Verbal/Linguistic

Throughout the story, Cassidy Rain keeps a journal. Keep a journal for at least ten days. The pages can remain private. If you’re in a classroom, just fold them lengthwise, so that a teacher can see they have been written on.

OR

In the story, Mrs. Della Owen writes a letter to the editor. Choose a local issue that you are concerned about and write a letter to your local editor. (Be sure that it is checked for grammar and spelling first¸ editors often to publish letters with the mistakes included and the words SIC (stand for spelled in-correctly) afterwards).

Logical/Mathematical

Create a character map about Rain. Break down her interests, household, appearance, friends, and family.

This story, like many Native stories, is non-linear in its telling. Some readers are unfamiliar with that style of writing. Whether you are new to Native literature or a big fan, create a timeline and fill in the major events in chronological order.

Visual/Spatial

Rain is a photographer. Use your camera or the camera app on your phone. Shoot at least 24 pictures (black and white or color, your choice) that will capture what it is like to be you right now. Then, using at least eight of the best, make a small scrapbook, with notes explaining the pictures. Write a brief journal entry about this project and what you learned working in this media.

Body/Kinesthetic

In pairs or small groups, choose a scene to act out in front of the class. You don’t have to go word by word with the text, but it should be a close representation of the work.

Musical/Rhythmic

Find song lyrics that you think Rain would like. Copy them down, and write a letter explaining to her why you thought she would enjoy them or why they would resonate with her life.

Interpersonal

In groups of no more than five, create your own pasta bridge. Be sure that each person contributes to the construction, and that no one person designs it. Then, after it is complete, discuss the process.

Intrapersonal

Strong readers read in phrases, not word by word. Reread one chapter of RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME, focusing on reading in this method. Then, make a copy of one page of the novel, and highlight every other phrase as you go. This will train your mind in the chunking, or phrasing, method. At the bottom of the page, explain how this technique affected your reading.