Coyote Makes Man
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
In 'Coyote Makes Man,' author James Sage weaves a captivating tale based on Native American folklore. The story follows the trickster god Coyote as he embarks on a journey to create humanity. Along the way, Coyote encounters various challenges and learns important lessons about life, responsibility, and the balance of nature. Sage's narrative is rich with cultural significance and offers a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of indigenous mythology. Light wear to boards. Shipped from the U.K. All orders received before 3pm sent that weekday.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Coyote learned about creation and responsibility?
How did Coyote's actions affect the world around him?
Why do you think Coyote wanted to create man, and what does it teach us about creativity and consequences?
What feelings did you experience when reading about Coyote's adventures?
If you could change one part of Coyote's story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motives behind Coyote's actions and their outcomes, promoting a deeper understanding of cause and effect.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Ask your child to imagine their own mythical story of creation, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
Validate all responses to show that all perspectives are valuable, building their confidence in expressing thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Coyote Makes Man,' Coyote teaches the newly created humans the significance of taking responsibility for their actions, as he guides them through the basics of life.
Real-World Application: Children can absorb the importance of being accountable for their actions, whether it involves managing their own belongings, completing homework, or interacting with peers responsibly.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The story highlights Coyote using his wit and resourcefulness to create humans and solve problems, showcasing the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their imagination to solve problems and to see creativity as a valuable tool in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, Coyote's deep bond with the natural world is evident, teaching children to cherish and respect the environment.
Real-World Application: This can be fostered in children through activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees, helping them understand their role in protecting the planet.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: As Coyote's actions sometimes lead to unintended consequences, the story conveys the idea that mistakes are a part of learning and growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to view setbacks as learning opportunities and are encouraged to keep trying and growing despite challenges.
Example Lesson: The Value of Guidance
Explanation: Coyote acts as a mentor to the humans he creates, illustrating the importance of guidance and wisdom shared from elders or teachers.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and respect the guidance they receive from parents, teachers, and other mentors in their lives.