Exploring The Medicine Bag

Mrs. Willy reads 'The Medicine Bag' with students, exploring themes of heritage, family, and cultural identity. The story follows Martin, who initially feels embarrassed by his Sioux grandfather's visit. As the narrative unfolds, Martin learns about his grandfather's journey and the significance of the medicine bag, a family heirloom. Through this experience, Martin gains a deeper understanding and acceptance of his cultural heritage.

Why did the narrator and his sister exaggerate their stories about their Sioux grandpa?

• They were told to do so by their parents.

• They didn't know the real stories.

• They wanted to impress their friends.

• They were ashamed of him.

What conclusions can you draw about the narrator's neighborhood based on the dogs' behavior?

• It was a neighborhood with many aggressive dogs.

• It was a neighborhood with no dogs.

• It was a quiet and peaceful neighborhood.

• It was a neighborhood with many small, fancy dogs.

How did the narrator feel when he first saw his grandpa in the street?

• Angry and upset

• Ashamed and embarrassed

• Proud and excited

• Indifferent

What was the main reason Grandpa decided to visit his family?

• He was lonely after their visit.

• He needed medical attention.

• He wanted to give them gifts.

• He wanted to see the city.

What did Grandpa carry in his boots that made them tight?

• Rocks

• Money

• Food

• Medicine

How did Martin's friends react when they met Grandpa?

• They ignored him.

• They were respectful and quiet.

• They were scared of him.

• They laughed at him.

What did Grandpa say was the reason for giving Martin the medicine bag?

• He didn't need it anymore.

• He thought it was time for Martin to have it.

• He wanted to get rid of it.

• It was a family tradition.

What items were inside the medicine bag?

• A piece of wood, a coin, and a flower

• A piece of cloth, a stone, and a leaf

• Money, a photo, and a feather

• A piece of iron, a pebble, and sacred sage

What did Grandpa instruct Martin to do with the medicine bag?

• Bury it in the backyard

• Give it to his sister

• Wear it all the time

• Keep it safe until he returns to the reservation

What does Martin's return to the reservation suggest about his attitude towards his heritage?

• He rejects his heritage.

• He is indifferent to his heritage.

• He accepts and honors his heritage.

• He is confused about his heritage.