Section 12.2 American Sign Language – Small Number and the Dog, the Rabbit, and a Sack of Carrots
Written by: Donna Gerdts and Veselin Jungic Illustrated by: Bethani L'Heureux The American Sign Language translation and narration by Dominique Ireland of the Oneida Nation of the ThamesSmall Number is a young boy who gets into a lot of mischief. He lives with his family in a house near the creek while his grandmother lives in a house on the other side of the creek.
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It is a beautiful summer day and Small Number's mom tells him, “Small Number, get ready! You are going to visit Grandma today. You will help her cut up and stack her firewood. You will also help her with her garden. There is so much work to do at this time of the year.”
“Yes, son, you can take Curly Hair. But you will have to carry her across the creek because she doesn't like to get wet.”
“Curly Hair, you are such a good little dog. Let us run!”
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“Hi, Small Number!” said Grandma giving Small Number a big hug. “I am very happy to see you.” Curly Hair was watching them and happily wagging her tail.
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Grandma makes tea for Small Number, and then she says, “Thank you so much for your help. You and Curly Hair better head home soon.”
“And I have a surprise for you.” Grandma opens a box and a small, gray rabbit jumps outside of the box. “Thank you, Grandma!” yells Small Number.
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Grandma smiles, “Just be careful when you cross the creek.” “Make sure that you do not leave Curly Hair and the rabbit alone. Curly Hair is a sweet dog but look how she is looking at the rabbit. Also, do not leave the rabbit alone with the carrots, otherwise you will not have any carrots left to bring to your mom.”
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Small Number is puzzled, “Now what do I do? The rocks are very slippery, and I can only carry one at a time.”
Question: How can Small Number safely get everything across the river?
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