Language Development

Instructional Fair, Inc.

 Writing a Lesson

During the winter, many children of the Eastern Woodland Indians were taught manners and proper behavior by elder members of the tribe.  The elders often told stories that would scare the children into behaving.  Many of the stores included special gods or spirits including the two brothers Hawenneyu (Good) and Hanegoategeh (Evil).  Other stories included the Thunder God, Heno, who lived behind Niagara Falls.

Have students think about kindergarteners and important lessons or behaviors they need to learn.  Then have them write a legend to teach the children the lesson/behavior.  Have your students share them with a kindergarten class.

"Tracking" a Good Book

Many Eastern Woodland Indians hunted a great deal and were able to follow animal tracks in the snow or mud.  To expose students to a variety of animal prints, make a class book.  Each student chooses and researches an animal.  Have the student use an index card to show the size and shape of the animal's paw print on one side.  Students should be as accurate as possible.

Then have them tape the card (one side only) onto a piece of construction paper.  Under the card, have students draw a picture of the animal and its name.  Have students make sure that the card hides the picture and the name of the animal.  Collect the pages and bind them together.  Display the book in the classroom and have students try to guess the prints.  They can check their answers by lifting the cards.

Courtesy of the Warren County Historical Society