Small Groups
This lesson should help students to understand how the history of the American Indian is affecting them today.
This is the last of four lessons in the Fifth Grade American Indian History Lesson Plan Unit:
Many of the Indian tribes have struggled with the loss of identity and the loss of language. When a culture begins to change so much that many of the traits of that culture are lost, then lifestyles and people are affected in dramatic ways. For the Indian people, their young are not learning many of their traditional ways. They have been integrated into the United States lifestyle. They, along with many other cultures that call this land home, are struggling with maintaining the essences of their culture. American Indians, like many other people that inhabit this land, are dealing with education issues, historical issues, and the modern day stresses of dysfunctional families and lifestyle choices that threaten them. Through this lesson, it is hoped that students will understand how the history of the American Indian is affecting them today. That history includes forced movement from their homelands, being forbidden the use of their native languages, and intolerable cruelty by the military and pioneers. It is also hoped that all students will develop a greater sense of their own heritage and a respect for the first peoples of this land. Students should come to an understanding that they can embrace their culture, enhance their education and knit them together so they can forge a future with hope and brightness.
Additional Resource
A
Selective Timeline of American Indian Affairs (pdf)
Historical Events Timeline
Instructional Procedures:
Essential Question 4: How were lifestyles affected by the westward expansion?
Teacher Resource:
Lesson Development:
Dreamcatcher - Have students develop an understanding of the significance of a dreamcatcher. Encourage them to make their own.
Project Sponsors:
Utah State Office of Education
Social Studies Enhancement Committee
Lesson Plan Writers: