The Sign of the Beaver Education Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Next morning he showed his traps to Attean. He had hoped for some sign of approval, but all he got was a grunt and a shrug. He knew that to Attean his work must look childish. However, on the third day one of his own snares had been upset […]. The day after that, there was actually a partridge […]. This time the grunt with which Attean rewarded him sounded very much like his grandfather's "Good." (9.13)

It might just be a grunt, but it's a grunt from Attean—and that's pretty good stuff.

Quote #8

Sometimes it seemed that Attean was learning in spite of him. Once the Indian had resigned himself to mastering twenty-six letters, he took them in a gulp, scorning the childish candle and door and table that Matt had devised. (9.16)

Attean isn't just smart—he's really smart. So though he thinks learning the letters is ridiculous, once he decides to do it, he gobbles them up like cake.

Quote #9

"Show way to cabin," he ordered. […]

Attean looked stern. "Not trick," he said, "Matt need learn." (11.37, 40)

Attean doesn't realize it, but he's using a teaching model called Gradual Release of Responsibility. Way to go, Attean, Teacher Extraordinaire.