Paul Gowder is the owner and founder of PowWows.com. Tape the twigs into place – each twig is taped along a fold line. Crayons, tempera paint, or markers Get a large piece of poster board and some markers to create a board game that tracks a Plains Indian tribe through their yearly hunting migration. Invite volunteers to demonstrated Native American dance. A pencil String a few more beads on the twine and then wrap the twine around the far side of the hoop. Explore fun, engaging and exciting world themed activities to do with toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners. Again, details are not necessary to give an accurate picture. Craft:  Hopi Kachina Doll cardboard tube craft, Craft:  Native American Toilet Paper Roll Craft, Craft:  Totem Pole Toilet Paper Roll Craft, Native American / First Nations Coloring Pages / Posters, Native American / First Nations On-Line Jigsaw Puzzles. Do not bind the twigs too tightly. Check out an authentic Spotify playlist or had to YouTube to explore songs both traditional and modern by Native American artists. Trace the triangle 3 more times with the long edges touching. Unless your community or family is already in touch with the Native American experience, most children only learn that they exist around these times. This website has grade ranges from kindergarten all the way through high school, which makes it one of the more comprehensive options on the list. A bendable twig about 1 foot long The headdress is considered sacred by most Native American cultures; so do not imitate it by making paper headdresses for children to play with. Required fields are marked *. Many people think that using or creating lesson plans is something that only teachers do in a school setting. Teaching resources to help your class explore the rich cultures and traditions of Native Americans in the United States Grades PreK–K , 1–2 , 3–5 , 6–8 , 9–12 Although teachers and parents should not limit educating children and teens about Native American history and culture during November alone, it does provide a more pointed opportunity to explore. Most of these are divided up into ages or grade ranges so you can choose something that will be easier for the kids to understand. Although Native Americans make up such a small part of the population statistically speaking, they are an integral part of the nation's history and our modern world. Paul started PowWows.com in 1996 during graduate school. Dream Catchers Supplies needed: Brown construction paper or brown paper from a grocery bag This idea came from a teacher on the Kinderkorner web ring: When I braid the girls' hair or my own, I silently repeat the mantra "body, mind and spirit" over and over as I weave the three strands of hair together. These may all sound like difficult things to achieve, especially if you are a parent with no advanced teaching education. String a few beads onto the twine and push the beads toward the tied end. This activity is ideal for 2nd – 4th grade, but can be used where appropriate. The "teaching of the braid" is something I'm so grateful to have learned when studying about indigenous cultures. Some American Indian games and activities were popular for the long winter months when more people stayed inside. Required fields are marked *. What makes a Native American lesson plan more interesting than eating a meal or snack that includes foods enjoyed in the past and still today. Teepee Then twist each one into a spring shape. They should have strong knowledge of the major groups that lived all across the country, how they lived, what they ate, the type of art and cultural activities that existed, and their interaction with European settlers. Also, helping students create games together can be a great part of a lesson plan. Whether you are a teacher interested in expanding curriculum options, a parent who wants to share more accurate or in-depth information but their child, or student seeking additional knowledge about the diverse cultures of this country, Native American lesson plans will help you reach your goals. Resource Person This website offers a wide variety of principles and reading opportunities to teach about a variety of topics. Native American Indians Theme Activities, Lessons, Printables, and Teaching Ideas. Wrap the twine around the other side of the hoop. Draw wings or arms for some or all of the animals. It is … Thanksgiving Worksheets. It is obvious how Native American lesson plans work with a history curriculum. The Scholastic organization has long been trusted by educational facilities and parents to give accurate information and engaging help to teachers and parents. When designing new Native American lesson plans for the students at your school, your children at home, or for your own advanced education, turn to online resources that focus on historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. ... Indians or Native Americans; This 11-lesson kindergarten unit integrates math, reading, and writing skills with the Core Knowledge history and geography content for Native Americans. Have the child draw a different animal head in each section. Don’t assume that every Native American will know about every other Native Nation (tribe), or that children will know details about their own tribe. However, as long as you focus on accuracy and engagement, you cannot go far wrong. Put the twigs into the tepee. View all; Don’t use storybooks that show non-Native children playing Indian. You can experiment to see how different amounts and different types of seeds and beans change the sound. Holding the tepee above a piece of scrap paper, trace the outline of one side of the tepee. Tie a short length of twine on the hoop. They are more than just opportunities to get together and dance and make music. Help Wanted: Community Manager/Executive Assistant, Best Practices When Teaching About Native People, Age-appropriate information and presentation while maintaining accuracy, Trustworthy resource materials and sources of information, Ways to engage the students and increase interest and curiosity, Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic materials for different types of learners, An opportunity for working together with others, Goal-oriented information and presentation, Creating Codes like the Navajo Code Talkers, Native American Pottery Project: Exploring Archaeology, Create Your Own Native American Board Game, Traditions and Languages of Three Native Cultures, Native Americans and the American Revolution, Language of Place: Hopi Place Names, Poetry, and Song, Describing Drum Beats in Native American Music, American Indian Reservation Controversies. I do make sure every one has at least one feather by Friday in on their headband. The process of building a lesson plan for any subject differs whether you are a professional teacher working in a school or a parent who simply wants to add extra information or engagement for your children at home. Do learn the history of Native peoples, past and present, before you attempt to teach it. Teaching Respect For Native Peoples I find the following guidelines to be helpful in a daycare/school setting. Cut along the spokes. Listening to you give a report about a Native American topic of interest or sitting down and reading an article or book is generally not as engaging is actually working on activity alone or with others.