TEACHERS NOTES

India Dark

Also published as: The Lilliputians

India Dark incorporates all five elements of the learning goals of The National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools. The novel is suitable for students in Years 7-10.

Teacher’s notes for India Dark were prepared by Judith Way & Helen McIntyre and include many activities focusing s on the study of Asia.

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Teachers' Notes India Dark

Linked Resources

Watch a televised interview of Kirsty discussing India Dark at the Bangalore Literature Festival in South India

The story of India Dark is based on the 1909 tour of Pollard’s Lilliputian Opera Company. Short biographies of some of the Pollard actors can be found on Forgotten Australian Actresses

The State Library of Victoria recorded an ‘in-conversation’ between Kirsty and Justine Hyde discussing India Dark.

Behind The Book: India Dark

Featured

India Dark, The Four Seasons of Lucy McKenzie, The Lilliputians, Vulture’s Gate, Zarconi’s Magic Flying Fish, Bridie’s Fire, Becoming Billy Dare, A Prayer for Blue Delaney, The Secret Life of Maeve Lee Kwong, Walking Home with Marie-Claire, Children of the Wind Series, Strangers on Country, Kids Who Did, Topsy-turvy World, A Penny to Remember, The Red Camel, The Clever Cats Book Club, When Billy was a Dog, Eat the Sky

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India Dark, The Four Seasons of Lucy McKenzie, The Lilliputians, Vulture’s Gate, Zarconi’s Magic Flying Fish, Bridie’s Fire, Becoming Billy Dare, A Prayer for Blue Delaney, The Secret Life of Maeve Lee Kwong, Walking Home with Marie-Claire, Children of the Wind Series, Strangers on Country, Kids Who Did, Topsy-turvy World, A Penny to Remember, The Red Camel, The Clever Cats Book Club, When Billy was a Dog, Eat the Sky

Teachers on India Dark in the Classroom

India Dark would be suitable for Stage 4. In the English classroom, India Dark would work well in units that focus on narration, historical fiction, character and thematic studies. There’s a variety of sources about Pollard’s Lilliputian Opera Company available on the Internet. After reading the novel, students could research the troupe and events that the novel is based on. Sections of India Dark could also be effective in stimulating class discussions and debates on children’s rights and moral dilemmas.

India Dark could also be a useful resource across KLAs. It offers insights into Australia before World War I, India pre-independence and could also be used for mapping activities.

Lauren Sims, NSW

The novel effectively explores issues associated with lies, betrayal, secrets and friendship and could raise debates within the classroom. This is a very engaging read either as a class text or as part of a wide reading unit.

Gersha Shteyman, Kesser Torah College, NSW

This text is an intriguing one and would make an excellent unit for Stage 5 students dealing with physical and emotional journeys, or ones dealing with exploring the courage needed in difficult situations.

Jane Dean, The Forest High School, NSW