Long before Columbus came, they lived and thrived throughout the land. This cross-curricular unit teaches that the term "Native Americans" represents a diverse group. There are many different tribes and nations and each has its own unique traditions. It also shows that Native Americans are members of our modern, contemporary society. We study their past to understand their rich traditions. The unit begins with the classroom environment, providing a chart for learning the traditions of Native Americans from six different geographic regions of North America. Topics and activities explored include: The First Americans (a history), Map of Native American Groups, North Americans of the Northeastern Woodlands, Northeastern Natives (writing exercise), Wampum Math, My Wampum Patterns, An Iroquois False Face Mask (craft project), The Bowl Game, Native Americans of the Southeastern Woodlands, Southeastern Natives (writing exercise), Making a Gorget (craft project), The Hand Game, Making a Pouch, Pouch Pattern, Native Americans of the Plains, Plains Natives (writing exercise), The Talking Stick (craft project), Using Your Class Talking Stick, A Sioux Lunch Bag, Sioux Parfleche Pattern, Traveling with a Travois, Picture Writing, Native Americans of the Southwest, Southwest Natives (writing exercise), Good Luck Charms (craft project), Navajo Skin Bags, Coil Pots (make your own kitchen clay), a Corn Husk Shuttle, Native Americans of the Northwest Caost, Northwest Natives (writing exercise), a Whale Rattle (craft project), Whale Rattle Pattern, Totem Poles, Burden Baskets, Native Americans of the Far North, Natives of the Far North (writing exercise), Dream Catchers (craft project), Shinny (an outdoor game), the Story Tellers, My Story Planner, and Depending on Natural Resources (writing exercise). Also features a full-color, two-sided pull-out poster about The Beginnings of Stories on one side and Recipes on the other. Teaching suggestions provided. Includes bibliography, and complete step-by-step instructions for all activities. All pages are reproducible and perforated for easy removal.
Grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Difficulty: Primary
Pages: 48 pages
Sample: View a Sample of this Lesson Plan
