Duncan's Way - Canada

Duncan's Way
Ian Wallace
2000 Dorling Kindersley Publishing
New York, NY

Duncan's family have been fishermen on the coast of Newfoundland for generations. But recently the cod that have been their main catch are vanishing from the ocean. Many families are leaving Newfoundland to find a new way to support themselves since they can't make a living fishing anymore. Duncan's father has been very sad since he has not been out on the sea working and does nothing but watch TV and bake bread. After his parents tell him that they plan to move away from Newfoundland, Duncan becomes determined to find a new way for his family to make money so they can stay in their home town.

"New Ideas for the Community"

Standards:
English Language Arts
2-1 The student will read and comprehend a variety of literary texts in print and non-print formats.
2-1.1 Analyze the details that support the expression of the main idea in a given literary text.
2-1.7 Create responses to literary texts through a variety of methods (for example, writing, creative dramatics, and the visual and performing arts).
2-1.9 Explain cause and effect relationships in literary texts.
2-4 The student will create written work that has a clear focus, sufficient detail, coherent organization, effective use of voice, and correct use of the conventions of written Standard American English.
2-4.1 Generate ideas for writing using prewriting techniques (for example, creating lists, having discussions, and examining literary models).
2-4.2 Use complete sentences (including simple sentences with compound subjects and predicates) in writing.
2-4.3 Create a paragraph that follows a logical sequence (including a beginning, middle, and end) and uses transitional words.
Social Studies
2-2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the local community and the way it compares with other communities in the world.
2-2.3 Summarize the roles of various workers in the community, including those who hold government jobs there.
2-2.4 Summarize changes that have occurred in the life of the local community over time, including changes in the use of the land and in the way that people earn their living there.
2-5 The student will demonstrate an understanding of trade and markets and the role of supply and demand in determining the price and allocation of goods within the community.
2-5.3 Recognize that people’s choices about what they buy will determine what goods and services are produced.
2-5.4 Identify the relationships between trade and resources both within and among communities, including natural, human, and capital resources.


Objective: The students will develop an idea for a service they can contribute to their communities, like how Duncan's family contributes to the community of Newfoundland.

Materials: Paper, writing materials

Procedures: After reading Duncan's Way the students will answer the following questions in a small or large group.
- Traditionally, what service had Duncan's family provided for the community? How does this help the community?
- Why isn't Duncan's father able to provide this service anymore?
- What will happen to Duncan's family and other families if they can not think of a new service to provide for the community?
- What is Duncan's idea that he thinks will help his family? Do you think this is a good idea? Why?

After answering the questions, the students will think of some things their communities need. Independently, the students will write a paragraph explaining why their community could use this service, how they would provide the service, and where they would get the resources to provide this service. The students can share their ideas.