Reaction paper #1

Seeing the Forest in Spite of the Trees

The author’s main purpose was to compare and contrast two different groups of people.  By describing the two distinct cultures, the author allows the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each.  The author does not reveal a bias towards either group until near the end of the story, when the Baumtalmids’ city burns to the ground.  The author uses the climax as proof for which culture is best, or at least in some circumstances, by showing how the Baumtalmids’ refusal for help and their eagerness to use the natural resources of the forest resulted in their ruin, whereas the Skoggoderes’ offer to help was generous and thoughtful. 

I agree with the author’s viewpoint, since cultures cannot survive without cooperation.  Although competition is useful and often a necessary tool for development and growth, collaboration between different people and cultures is the ultimate tool for survival.  The Baumtalmids’ ignored the Skoggoders until they realized their mistakes.

The story can be related to several chapters we have read so far.  The unusual name of the two groups of people, Baumtalmids and Skoggoders, applies to phonemic awareness.  No doubt students would have never seen those words before, challenging them to read more closely and learn how to pronounce new words.

        Additionally, the story can be applied to the reading process in chapter two, especially steps three, four and five, or responding, exploring and applying.  After reading the story, students can respond to questions such as, “Why did the Baumtalmids refuse help?” Or, “What might the Baumtalmids learn from this tragedy?”  Then, the students might explore the text by learning new words and examining the manner in which the author developed the story.  The students might also connect the story to personal experiences, both from within and outside of the classroom.  Finally, the students might apply the information and thoughts they have gathered by making projects that relate to the story.  Two themes I gathered are environmentalism and cooperation.  The students could create projects to study local forest preserves, or even investigate how and why there are charities such as food pantries for the disadvantaged. 

I enjoyed the article and appreciate how it developed a point while entertaining the reader.  Because the story does not apply directly to the ‘real world, the reader is challenged to apply the lessons to his or her experiences.  Additionally, the reader is introduced to the exercise of comparing and contrasting the two groups.  The article could be applied to many different circumstances and lessons.