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Sacred Images - Character Education

Time Frame

2 class periods of 45 minutes each

Group Size

Small Groups

Life Skills

  • Communication
  • Social & Civic Responsibility

Authors

JOYCE KELEN
JULIE TREGEAGLE

Summary

We can show respect for nature and the earth today by recycling, demonstrating conservation, and not littering. Service learning is an important part of education.


Materials

  • Sacred Images A Vision of Native American Rock Art
  • The Kids Guide to Service Projects, Barbara A. Lewis, 1995
  • The Sacred Tree
  • Large garbage bags
  • Inexpensive latex gloves


Background for Teachers

Native Americans have a deep reverence for the earth and nature and a realization of the way we are all connected. Respect for nature and the earth, our Mother, has always been a part of their every day lives. Review the narratives from Sacred Images A Vision of Native American Rock Art and The Sacred Tree The rock art symbols as well as the words in The Sacred Tree tell us that we are interconnected and a part of the web of life.


Student Prior Knowledge

  • Remind students that we belong to the earth and are interconnected."
  • Review the other lessons of Sacred Images including Celebrations, Storytelling, and Culture.


Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand the value of service.
  • Students will contribute to the global community.


Instructional Procedures

Activity: Service Learning Project

  • Organize students into small groups and assign an area of the school yard to clean. Work as a team and discuss what goes into being a good team member.
  • Have a contest to see which group can pick up the most trash. You may wish to count garbage bags, or weigh the bags using a standard scale as well as a metric scale.
  • Research Native American Indian values in relation to contests. How would the Native American Indians organize such a project?
Activity: Writing
  • Ask students to write about this Service-Learning Activity, telling about what they did and what it feels like to make a difference in our world.
Activity: Brainstorm Additional Service Learning Ideas
  • What are other opportunities for service learning projects in your school? Students can brainstorm ideas which may include:
    • Recycling
    • Cleaning graffiti from inside and outside school walls
    • Planting trees or a garden at school
    • Research which products your school uses such as styrofoam, plastic or cleaning materials that may be harmful to the environment
    • Encourage students and staff to ride bikes and or walk to school rather than drive cars
    • Participate in Adopt an Elder Program
    • Volunteer with the Indian Walk In Center


Created: 07/30/2006
Updated: 02/04/2018
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