UNIT 1: A World of Their Own:

The Americas to 1500

Content to be Covered:

1. Indian tribes are unique and derive their culture from traditions, environment, and physical surroundings.

2. Indian culture shows respect for nature and an appreciation for the interrelatedness of humans and nature.

3. Indian culture has been recorded through literature, traditions, and artifacts.

Teacher's Rationale:

It is suggested that this unit be taught in early September since the fourth Friday in September is Native American Day, a day initiated to not only honor, but to awaken interest and knowledge of Native Americans. This day was officially observed in 1916 by New York, the first state to do so.

The teachers of kindergarten, first and second grades will use literature as well as nonfiction books to disseminate the contents and concepts of this unit. Through the use of Indian folklore and the ensuing discussions and activities, the primary child will think about the past, learn about the present, and appreciate the interrelationship and respect that Indian cultures had with nature. The primary child will also begin to think how geography, culture, and history are related.

As much as possible, primary children should be involved in experiences that encourage understanding of the concepts in this unit. These experiences should try to include visits to museums, Indian sites, classroom visits by Indians, multi-media materials, and hands-on projects.

In addition to literature and nonfiction the teacher should integrate this unit with other disciplines. Children should be encouraged to orally tell stories or to develop them in writing. Children should listen to Indian music, learn Indian dances and games, try Indian recipes as well as engage in some Indian art methods. Field trips, attending cultural events by Indian artists, and inviting Indians to share their culture in the classroom are other ways of exposing children to this rich heritage. Engaging children in studies and activities of nature will help them develop and respect all forms of life, a predominant theme in Indian folklore and culture.

It would be good to begin a classroom time line. This time line should include several hundred years before 1492 to show that important people and events happened before Columbus sailed west. As each of these units progress the class could add little pictures or symbols to represent what the significance of that date is. In the future units, the time line would also serve the purpose of reviewing concepts and content taught throughout the units. It would enable the primary children to receive historical events and to correctly have them in order for them to use whenever necessary.

UNIT 1: A World of Their Own:

The Americas to 1500

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade