Unit 1: Cultural ConversationsActivity 1.5: “Two Kinds” of Cultural Identity

Add the following terms to the vocabulary section of your SpringBoard notebook:

Conflict: a struggle or problem in a story. Central Conflict: sets the story in motion. Internal Conflict: when a character struggles between opposing needs, desires, or emotions within his or her own mind.External Conflict: when a character struggles against an outside force (another character societal expectation, or something in the physical world)

Bell Ringer!

As I read the following statements, go to the area of the room that most corresponds to your response –

My family’s cultural heritage is an ethnic hash. My parents actively help me appreciate our

family’s cultural heritage. I sometimes feel in conflict with my parents

because we define our cultural identities differently.

Personal connections…

Think of the reasons why some of you went to different corners today!

Brainstorm a list of factors that explain why you and your peers may differ strongly in your responses to these statements. What factors shape individual perspectives on cultural issues?

For example – If your parents grew up in a different culture than yours, could that create a conflict? (5 minutes on the clock!)

Brainstorming Activity!

This short story has been divided into 8 small chunks!

Chunk 1 – I will read and model some marginal notes.

Chunk 2 – One of you will read chunk 2 and we will discuss marginal notes together as a class.

Chunks 3-5 – You will read these individually in your groups and take notes.

Chunks 6-8 – These will be part of your homework!

Two Kinds

In the short story “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan the author shows us how cultural conflict can arise even within families.

As we read, take marginal notes in your SpringBoard book, noticing moments that show tension between the characters.

Understanding Conflict

In your SpringBoard notebook, answer the following question assigned to your group!

Tables 1 and 3: What experiences have shaped the mother’s perspective on America?

Tables 2 and 6: How does Tan’s repetition of “You could” in the first paragraph affect your perception of the mother?

Tables 4 and 5: What is symbolized by the Shirley Temple incident?

Before you go…

Reading Plus – Don’t forget to complete your weekly assignment by Sunday night!

1) Tear out pages 17-26 in your SpringBoard book. Finish reading “Two Kinds” at home and take marginal notes – remember you are looking for moments of internal and external conflict!

2) Complete the graphic organizer on p. 263) Do the Writing Prompt on p. 26 in the SpringBoard

section of your notebook!

Periods 1,3,5,7–Due Friday 9/19Periods 6,8 – Due Monday 9/21

Homework…it’s not so bad!