Lesson Plan : Learning about Native Americans

Teacher Name:
 Miss Anne Williams
Grade:
 Grade 4
Subject:
 Social Studies

Topic:
 An introduction to the Cree, Cherokee, and Blackfoot Native American tribes
Content:
 The culture and traditions of Native Americans Key Vocabulary: Tribe Teepee Wigwam Headdress Moccasins Chief Ceromonies Rituals Papoose Reservation Trail of Tears
Goals:
 1.Students should be able to name the important characteristics of each tribe, differentiating between their cultures and method of living/means of survival 2.Students should recognize the importance of family roles within each tribe and also the significance of nature, religion, and tradition in the lives of Native Americans 3.Students should be familiar with the orgin and present location of each tribe
Objectives:
 1.Students will be able to define key vocabulary associated with Native American tribes 2.Students will recognize the importance of personal expression through tribal music, dance, and art 3.Students will know that Native Americans are also called "American Indians" 4.Students will learn about how different tribes had signal cries or "calls" designed to be a means of communication 5.Students will learn to sing the tribal song, "Appeal for Clear Sky"(performed at ceromonies or rituals in order to promote peace), as well as how to perform a tribal dance
Materials:
 A map showing the regions where each tribe originated and is now settled A CD with "Appeal for Clear Sky" song, along with a CD player (If not already in classroom) Indian princess costume Colored feathers, contruction paper, stapler, and glue (for making headdresses to use in tribal dance) Empty oatmeal containers and sticks to serve as drums that the children can decorate Face paint for face painting activity Chopsticks and brown felt for constructing minature teepees
Introduction:
 1.Dress-up as an American Indian princess and do a tribal dance. 2.Show students the map illustrating the regions where each tribe originated and is now settled
Development:
 1.Explain in greater detail the traditions of each tribe and their method of living (in both the past and present) 2.Tell students about the significance of Native American names and encourage them to make a name up for themselves for the day (for example, "silver fox," "evening star") Teach the students to sing the tribal song "Appeal for Clear Sky," and also how to participate in the corresponding tribal dance
Practice:
 1.Have students make headdresses, drums, and miniature teepees 2.Encourage students to take part in the face painting activity 3.Sing and dance to the song "Appeal for Clear Sky," letting the students use the props that they have created
Accommodations:
 1.For hearing impaired students, let them feel the vibrations of the tribal music and also the beating and rythm of the drums 2.For visually impaired students, let them feel the feathers on the headdresses and also the fabric on the American Indian princess costume
Checking For Understanding:
 1.Ask students to name what tribe is one of the largest American Indian groups in North America (Cree) 2.Ask Students to share with the class something interesting that they learned about one of the tribes
Closure:
 1.Review the location of each tribe on the map 2.Review vocabulary associated with Native American tribes 3.Possibly expand the lesson to include what types of food are characteristic of each tribe, and to further discuss the important role that religion plays in the lives of Native Americans
Evaluation:
 
Teacher Reflections:
 

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