LESSON PLAN FORMAT
Exploring Native American Tribes
Student Teacher’s Name: Kristina McGrath Date: November 8, 2008
Grade Level 3 Topic/Unit: Social Studies School: Hillcrest Elementary District: Crestwood
By examining the traditional stories of American Indians who lived in Michigan (e.g., Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Huron, and Menominee) students will be able to:
a. make generalizations about the beliefs of the tribes indicated
b. use the Kidspiration program to construct a concept map comparing the
tribes and their customs/beliefs
c. construct a historical narrative about daily life in the early settlements of
I will focus on meeting the following benchmarks:
State of Michigan Social Studies Standard 3-H3.0.7 and
State of Michigan Social Studies Standard 3-H3.0.4
Learning Resources and Materials
Students will need the following materials:
a. copies of the children’s magazine The Mitten, a publication of Michigan History Magazine which focuses on the Ojibway tribe, Odawa tribe, and Potawatomi tribe.
b. copies of the children’s magazine The Mitten, a publication of Michigan History Magazine which focuses on the Huron Tribe.
c. copies of Native American Facts for Kids: Menominee Indian Fact Sheet.
d. an information packet bound into a book made by me which addresses sections for each of the tribes and the importance of each including cultural aspects, belief systems, and activities of daily life
e. access to a computer with the Kidspiration program downloaded and available
Development of Lesson
To generate interest in the subject of Native American tribes, I will start by asking a general question about what The Three Fires are. I will expect to hear answers along the lines of “stop, drop, and roll,” “three important fires in Michigan’s history,” and “the three branches of government.” To everyone’s surprise I will announce that The Three Fires was actually a confederation of Native American tribes from Michigan’s pre-statehood period. This will lead to a discussion about what the student’s think the lives of the settlers were like and how they compared to their lives today. In this way, they will be able to make a comparison between themselves and those who came before us, thus focusing their attention and interest on the subject.
After the introduction and expected enthusiasm, I will group the children into pairs so that they will be able to read the The Mitten articles published by the Michigan History Magazine: The Three Fires and the Huron Indians along with the Native American Facts for Kids on the Menominee tribe. I will hand out the information packet bound into a chapter book with sections for each tribe while they are reading. In these books, I will have maps for the children to locate each of the tribes as well as a writing activity about the cultural aspects and beliefs of each tribe. They are to include some of the daily activities for settlers with this and then draw a picture to illustrate these concepts. Each student will have a book of their own. After they have collaborated with each other in their groups I will lead a discussion about what they had found, asking each group to give some input. I will use a dry erase board to form a chart as a graphic organizer for each tribe as a way to begin comparing and contrasting their activities and beliefs. When the children have a good understanding of the lives of the settlers, I will explain to them that it is time for them to make their own concept map. I will choose two groups of two students to work together as they will now be able to use the Kidspiration program to create their very own concept map comparing the tribes. By pairing two groups of two I am hoping to generate additional discussion and ideas. Each tribe will have its own part and both pictures and words will be used to describe the beliefs, culture, and daily activities of all. Upon completion, and I fully expect this will take a couple of one hour sessions to complete, the students will share their concept maps with the class, explaining why they have chosen as they did. After all have presented, I will again ask the students about the Three Fires, only this time I expect a completely different educated response.
I am fully aware that some students may need additional assistance and if so, I am prepared to offer that. I will walk around continually to make sure that the students understand what is expected of them. I will help those children who need assistance reading the articles and completing their books. As a class, we will learn and become familiar with the Kidspiration program together and gradually they will be able to work with their groups to complete it themselves. If they have additional trouble, I will help them. I also understand that I may need to allow for additional time to complete this assignment, but feel it will be worth it.
I will assess the students at the middle of the assignment with their completion of their chapter books on Michigan Native American tribes. I will use a rubric to assess if they have provided in depth information and completed all parts of the book neatly; or given some information, although not in depth and completed the book, although not neatly; or not given sufficient information for understanding and not completing the book.
I will assess the students at the end of the assignment with their completion of their concept map using the Kidspiration program. I will again use a rubric to assess if they have appropriately identified the culture, beliefs and daily activities of each tribe using both words and pictures; or they have identified certain aspects of culture, beliefs and daily activities of the tribes, although not completely and have used either words or pictures; or they have not identified the culture, beliefs, and daily activities of the tribes and not used both words and pictures.
I will be able to determine if students met the benchmarks by studying their concept maps and chapter books to see if they have understood the information that was needed.
The students will be able to take their chapter books home with them and I will ask them to share them with their families and in that way, they will be able to reflect on what they have learned.
This lesson will impact my future curriculum decisions because I would like to try to use the Kidspiration program to a greater extent.