Author’s Message

Ask students: What do you think is the underlying theme of the story? What do you believe the author is trying to teach us by writing this story? What is the author’s message?

Close to Her Heart

Ask students: Where did Shi-shi-etko decide to put her memories? Why do you think she didn’t take this object with her to residential school? Why did she take a sprig of fir and hold it close to her heart as she left in the back of the truck?

One Sleep

Ask students: How would you be feeling if you had only one sleep left until you had to leave to go to school for many months? How is Shi-shi-etko feeling? How do you know?

Importance of Grandparents

Ask students: How was Shi-shi-etko feeling when she heard her yayah’s cane? How do you know? Where does it say she was excited or happy in the text, or does it? What connections do you make with your grandparents, relatives or other important people in your...

Family Visits

Shi-shi-etko has lots of family come to visit before she leaves. Ask students: When have you gotten together with your families to say goodbye to someone? Were your family members happy or sad? Was Shi-shi-etko’s family happy or sad? How do you know?