The second step of ISearch, which seems to match up with our third W, Webbing, has led me to wandering through a few searches related to Neil Gaiman's works.
Of course, I began by laying out which information I wanted to look for by identifying key names and ideas from the books with which I'm most familiar. This resulted in this expanded map on bubbl.us. I have so much I want to look into, and I need to head to the library on Saturday to find as many of the Sandman graphic novels as I can, because the idea of following characters through different cultures is fascinating.
I've discovered, however, that I either need to hurry up and finish American Gods or be extremely careful in how I search. I was looking up Chernobog (who is, apparently, a Slavic deity) in relation to the novel, and accidentally discovered the identity of Mr. Wednesday. I knew he was going to end up being a major deity, but learning the solution outside of the story has spoiled a bit of the fun.
As far as the age level of my project, I placed it into the younger group because of my career focus, however I'm discovering that my project will probably be only partially geared towards that group, with novels like Coraline and Odd and the Frost Giants. Not sure how to proceed...
Cited:
"Virtual Information Inquiry: I-SEARCH." Virtual Information Inquiry: Student Information Scientists and Instructional Specialists in the Learning Laboratory. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. <http://virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/isearch.htm>.
Lamb, Annette. "Virtual Information Inquiry: 8Ws." Virtual Information Inquiry: Student Information Scientists and Instructional Specialists in the Learning Laboratory. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. <http://virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/webbing.htm>.
Covering all of Gaiman’s works that deal with myths is a significant undertaking. I hope you are enjoying pouring through his works.
ReplyDeleteI can see the problem you are running into, with taking Gaiman’s works and relating them to a younger audience. If I was asked what age group I would place his work in, I would definitely have gone to at least high school reading level.
I really liked your expanded map. I think a good focus for you would be the Sandman graphic novels. You bubble map said how he has appeared in many cultures under different names. You could branch off from their in a classroom lesson, such as how certain characters in the various mythologies around the world tend to have a similar cast of characters. For example, there always seems to be a trickster. Norse has Loki, Native Americans have the Coyote, Africans have Anansi. What a ‘conspiracy’ it would be, if there were all actually the same person!
How frustrating with Mr. Wednesday--I hate when I accidently come upon a "spoiler" for a book I'm in the midst of!
ReplyDeleteI would agree with Robert; I would tend to place Gaimon's work with high school students, though I think reviewers suggest some (like Odd) for middle school as well.
Sounds like maybe you need to choose a focus that doesn't include American Gods, just because of the timeline we're on. I'm very intersted to see your final project.... I really enjoyed reading both Odd and The Graveyard Book last semester and have been meaning to pick up more Gaiman since then.