Year 8 Week 2 - Asha and the Spirit Bird

Learning Objectives Covered

• English:

  • Infer character motivation and conflict

  • Use language for expressive and persuasive writing

  • Expand vocabulary and use words in context

• Geography:

  • Understand the contrast between rural and urban settings

  • Explore how geography shapes lifestyle and opportunity

• Citizenship / Cultural Studies:

  • Explore social roles, gender, and tradition

  • Reflect on personal and cultural values

Introduction to the Week

Asha’s world is shaped by her family’s traditions; some comforting, others limiting. This week, we focus on how traditions shape choices, especially for girls. As Asha dreams of a different future, we ask: Can tradition and change live side by side?

Read chapters 4-5

Reading & Vocabulary: Chapters 4–5

In your journal, answer:

• What roles do family members play in Asha’s life?

• How does her mother react to Asha’s questions and dreams?

• What do we learn about Jeevan?

• What is Asha's mood? Is it hopeful, fearful, or tense?

  
  

Key Vocabulary Words

Pick 6–8 words to define, find synonyms/antonyms, and use in your own sentences.

• Obedience

• Honour

• Boundaries

• Tradition

• Rebellion

• Restriction

• Consequences

• Custom

Task

Choose two characters (Asha and her mother, or Asha and Jeevan). Write a dialogue between them where they disagree about tradition or the future. Use at least four vocabulary words.

Geography Spotlight: Rural vs Urban India

Asha’s village is part of rural India, where traditions are strong, life is often simple, and access to services like education and healthcare can be limited. As Asha dreams of finding her father in the city, we start to explore the contrasts between village and city life. Delhi is a large city in India that we can use to represent the city where Asha's father has gone.

Rural Life	Urban Life
Close to nature	Busy, built-up environment
Farming-based	Many jobs in offices, shops, and factories
Strong community ties	Greater individual freedom
Fewer schools and hospitals	More access to services

Activity

Create a table or Venn diagram comparing life in Asha’s village with what you imagine life is like in Delhi. Use clues from the book and your own research. The National Geographic site is a great place to start your research.

Other Spotlight: Culture & Family Expectations

Family honour and tradition play a huge role in Asha’s world. In many cultures, especially in traditional Indian families, honour is about how the family is seen in the community. Children are expected to follow rules and respect elders. But Asha is starting to think independently.

Thinking Points:

• Why do you think Asha’s mother resists the idea of going to Delhi?

• How does honour influence her choices?

• Can honour be harmful as well as protective?

Mini-Reflection

Have you ever wanted to do something that went against a rule or expectation? What stopped you, or what pushed you forward?

🎯 Challenge of the Week

Choose one:

1. Write a letter from Asha to her father (who she believes is in Delhi). In the letter, she should explain what life has been like, how she feels about her mother’s decisions, and what she hopes for in the future.

   • Try to write in Asha’s voice.

   • Use at least 5 vocabulary words.

   • Include emotions and sensory details.

2. Create a cultural comparison poster that shows differences between your culture and Asha’s (food, clothing, gender roles, family structure, or school). Use quotes from the book to support your points.