Milbah ....
Week 6 - Wednesday
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Term 2 Vocabulary Wall
Characters
Characters are the heart of any narrative, the catalysts for action, and the central core around which all other narrative aspects must revolve and work. In this work there are several major characters (some of whom figure briefly in the action) and a cast of minor ones.
Discussion Point:1 1) How do the characters’ actions in this novel illustrate the nature of the times in which they lived? 2) Choose a character (Barney Bean, Elsie, Birrung, Mr and Mrs Johnson) and analyse his or her character in relation to societal influences. |
Week 7
Fluency
Rally Read:
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
a) Person A reads for 2 minutes. Person B completes the checklist.
b) Person B reads for 2 minutes. Person A completes the checklist.
c) Switch until teacher says stop.
Rally Read Checklist:
1. Pace
2. Expression
3. Accuracy
Indigenous Culture and History
‘Birrung has lost her family too. Lost her whole people. If she can laugh, then I can too.’ (p 42) Discussion Point:
Birrung shows Barney (pp 73–6) how to catch, kill, and prepare a possum for eating, and how to collect seeds to make bread. These are some of many examples of how she has the special skills of Indigenous people with which to survive. But these skills are largely not used by the Johnson family. Why?
Activity: ‘the governor hopes Birrung, like Bennelong and little Nanberry, might be an ambassador to their people. Teach them to like us …By keeping Birrung away from her pa and brother? I thought. By keeping Bennelong prisoner? It was a funny way to make friends.’ (p 68) This is a sad statement, as Bennelong’s fate was not a happy one. Nor was Mathinna’s in Tasmania. Such Aboriginal people who were taken into white homes became dislocated and eventually felt estranged from both the white world and their own. Research his story, and other documents regarding Aboriginal colonial lives further.
Activity: Johnson’s care for the convicts who arrived on the Second Fleet suffering from Typhus and other diseases, highlights the terrible losses visited on the Indigenous people who died from introduced diseases when the First Fleet arrived. The diseases which the convict ships brought to this new Colony not only weakened and depleted the numbers of settlers but greatly decimated the numbers of Indigenous people. Research this topic further.
CM: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' ways of living were adapted to available resources and their connection to country/place has influenced their views on the sustainable use of these resources, before and after colonisation (ACHASSK089)
Birrung shows Barney (pp 73–6) how to catch, kill, and prepare a possum for eating, and how to collect seeds to make bread. These are some of many examples of how she has the special skills of Indigenous people with which to survive. But these skills are largely not used by the Johnson family. Why?
Activity: ‘the governor hopes Birrung, like Bennelong and little Nanberry, might be an ambassador to their people. Teach them to like us …By keeping Birrung away from her pa and brother? I thought. By keeping Bennelong prisoner? It was a funny way to make friends.’ (p 68) This is a sad statement, as Bennelong’s fate was not a happy one. Nor was Mathinna’s in Tasmania. Such Aboriginal people who were taken into white homes became dislocated and eventually felt estranged from both the white world and their own. Research his story, and other documents regarding Aboriginal colonial lives further.
Activity: Johnson’s care for the convicts who arrived on the Second Fleet suffering from Typhus and other diseases, highlights the terrible losses visited on the Indigenous people who died from introduced diseases when the First Fleet arrived. The diseases which the convict ships brought to this new Colony not only weakened and depleted the numbers of settlers but greatly decimated the numbers of Indigenous people. Research this topic further.
CM: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' ways of living were adapted to available resources and their connection to country/place has influenced their views on the sustainable use of these resources, before and after colonisation (ACHASSK089)
The Environment
Racism and Prejudice
‘It’s a heathen name. We must put it into the King’s English as best we can.’ (p 44) Discussion Point: The Johnsons have taken Birrung in and treated her kindly, but their attitudes still betray the fact that they don’t really appreciate or understand her culture and consider it inferior. Discuss examples of this in the novel.
Discussion Point: Even Barney is intimidated by society’s attitudes, and demonstrates his own prejudices in his very first impression of her: ‘She was the most beautiful girl I had seen in my life, even with the black skin and all.’ (p 7) He comes to love Birrung but never reveals that to her, or to anyone else, although both Elsie and Mrs Johnson are aware of it. How easy/difficult would it have been for Barney to marry Birrung when he grew up, as he dreamed of doing? Discussion Point: Birrung suffers from the slurs made against her when the Second Fleeters arrive. Even though they have come from the poorest of backgrounds and are filthy and diseaseridden they still feel a sense of superiority to her. This casts a pall over her relationship with the Johnson family, and reminds her of the primary call of her own people and culture. How difficult would it have been to be a Black woman in this society? |
Agriculture
‘Learning about plants was as interesting as I thought it would be. Who’d have thought a giant orange carrot could grow from a seed like a speck of dust? Or that potatoes grew under the ground and you had to dig them up? I wondered who was the first person who ever thought of digging up the ground to see if there was food under there.’ (pp 38–9)
Discussion Point: Food in the early colony was seemingly short, and rations included: ‘three cups of flour, a lump of salt pork, rice’. (p 3) Barney later reveals that: ‘There was no sugar left in the colony now, not even treacle or molasses.’ (p 70) But the Colony was actually well-supplied with natural foods which the colonists either scorned or failed to identify. Why did they fail to use what was abundant around them? Discussion Point: What does Barney learn about agriculture during his time with the Johnson's? Read the novel carefully and write a list of at least three things he discovers. Activity: Jackie French’s love for gardening and the nature world is evident in the descriptions of plants and crops in the novel. Choose a particular description and what it reveals about the nature of the landscape. |
Points of View - Narrative Structure
Discussion Point: How might the story have changed if it had been written by Birrung or Elsie? Describe an incident through their eyes, as if written as a diary or letter
Birrung
Discussion Point: ‘If Abaroo — Birrung — had a language, I could learn it. She and I could talk together and no one else would understand.’ (p 37) How important is language in understanding another person and their culture?
Discussion Point: ‘I wanted to say that Birrung knew everything that mattered, when the stars would say the emus had laid their eggs, how the wattle flowers could tell you if it would be a dry summer. But this woman couldn’t even see that those things were important.’ (p 95) What does this novel suggest about Birrung’s culture, and about Birrung? |