In this 3-5 lesson, students will dramatize the ways a mountain can be formed. Students will analyze poems about mountain creation from the perspective of the Tohono O’odham People. Students will compare the poems to science-based descriptions of mountain formation.
Students will:
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Teachers should obtain a copy of The Way to Make Perfect Mountains: Native American Legends of Sacred Mountains and read the poem “The Way to Make Perfect Mountains” by Byrd Baylor.
Students should be familiar with elements of poetry and natural landforms.
Modify the inquiry handout and resources as needed. Utilize appropriate assistive technologies for the inquiry portion of the lesson. Allow extra time and space for dance movements.
Original Writer
Mary Beth Bauernschub
Original Writer
Carol Parenzan Smalley
Editor
JoDee Scissors
Updated
September 17, 2021
In this 3-5 lesson, students will explore the clay sculpture tradition of the Pueblo People of New Mexico. Students will discuss the history and distinctive features of storyteller dolls then create original listening dolls to accompany a story they will share.
In this K-2 lesson, students will explore Navajo weavings by Navajo Peoples of North America. Students will choreograph a pattern of movements inspired by the weavings. Students will perform and discuss a pattern of movements for an audience.
In this 3-5 lesson, students are introduced to the genre of American tall tales. Students will write an original tall tale set in contemporary times with a “larger-than-life” main character. Students then dramatize their tall tales for the class.
In this 3-5 lesson, students will write tall tales about cryptids from folkloric records. Students will explore the structure and history of tall tales. They will become cryptozoologists to research a tall tale about a North American cryptid and perform an interactive story, monologue, or news report.
Experience and honor cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas through dance, music, literary, and visual arts. Watch Native Pride the eagle and hoop dances, trace the life of a Navajo weaver, learn how Keith Bear makes a flute, make a listening doll, and meet fancy dancers Larry and Jessup Yazzie.
Eric Friedman
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Kenny Neal
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JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
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