Saipan International School - MP, 96950

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ELEMENTARY REFLECTIONS
Legends are a major part of each culture. These are stories passed down through generations. Stories
that make us laugh because of the clever trickster, or even make us sad because of their tragedy.
The 3rd Grade students took some time, during the 1st Quarter, to read and learn about the Legends of
the Marianas compiled by Bo Flood. As a culminating activity, they created a replica of the illustrations
and summarized a well-known legend.
The Legend of Taga
A Marianas Legend
Retold by Christian Newman
The Legend of Taga is about a strong man,
named Taga, who was chased by his father to
the end of Guam. When his father caught up
with him, Taga jumped from Guam to Rota.
His footprints were found on both islands.
Years later, when Tagas wife had babies, he
tried to kill the youngest one because he
thought that the child would be stronger than
him. When he did this, Taga's wife died of a
broken heart. Soon one of Taga's daughters
killed him, and then she too died of a broken
heart just like her mom.
The Legend of Sirena
Retold by Kyla Park

Long ago, there was a girl named
Sirena. She loved going swimming in the
river. She would spend all day in the water.
Then one day, her mom was really busy
because the girl's cousin was throwing a huge
feast. Sirena's mom told her to help and get
breadfruit from her auntie. But instead of
listening to her mom, she swam in the river.
When she went back home Sirena's mom was
so angry that she cursed her to become an
ugly fish if she swam in the river again.
Sirena, did not listen. She went in the water
and swam anyway. Her godmother prayed
and said ''Please, please, don't make Sirena
into a disgusting, slimy fish''. The spirits
heard her prayers. So instead of turning into
a fish, Sirena was turned into a mermaid.
The Legend of the Warrior Dance
A Marianas Legend
Retold by William Sosa
In the Legend of the Warrior Dance, a
Carolinian stick dance, the men dance, jump,
and pour coconut oil all over their bodies.
These men do traditional slap dances. One
dance is called Nemin. It is a dance that
chants about a man's love for a woman.

Kathy
Ruszala
G3