Morning Girl by Michael Dorris tells the story of a Taino sister and brother, Morning Girl and Star Boy, as they experience daily life on their island before the arrival of European explorers. Through their perspectives, young readers learn about family, cultural identity, and respect for nature. The book encourages empathy and understanding of diverse viewpoints, showing the beauty and depth of a world rooted in tradition and community.

Morning Girl is a key component within our literature based curriculum, serving as the primary text for three weeks. Here are a few ways we utilize this text:

• Exploratory Questions and Critical Thinking: Students are challenged to work through thematic questions about the positive and negative aspects of change, the impact of human activities on the environment, and the dynamics of community evolution over time.
• Cross-curricular Activities: This book helps bridge literature with social studies, geography, and science. Students explore the geography of the Bahamas and the Taino culture, understand environmental impacts through the lens of the story, and engage in activities that replicate Taino daily life, such as crafting traditional Taino art.
• Writing and Reflection: Students will write from the perspectives of Morning Girl and Star Boy.
• Discussion and Analysis: Group discussions allow students to share insights, debate themes, and analyze the novel’s portrayal of Taino culture and the implications of Columbus’s arrival.