- Story
- Countdown, Year 3
- Issue 6, 2019
Collarenebri Cowboy
Learning resource
Outcomes
Worksheet: Rodeos KWL
Understanding EN2-4A
Perspective provides a lens through which we see the world. The lens can clarify, distort, magnify or blur what we see. In this way perspective offers a dynamic basis for the relationship between the composer, text and the responder.
Create a story arc to find and summarise the main events in ‘Collarenebri Cowboy’, highlighting Tilly’s character as portrayed by Marian McGuinness. For information on how to use a story arc, read Using a Story Arc or watch this Introduction to the Story Arc YouTube clip. How does Marian McGuinness portray Tilly? Why is Tilly unhappy about being in Collarenebri? How does the audience perceive Tilly? How does the author engage students in the story? Explore further the English Textual Concept ‘Perspective’.
Complete a Character Traits Graphic Organiser worksheet by listing three traits Tilly possesses. List examples from the story of Tilly demonstrating each of the three traits.
Engaging personally EN2-2A
Complete the Think about it personal response worksheet to elicit student responses to the text.
Write a diary entry from Tilly about her rodeo experience. Use a Retell Summary worksheet to help students scaffold their writing.
Connecting EN2-11D
Text-to-self connections occur when we make connections between personal experiences and the text.
Text-to-Self: Have a class discussion on how do the ideas in this text relate to students’ own lives, ideas and experiences. Ask students to consider:
- What I just read reminds me of the time when I …
- I agree with/understand what I just read because in my own life …
- I don’t agree with what I just read because in my own life …
Students complete this RWT Making Connections worksheet. Discuss as a class.
Teaching Strategy explained: Text-to-Text, Text-to-Self, Text-to-World Rationale.
Engaging critically EN2-2A & EN2-7B
Complete one of these Pros and Cons worksheets to illustrate student understanding of why they would or wouldn’t participate in a rodeo. Consider not only the personal safety aspects but also in relation to the animal safety and cruelty.
Create a Narrative PowerPoint or Google slide to illustrate understanding of the textual features, structure and the messages conveyed in ‘Collarenebri Cowboy’ using the ‘Step Inside Thinking Routine’ prompts embedded in the PowerPoint slideshow. Explore further the English Textual Concept ‘Narrative’.
Experimenting EN2-10C
Write a paragraph in response to Maayirr’s words, ‘You’ve gotta try new things.’ What new things could students try? Explain why.
Create an adventure story about a different eight-seconds experience. Brainstorm titles and settings to support creative writing ideas. Scaffold student ideas using a Narrative Idea Pyramid worksheet.
Write a summary of the story using this scaffolded Retell Summary worksheet to briefly retell the story.
Reflecting EN2-12E
Conduct an I used to think ... But now I think … routine. This routine helps students to reflect on their thinking about a topic or issue and explore how and why that thinking has changed. It can be useful in consolidating new learning as students identify their new understandings, opinions, and beliefs. Record responses on this I Used to Think … Now I Think … worksheet.
Exit Slips are a formative assessment that can be used to quickly check for understanding. The teacher poses one or two questions in the last couple minutes of class and asks student to fill out an ‘exit slip’ (e.g. on an index card) to ascertain student thinking and understanding. Here are Instructions on filling out an Exit Slip and two Exit Slip worksheets.