Kindergarten teacher Jane Raphael created this council based on Tomi dePaola's classic books, Legend of the Indian Paintbrush,and Legend of the Bluebonnet, which re-work Comanche legends to tell stories about how one person can contribute to his people. Jane likes to use this council before Thanksgiving.
- To enjoy an example of literature based on Comanche legends
- To develop concepts of one's own gifts and identity
Legend of the Indian Paintbrush and Legend of the Bluebonnet, by Tomie dePaola.
Read and discuss the two picture books with students, discussing the themes of making contributions to one's community, and of how Little Gopher earns his name, "He Who Brought the Sunset to His People," and She Who Is Alone became, "She Who Loved Her People Dearly." Each child thinks of how he is special, and chooses a new name for himself. Students can illustrate themselves engaged in the activity for which they choose a name. This has become a standard kindergarten activity at Wonderland, and our hallways are lined with student art depicting themselves as "He Who Lies on His Back Looking at the Sky," "She Who Cares for Her Family," and "He Who Wrestles With His Dad." (Discourage names derived from video games or other electronic pastimes.)
"We have been reading about how Little Gopher and She Who Is Alone" each did something very special and earned new names. When the talking piece comes to you, see if you can think of something special about yourself. It might be something you love to do, something you think you are good at, or a time you did something you'd like to remember."
"Using the words,"He Who" or "She Who," see if you can give yourself a new name based on something special about you."
Jane Raphael
