Accelerated Literacy Preparation Notes M2.

2
Title: The Burnt Stick Author: Anthony Hill Page/Chapter Notes: Page # / Chapter # Cover Blurb at the front of the book Pages 1-9 Orientation Notes Discuss the title without showing the cover What do you think the outline of the story will be? Think, Pair, Share Discuss imagery of the cover and the caption A story about growing up how is the face of the boy and the caption related? The Award on the cover what does this represent Tells us that the story is fictious but based upon fact Quote praising the author. Introduces the reader to John Jagamarra and give background knowledge about where he lived as a child. Palm trees and scented vines, tropical green sea- indicates on coast and in a warmer climate such as QLD (illustrated in the illustration) Mission build by Fathers- proper noun Fathers It was like a boarding school Taught how to recite catechism- reinforcing that it is run by a church group- reference to the illustration of the book with the cross on the cover Emphasis on that it was not home. Teaching them only White ways not ways of the Aboriginal people (refer to illustration) Isolated and lonely- no families visited- relates to the illustration. Illustration shows a face on the child that is sad First indication of why John Jagamarra is in the mission- tells how he was taken from his mother, when he was only 5 years old, by Big Man from welfare. John reflects on his life before he was taken. Even though he must act like a white fella at the mission- he still doesnt need to wear shoes Illustration depicts hot, dry climate in the bush, where he used to live with his family. Reinforces his loneliness and missing his mother- picture shows what his life was like. Tells us a bit of the history of John Jagamarras clan and how he felt so embedded in his family and comforted by his mother- nestle deeper Suggested Grade/Stage: Year 4

Pages 9-19

Accelerated Literacy Preparation Notes M2.2

into her arms Pages 26- 35 News is broken that the welfare men will come and take John Jagamarra from his mother and why this happens- taking light skinned ones to the Fathers at Pearl Bay. Use of the word mob- traditional Aboriginal term for the Aboriginal family unit. Distress of mother as she learns the fate of her much loved son. She grieves with the thought that her son will be taken She has irrational, knee-jerk reactions- she will run away. Illustration shows the tight knit family unit all supporting John and his mother Mother doesnt sleep with the worry and fear of what will happen. The first splinter of light appeared- imagery- describes the dawn as the sun is just beginning to rise Liyan- puts an idea into practise that will help her to keep her son. The family unit seems to think it is a reasonably good idea and mocks white man for not being able to tell the difference between them all. The welfare men turn up when only the women are there- Women are much less threatening and even vulnerable and less likely to attack the welfare men. Even if they do- the men will be able to overpower them. Illustrations really show a contrast between the two cultures. The cage on the truck indicates that John will be thrown in there and treated like a criminal- refers to a padlock on the gate of the cage on the truck. I bin Liyan and pidgin English- used to further emphasis the difference between white man and the aboriginal culture. Mrs Grainger- the wife of the station owner- and a white lady sticks up for Liyan and covers for her. By covering John in ash from the fire, Liyan tricks the welfare men. There is a sense of being jovial and excited that they tricked the welfare men and a sense of freedom and relief. As in true Aboriginal culture- there are warnings by Jabal (clan leader) that this could be a bad thing and warns that White man will retaliate if they find out as they dont like to be made a fool of. The women of the camp- dont worry about the welfare people as they feel they once again can fool them when they return, by using the same trick. The white men return, and again are confused by what they see and the paper work. The welfare man touches the head of John and his hand gets covered in ash- this act alone raises suspicion in the welfare men.

Pages 20-25

Pages 36- 44

Accelerated Literacy Preparation Notes M2.2

Pages 45-50 Liyan mocks her aboriginal heritage in order to explain why John is covered in ash from the fire. The clan celebrates again- but Jabal tells the story of the Crow. The fable, which relates to this exact situation and has an unfavourable ending There is a sense of ease and complacency and a false sense of security that John will be safe. The welfare men return before the dawn. No-one sees or hears and the mob is taken by complete surprise. The Big Man sees the truth and there is a struggle between the welfare man and Liyan with John in the middle. Both John and Liyan are frightened and are wretched apart. While Liyan is told she can visit- the welfare men know that this is impossible for her to do. The white men have complete disregard for Aboriginal people and treat them as lower class, almost like animals. They are not like us. They soon forget. John never forgets his past. And remembers his mothers touch despite being just 5 when he is ripped from life as he knew it John returns to Dryborough Station. It is deserted- indicating that significant time has passed He takes his own son and feels his aboriginal ancestors He still feels the loss of his family and mother and vows to continue to look for them He rubs ash into his and his sons skin. This is significant as he does this out of respect to his past and recognises his aboriginal roots. He is deeply scarred by the past and will never forget.

Pages 51- 53