Activity Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the Plateau that can help students to better visualize and understand the people and their rich culture. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read alouds where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. Using Storyboard That, students can create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The example used is one of the Kaya of the Nez Perce books by Janet Shaw. Written for the American Girl Doll company in collaboration with Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) tribal elders, educators, and historians, the stories aim to be an accurate portrayal of the Nez Perce people and their culture in the 1700s.
Here are some additional examples of literature that relate to the Indigenous People of the Plateau:
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell is a historical fiction novel appropriate for ages 8-12 about Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) and his daughter, Sound of Running Feet. It describes the battles and final surrender of the Nez Perce to the U.S. Army.
A Kid's Guide to Native American History: More than 50 Activities by Yvonne Wakim Dennis is a great book for introducing many different First Nations cultures to students with activities, games and crafts. It talks about every Native American Cultural Region and also includes features on specific people like Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.
Native American History for Kids: With 21 Activities by Karen Bush Gibson is another comprehensive anthology of Native American history and cultures in all of North American including the Nez Perce and Spokane nations.
Trickster: Native American Tales by Matt Dembicki is a compilation of stories that were contributed by 24 Native American authors and 24 illustrators. They re-tell folk legends from First Nations all over North America.
Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People by Yellowhorn and Lowinger is a book suitable for Grades 4-7 that includes the vast history of First Nations from all of North America from Canada through Mexico and highlights the fortitude and strength of the Indigenous people.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the Plateau that can help students to better visualize and understand the people and their rich culture. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read alouds where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. Using Storyboard That, students can create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The example used is one of the Kaya of the Nez Perce books by Janet Shaw. Written for the American Girl Doll company in collaboration with Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) tribal elders, educators, and historians, the stories aim to be an accurate portrayal of the Nez Perce people and their culture in the 1700s.
Here are some additional examples of literature that relate to the Indigenous People of the Plateau:
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell is a historical fiction novel appropriate for ages 8-12 about Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) and his daughter, Sound of Running Feet. It describes the battles and final surrender of the Nez Perce to the U.S. Army.
A Kid's Guide to Native American History: More than 50 Activities by Yvonne Wakim Dennis is a great book for introducing many different First Nations cultures to students with activities, games and crafts. It talks about every Native American Cultural Region and also includes features on specific people like Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.
Native American History for Kids: With 21 Activities by Karen Bush Gibson is another comprehensive anthology of Native American history and cultures in all of North American including the Nez Perce and Spokane nations.
Trickster: Native American Tales by Matt Dembicki is a compilation of stories that were contributed by 24 Native American authors and 24 illustrators. They re-tell folk legends from First Nations all over North America.
Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People by Yellowhorn and Lowinger is a book suitable for Grades 4-7 that includes the vast history of First Nations from all of North America from Canada through Mexico and highlights the fortitude and strength of the Indigenous people.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Literature Connections: Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau
Engage students with interactive discussions about Indigenous cultures
Encourage active participation by prompting students to share what they already know or wonder about Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau before and after reading. Interactive discussions help students connect prior knowledge and make the content meaningful.
Incorporate primary sources to deepen understanding
Bring in photographs, artifacts, or oral histories from Indigenous communities to enrich the learning experience. Primary sources offer authentic perspectives and foster deeper empathy and respect for diverse cultures.
Facilitate creative group projects based on literature
Assign students to small groups to create artwork, skits, or posters inspired by the stories or cultural themes discussed. Collaborative projects reinforce comprehension and celebrate students' unique interpretations.
Connect literature to local Indigenous history
Research and share information about Indigenous Peoples local to your region and compare their traditions with those of the Plateau. Local connections make learning relevant and foster community awareness.
Reflect on lessons learned through journaling
Ask students to write a short journal entry about what they learned and how it changed their perspective. Reflection helps students internalize new knowledge and builds empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literature Connections: Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau
What are some good books about Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau for elementary students?
Excellent books for teaching about Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau include Kaya stories from American Girl, Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell, A Kid's Guide to Native American History by Yvonne Wakim Dennis, Native American History for Kids by Karen Bush Gibson, Trickster: Native American Tales, and Turtle Island by Yellowhorn & Lowinger. These titles offer a range of reading levels and perspectives.
How can I use literature to teach about the Nez Perce and other Plateau tribes?
Use read alouds, novel studies, and storyboard activities with books like Kaya and Thunder Rolling in the Mountains. Encourage students to summarize stories visually and discuss key events and cultural themes to deepen understanding of Nez Perce and Plateau tribes.
What is a simple storyboard activity for teaching Native American literature to 4th or 5th graders?
Have students read a story, then create a 3-5 cell storyboard showing the main events at the beginning, middle, and end. Use visuals and brief descriptions to help students sequence events and demonstrate comprehension. Tools like Storyboard That can make this easy and engaging.
Why is it important to use accurate and culturally responsive books about Indigenous Peoples in the classroom?
Using accurate and culturally responsive books ensures students learn respectful, authentic representations of Indigenous Peoples. These books, often created with tribal elders and educators, help dispel stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of history and culture.
What are some activities to help students engage with Native American history through literature?
Try read alouds, storyboards, group discussions, and hands-on crafts inspired by books like A Kid's Guide to Native American History. Activities that combine creativity and critical thinking make Native American history memorable and meaningful for students.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau
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