Ka-ha-si and the Loon: An Eskimo Legend
Native American Legends Series
What’s inside...
Retells the legend of Ka-ha-si, who acquires great strength and boldness and uses them to rescue his people in times of peril. Includes information on the customs and lifestyle of the Eskimos.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
47 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Ka-ha-si so brave?
How do you think the loon felt when Ka-ha-si helped him?
Why is it important to help others, even if they are different from us?
What would you have done if you were in Ka-ha-si's place?
How do you think the story would change if Ka-ha-si didn't help the loon?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the story and its characters to gauge their emotional reactions.
Use the questions to connect the story to your child’s experiences, asking if they have ever faced similar situations or had similar feelings.
Encourage your child to think about the moral of the story and its relevance to their own life, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the Eskimo legend, emphasizing the value of diverse stories and perspectives.
Highlight the importance of kindness and bravery demonstrated in the story, relating them to real-life virtues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Ka-ha-si demonstrates remarkable perseverance in his quest to acquire wisdom from the Loon. Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, he remains focused and determined.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that persistence in the face of challenges is crucial. Whether it's learning a new skill or completing a difficult task, sticking with it can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Value of wisdom and knowledge
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of wisdom and the lengths Ka-ha-si goes to gain it, highlighting that knowledge is a valuable asset worth pursuing.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value their education and be curious about the world around them, understanding that knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and cultural traditions
Explanation: The interactions with the loon and other elements of nature imbued with spiritual significance exemplify the respect for natural and cultural heritage in Ka-ha-si's journey.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to respect and protect the natural environment and to appreciate the cultural traditions that shape various communities.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: Ka-ha-si learns a hard lesson about honesty when his deception is revealed, showing that dishonest actions can lead to undesirable outcomes.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of being truthful and the negative effects that lying can have on their relationships and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Ka-ha-si’s journey into unknown territories and facing mystical creatures highlights the bravery required to explore new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace new experiences and face uncertainties in life, whether it’s moving to a new place, meeting new friends, or trying new activities.