Irniq and the Eagles Level 21-22

Irniq and the Eagles is a retelling of a traditional tale from the Pacific North-west that follows the youngest of three brothers on a courageous quest. When his older brothers go missing on a hunting trip, Irniq receives help from a mysterious eagle man-but only after proving his generosity and loyalty to his people. This rich narrative weaves themes of cooperation, respect, and the value of community support. Vivid descriptions such as œthe snow began to whirl and temporal phrases like œOne day and œAfter that add depth and rhythm to the storytelling. Students learn to identify characteristics of traditional tales, interpret messages, and reflect on how stories convey cultural values. This tale promotes character education and critical thinking about actions and consequences.

Educational Benefits:

• Introduces the structure and themes of traditional tales.
• Develops ability to identify and analyse moral messages.
• Supports descriptive language and use of temporal phrases.
• Encourages discussion of character actions and their impact.

Classroom Ideas:

• Compare this traditional tale to one from another culture.
• Discuss how Irniq's actions demonstrate leadership and values.
• Encourage students to write their own story with a lesson or moral.
• Explore the cultural origins of the tale and its symbolism.

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 7-9
• Size: 210mm x 297mm
• Safety: Printed text only; recommended for group reading and discussions.