Year 8 Week 3 - Asha and the Spirit Bird

🎓 Learning Objectives Covered

• English:

  • Develop deeper comprehension through character analysis

  • Explore the theme of courage in literature

  • Use descriptive and narrative writing techniques

  • Expand vocabulary and apply it creatively

• Geography:

  • Understand internal migration and human movement

  • Read and create simple maps based on text

  • Explore the relationship between environment and survival

• Citizenship / Ethics:

  • Reflect on moral decision-making

  • Consider multiple perspectives on risk and responsibility

🧭 Introduction to the Week

This week, Asha makes a life-changing decision to leave home in search of her father. Her journey begins with bravery, secrecy, and trust in her spirit bird. As readers, we ask "What would it take to leave everything behind for something you believe in?".

We’ll look at how authors show courage through action, how characters make decisions under pressure, and what survival means, emotionally and physically.

Read chapters 6-8.

Reading & Vocabulary: Chapters 6–8

In your journal answer:

• What motivates Asha to leave?

• How does she prepare for the journey?

• How does Jeevan support her?

• What dangers does Asha worry about?

• How does the author build suspense in these chapters?

  
  

Key Vocabulary Words:

Choose 6–8 to define.

• Determination

• Resolve

• Risk

• Instinct

• Foreshadow

• Shelter

• Trek

• Desperation

  
  

Task

Write a paragraph describing the moment Asha leaves. Use vocabulary words to show the emotions, atmosphere, and tension, without saying “scared” or “excited.” Show it through action and description.

Geography Spotlight: Migration and Movement

Asha’s journey is a form of internal migration; she leaves her rural village and moves toward a distant city. In India, this is common. People move for work, family, or survival. But journeys like Asha’s aren’t just about distance, they’re about risk and resilience.

Key Concepts:

• Migration: moving from one place to another.

• Push factors: reasons to leave (poverty, danger, lack of opportunity).

• Pull factors: reasons to go somewhere new (jobs, safety, hope).

Task

Draw or digitally design a “Journey Map” for Asha. Start at her home and chart a path toward the city. Mark key challenges, decisions, or symbolic moments. Add compass directions and geographical features like rivers, forests, or mountains. As the journey continues come back and add more details to your map.

Other Spotlight: Ethics — Right or Wrong?

Asha lies to her mother and runs away, and she’s taking a friend with her. Is it brave, selfish, or both?

Let’s break it down:

• Is Asha making the only choice she can?

• Is it ever OK to break the rules for a greater good?

• What risks is she taking, and what does that say about her values?

  
  

Reflection Task

Write a “decision tree” showing what choices Asha had. Add notes explaining the risks and possible outcomes of each. Then write a short paragraph answering: Would you have made the same choice in her place? Why or why not?

Here are some examples of decision trees. Click on the image to make it larger.

This poster should help you make your decision tree.

🎯 Challenge of the Week

Choose one creative task:

Option 1: “Rules for the Road” Survival Guide

Imagine you’re Asha, writing a secret guide for anyone else planning a similar journey. Include:

• 5 golden rules for survival

• Tips on staying hidden

• How to keep hope alive

• Include at least 4 vocabulary words

• Use illustrations or symbols

  
  

Option 2: Scene Rewrite

Rewrite one moment from Chapters 6–8 from Jeevan’s point of view. Focus on how he feels following Asha into danger. Does he feel loyal? Nervous? Regretful?Try to show emotion through what he notices, says, and does.