Lesson Plan #: CC-0054

Lesson 5: Native American Culture Continues to Change


Objectives: The student will be able to:

1. empathize with the effect of exploration and colonization on the Native American people.


Description of lesson/activities:

1. As students prepare to learn about the monumental events of the late eighteenth century that created the cultural framework for our country as we know it today, it seems appropriate to reflect on what has happened to Indians in North America up to this point.

2. Simon Ortiz has written a simple yet provocative book for children entitled The People Shall Continue. The book is an epic story of Native American People, from the creation to the present day. The teacher should read the book aloud, and discuss it with students. No formal questions have been prepared to go along with the reading because the text speaks for itself and will certainly evoke feelings of empathy and respect for what has happened to Native Americans since the fifteenth century. Each teacher is encouraged to use the reading in whatever way he/she sees fit.


Resource for Lesson 5:

Oritz, Simon. The People Shall Continue. (San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press).