Activity 1: Reading Skills

A. Think about the folk narratives and share your ideas with your classmates and teacher. Here are
few questions for discussion. Whenever you can, refer back to the text to check your ideas and
answers.

1. In “Owner of the Sky: Olorun the Creator”

a. How did the myth accomplish its aim of explaining the beginning of the world?

b. What did you learn about Yoruba life from the tale?

c. What other creation stories do you know? How are they alike or different?

2. In “Anansi’s Tales”

a. Based on the fact that they listened to Anansi, what can you say (infer) about the hornets, the
python, and the leopard?

b. Interpret Anansi’s attitude toward the other animals.

c. Why was Anansi able to do what the rich and powerful families have failed to do? What can you
conclude?

d. Think about the culture of the people in this folktale and share your analysis regarding the
following:

 What were the customs, traditions, and lifestyles like in this particular tale?

3. How does reading this folklore make you understand human beings and the forces that they need
to fight with?

B. Cause and effect occurs when one event leads to another. The first event is called the cause and
the second the effect. In this myths, cause and effect can be used to explain a natural occurrence for
which there appear no logical answer.

Examples: Cause : There was no firm land. (first event)

Effect: Olorun assigned the task of making some to Great God. (second event)

1. Review the myth “Owner of the Sky: Olorun the Creator” using these guide questions.

a. Why were the two animals necessary?

b. Why was chameleon sent down?

c. Why is the Yoruba City of Ife special?

d. What other cause and effect relationships can you find in the tale? Name three.

2. Using speed reading and skimming. Go through “ Anansi’s Tales” and look for cause-effect
relationships. Then prepare a note-taking guide by filling out the cause-and-effect chart to show how
Anansi got what he wanted.
Cause
Anansi wanted to
buy all tales and
stories from Nyame

Effect/ Cause Effect

C. In your notebook, write your reaction to the tales. Use the following questions AS GUIDE:

1. Which part/ aspect of the story struck you most forcibly?

2. Did you appreciate the manner and language in which each tale was told? Why or why not?

3. Did you find any inconsistencies in the tales? Did they bother you? Why or why not?