Parent Guide > Clinging to Tradition, Mattaponi Fight Reservoir

by Ellen Nakashima 1997

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "Clinging to Tradition, Mattaponi Fight Reservoir" by Ellen Nakashima.

In this informational text by Ellen Nakashima, representatives of the Mattaponi Indians and Newport News discuss their positions on a plan to build a new reservoir.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Human vs. Nature, Justice, Freedom & Equality, and Technology, Progress & Industry as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"How do we view nature?", "What are the costs and benefits of technology?", and "What is fair?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this news article at home:
    • What was "Clinging to Tradition, Mattaponi Fight Reservoir" about?
    • What did you learn about Human vs. Nature?
    • What did you learn about Justice, Freedom & Equality?
    • What did you learn about Technology, Progress & Industry?
  • Watch Tribal Fishing Tradition Runs Deep at home with your child.