| Fourth grade students recently read a text by writer, Armstrong Sperry, entitled Call It Courage. This Newberry Medal winner is about a boy named Mafatu whose name means "Stout Heart", but his people call him a coward. Ever since the sea took his mother's life and spared his own, he has lived with deep fear. And even though his father is the Great chief of Hikueru - an island whose seafaring people worship courage - he is terrified, and so scorned. By the time he is fifteen years old, Mafatu can bear it no longer. He must conquer his fear alone...even if it means certain death. | |
This classic tale of a young boy's hidden strength has been a favorite and inspiration to readers of all ages since its 1940 publication.
The text's beautiful and vivid imagery, as well as the inspiring actions of Mafatu, led to many critical conversation in our classroom. Students worked with partners to examine the numerous examples of conflict that were presented in the text. Students used the digital sticky note site, Lino, to examine the relationship between conflict and change. You can take a peek at our Lino board by clicking here.
The text's beautiful and vivid imagery, as well as the inspiring actions of Mafatu, led to many critical conversation in our classroom. Students worked with partners to examine the numerous examples of conflict that were presented in the text. Students used the digital sticky note site, Lino, to examine the relationship between conflict and change. You can take a peek at our Lino board by clicking here.
