2nd-3rd Grade Standard Four, Lessons

Teacher Resource

by Cheryl Tuttle

Native American Land Curriculum

Grades 2nd - 3rd

Standard Four: Building a Positive Future in Indian Communities

Standard Four Goal: The student will develop an understanding of the manner in which a return to American Indian traditional values can help correct the effects of decades of erosion of their homelands.

Lesson 1: Identify leaders in one's family, community and school and the things they do to help and lead others. (1 Class Period)
Achievement Goal: Build a pictorial chart of the leaders in school, family, and community and discuss how those people help and lead others. Indian cultures are often characterized by extended family relationships, in which many people are considered one's relatives. This large network of relatives provides support, security and role models to look up to. Community leadership is seen in those who seek to contribute to the well-being of their people and those who actively protect public goods such as land. Leaders are involved in a life-long search for knowledge, spiritual balance and development of strong characteristics and skills needed in one's community. By designing and building a quilt, the students will come to understand the qualities of family and community leaders and how they fit together to build a secure community.
Lesson 1: Background, Student Activity, Evaluation, Resources	Read this book.	Good Web site for Memory Quilt Ideas Remember, all ideas can be transferred to paper.	Good Idea for Making Crayon Quilts
	Creating Picture Blocks with Children	Link to Round Valley Indian Tribes Web site
Lesson 2: Develop knowledge of how leaders' decisions can make things better in the home, community and school. (1 Class Period)
Achievement Goal: Describe some decisions that are made by family, school, and community leaders and how these decisions affect others. Many American Indian tribes emphasize group values centered on family, the community and the tribe. The importance of maintaining harmony within the group and the needs of the group are considered over those of the individual. These values inform leadership in many Indian communities. Students will learn about leadership by taking turns being a class leader in simple and fun activities.
Lesson 2: Background, Student Activity, Evaluation, Resources	Read this book.	Poster: How To Be A Respectful Leader	Poster: How To Be A Good Leader

Lesson 3: Acquire knowledge of ways in which the local natural environment can be made better. (1 Class Period)
Achievement Goal: Discuss ways in which the local natural environment of the home, school and community can be made better by the decisions and actions of leaders. Life on Earth is possible because of the amazing ways nature balances and repairs itself. American Indian ancestors respected this power and were grateful for the gifts of food, shelter and adornment that were provided by nature. However, in recent times, human populations have increased, which has increased the amount of damaging pollution and the demands humans place on the environment, both of which upset the balances within nature and its ability to repair itself. The decisions of community leaders can help correct these problems and address other issues related to the protection of reservation and tribal community environments. Students will design "Don't be a litter bug" signs and learn of other ways they can contribute to caring for the environment.
	Use These Coloring Pages	Can Use this for a Poster.	More Coloring Book Pages
	Another option for a poster.	A Children's Coloring Book of Recycling
Lesson 4: Background, Student Activity, Evaluation, Resources	Animal Footprints for Lesson	Pictures of Salmon for Lesson	Link to "Bear-Trackers - Animal Tracks Den"