Native America Unit Study American Girl Kaya

Welcome to the Nez Perce Tribe, 1764 !

Meet Kaya, her family, and her tribe, the Nez Perce.  Walk through the forests and streams and gallop across the fields on a beautiful Appaloosa.  Learn all about Native American families, their homes, the foods they enjoyed, their work, and their beautiful art through the eyes of a girl just about your age!  Go back in time and sit by a fire as you hear explorers Lewis and Clark tell of their adventures and amazing discoveries along the way!

History doesn’t have to be boring !
I hope you will really love this unit.
Don’t forget there are lots of fun hands-on projects (crafts, cooking, building, Native American games, etc…) that you can do along with this unit to learn even more about the Nez Perce and other Native American tribes !

 

*Helpful Resources For Native America (Kaya) Unit Study-

Make the history you are studying about come to life!  Gather the ingredients and prepare some pemmican, grow your own 4 seasons garden, illustrate “The Flower Fed Buffalos”, try learning and writing a phrase in Nez Perce!  And if you have a student who LOVES printables, I’ve created a set for each unit.  You’ll find all kinds of organizers, planning pages, and activities to go along with the lessons each week.  There are themed copy work pages, word searches, Vocabulary Bingo games, and lots of other fun and creative activities to add to your study of the Native Americans.
*You can find a list of ALL 8 of the American Girl History Units at the bottom of this unit!

 

*COMPLETE Printable PDF  for this unit study!
Each day’s lessons are all organized for you and in one place.  Live links (no ads!), planners for you to just PRINT and GO and start the FUN!

 

 

 

 

–>???What’s The Difference Between The PDF Version and The Printable POWER Pack???
Click the link above for a full video explanation!

 

 

*Native America (AG Kaya) Printable Power Pack–  FREE!!

Planning Sheets for each week, Teaching Tips for this Unit, Field Trip Ideas, Themed Copy Work, Vocabulary Word Search Puzzles & Bingo Games, Themed Creative Writing Organizers, Geography Organizers, Science Organizers, Recipe Cards, History Detective Pages, LOTS more !

 

 

 

**NEW**

*Native America (Kaya) Printable History Cards & Bingo Game
Use these Native American (American Girl Kaya) Printable History Cards and BINGO Game to add to the learning fun !
Made specifically to go along with this unit study, use these cards to discover all of the exciting history of the Native American People, Places, and Events!
Just Print and GO!   45 Pages

 

 

 

*Great Books & Resources List for Native America (Kaya) Unit
Literature for independent reading and read alouds, non-fiction resource books, hands-on activity guides, movies, coloring books, and more will make history come alive!

 

 

 

 

 

*Check out some of the other ideas throughout this unit on Pinterest
Kaya’s Pinterest Page  and  Kaya’s Extras Pinterest Page

 

 

 

 

*ALL the Native America- AG Kaya Resources…. SO FAR!!

*Resources For Native America Kaya Unit Study-
*FREE Native America Unit Study-  AG Kaya
+Kaya Printable Power Pack  (Free!)
+Native America (Kaya) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Native America (Kaya) Printable HISTORY Cards and Bingo Game
+Native America Books and Resources List
+Kaya Native America Pinterest Board

 

 

 

*You can also find more ideas for this unit in this post-
   FREE Early American History Curriculum

 

*The Hands-On History Christmas Posts are extra fun and great for all ages, or to extend a unit!
There isn’t one for the Kaya Unit, as the Native Americans didn’t celebrate Christmas, but if you are going to be using these units for a full year, I think that you’ll enjoy celebrating Christmas with the American Girls!

 

 

 

Definitely check out the TOP 10 HISTORY HELPS series!
There are ideas for every type of learner and every age student!

+Top 10 History PODCASTS
+Top 10 History SONGS
+Top 10 History TIMELINES
+Top 10 History AUDIOBOOKS
+Top 10 History MOVIES
+Top 10 History BOOKS    (Seriously the ULTIMATE history book list!!)
+Top 10 History GAMES
+Top 10 HANDS-ON History Projects
+Top 10 History PRINTABLES
+Top 10 History FIELD TRIPS

And a bonus…
+Top 10 History for the HOLIDAYS

 

 

 

 

A Few Q&A’s About Using The FREE American Girl History Unit Studies

 

+What do I need for these unit studies?

Nothing!  Really, nothing.  You can find everything here in this post.
However, I highly suggest the  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”  book.  It can usually be found in your local library too!
I have also written a post –>  The American History/American Girl Book List  which is a list of my favorite related literature, paper doll books, cook books, activity books, science books, movies, games, etc.  that go along with each of the American Girl History Units.
I’ve also have included 3 of the 6  books from the Kaya series in the lessons, but they aren’t necessary or integral to any activities in the unit.
These books are excellent for independent or read alouds!
Also, if your family enjoys listening to audiobooks, there is a new series of Historical American Girl Kaya Audiobook versions on Amazon.

WHERE can I find the American Girl books?
As time goes by some of the core “Welcome To…World” books are out of print and harder to find.  Below I’ve listed some places to look if you can’t find them on Amazon (for a decent price), just search for the exact title you’re looking for.
If you still can’t find them, MESSAGE me!  I’ll be happy to help you hunt too!

+Abe Books    (Currently has most of the “Welcome To …World” books)
+Exodus Books   
+Thrift Books
+Ebay
+Alibris

 

+How Do I Use This Unit?

The Native America (Kaya) Unit is written for a 3 week, 5 day a week plan in mind…
BUT the BEST way to use this unit is however will work best for your family!
You can use it just as is, or use it as a spine and add all you’d like to it!  You very easily could stretch it out for much longer than 3 weeks, even by choosing to do all of the suggested reading and/or hands-on projects!

*Required Note :I am in no way affiliated with, or compensated by the American Girl Company.  There are however links in this unit for some of the suggested books.  They will take you directly to Amazon.  And, as an Amazon affiliate, I receive a small commission from any purchases that you may make.  There is no extra charge to you whatsoever.  Thank you for helping support my work in this way 🙂

 

+WHAT is a history binder/notebook?**

–>What Is A History Timeline Binder & How To Make One       (I made a video if you’d rather watch than read 🙂  )

Throughout these Unit Studies you’ll notice that I frequently mention History Timeline Binders.

Here is how we made ours…
As we studied through each section of history, we each kept our own 3-ring binder-  an ‘all in one place’  type of timeline.  We filled the binders with fun facts, history related coloring pages, drawings, print outs, etc… each page with a date on the bottom (or at least stuck in the appropriate “period” of history).  We even added brochures from the art museum and other field trips that tied into our ancient studies!  In planning out our year, I also included biographies of important people, great artists, musicians, authors, scientists, etc. as applicable, and added them into the binder as well.  The suggestions you will find under “People”, “Places”, “Events”, and “Vocabulary” all would make great page headings to include in these binders.  As you flip through your binders to add pages, it is an automatic visual review of how these things fit together in a chronological history of our world.  The Printable History Cards also make a great addition!

Do you have to use a history binder?
No.  You could make a huge timeline on the wall, or you could simply keep a notebook with tabs for vocabulary, important people and places, etc… This curriculum is meant to simply give you an outline to work from.  Add or take away whatever you want to make this a perfect fit for YOUR family!
I wrote a whole post on how to design Timelines that work, including lots more details on how to create a history binder!

**Top 10 History Timelines

 

+ How Do I Use This Curriculum To Teach ALL My Children Together?

 

-First, as you go over the Reading choices, Videos, Explore It More section, and the other parts of each day’s plans, highlight or note the things that will best suit the curiosity and abilities of your Littles.   Purchasing the Native America (Kaya) Unit Study- PDF Version and printing it out is helpful for this!  You could even print a copy for each child, noting what you want them to cover independently, and what parts you will do together!

-Read and learn together!
If you have followed Fields of Daisies very long, you know that the heart behind everything I create here is Living, Loving, and Learning TOGETHER!   Time spent reading aloud curled up on the couch, or under a shady tree, at the park, or even waiting in the car while an older sibling is in a class is TIME WELL SPENT!    And it is real learning!
You will absolutely be talking about parts of the book quite naturally throughout your daily life if you’ve read TOGETHER!  If your Littles are very young still, don’t count them out!   Mine were at times too wiggly to stay in one spot for very long, but they LOVED to  color the related coloring pages while I read aloud to my older child(ren).   I have some listed for each day’s lesson.   You’d be shocked at how much even the youngest absorb by just being around during the lessons!   Keeping the History Timeline Binders or History Notebooks are another great way for the younger kids to have some “school work” to be proud of and show off what they’re learning too!

–If your children are older and you’re not sure if these history units will work for them, I have a few ideas.

+Idea #1- Charlotte Mason to the rescue!
It is so helpful for learners of ALL ages (adults too of course!) in order to lay a solid foundation on any given topic, to have access to resources in 3 levels.
     –>First, choose at least one book (or whatever type of material) that is quite below their knowledge base…
     –>Next, a book that is suited for their current understanding.
     –>Finally, materials that are a challenge, and make them really reach for comprehension!
The goal should not be to “finish” the unit, but to solidly understand all we can about a given topic.

+Idea #2- Use these units as a spine or framework of ideas to BUILD on.
-Require more study.
For older students, or those who are just really excited by this topic, you could choose to do all of the suggested sections/links in the plans.  I also have FREE Early American History  (see Weeks 1 and 2) and Modern American History curriculum that aren’t unit studies, and are geared toward older students.  This series has TONS more links to reading, activities, videos, an entirely different Book List, etc that could easily plugged in.

-Add some of the suggested resources.
Add in some games, podcasts, history songs, or history movies!  There are also the companion resources I created especially for this unit, like the Native America (AG Kaya) Printable Power Pack and the  Native America (Kaya) Printable HISTORY Cards and Bingo Game .
Add in more hands-on projects, try more recipes, go on more field trips, expand the art, science, or geography studies!  The choice is YOURS!

-Require more independence.
This could mean following their curiosity on a topic with further research and then writing a paper or doing a project, OR doing more independent reading for example.
-Complete more of the hands-on projects (or cut them out entirely if your family doesn’t enjoy that kind of thing)

-Host a Native American History Museum Night to display all your projects, papers, and History Binders if you’ve done those!  Think of this kind of like the History version of a Science Fair, except WAY MORE FUN!!!    Add in some Native American food for snacks, and even some authentic music in the background.  You could even go all out and invite family and friends over for a special evening for your children to share all they’ve been learning!
This is the beauty of homeschooling (and of a FREE curriculum lol)!  Arrange it and use it however it benefits your family most.

 

---

 

*Native America Kaya Unit Study

 

*Core Reading Outline For Unit-

*Week 1: “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”

Introduction to Kaya & The Nez Perce

1.  Meet Kaya                                                               (Meet Kaya)
2. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 2-5          (Kaya’s World)
3. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 6-7          (Horse People)
4. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 44-45     (Friends & Enemies)
5. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 20-21      (A Dangerous World)

 

* Week 2: “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”
A Day With Kaya

1. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 12-13, p.24-25         (Family)
2. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 26-31                         (Dress)
3. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 8-11, p. 40-41          (Houses & Food)
4. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 14-17, p. 34-35        (Work & Play)
5. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 18-19, p. 32-33        (Art & Music)

 

* Week 3: “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”
Native American History:  People & Places

1. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 47                        (Lewis & Clark)
2. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 48-49                (Henry & Eliza Spalding)
3. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 50-51                 (The Nez Perce War)
4. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 51 (inset)           (Chief Joseph)
5. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 52-55, p.58       (The Nez Perce Today)

 

 

*Daily Lesson Plans-  Read It…Watch It…Explore It…Try It!

Below you will find just the Week 1 outline for Daily Reading, Videos, Online Activities, Coloring Pages, etc that are directly related to the core reading for each day.  Continue to scroll down to find the other section for each week’s Writing, Copy Work, Vocabulary, Bible, Science, Geography, and Art plans!

*Week 1: Kaya and the Nez Perce

* American Girl Kaya Series, Book 1, “Meet Kaya”

I have included the first 3 of 6 books in the Kaya series as suggested reading  (no part of the unit is dependent on these books however).   You might like to read more or less each week depending on your child’s level and interests.

*Week 1: Core Reading-  “Welcome To Kaya’s World 1764”-

1.  Meet Kaya                                                               (Meet Kaya)
2. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 2-5          (Kaya’s World)
3. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 6-7          (Horse People)
4. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 44-45     (Friends & Enemies)
5. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 20-21      (A Dangerous World)

*Week 1:  Optional Reading- “Meet Kaya”

Just a reminder that the Nez Perce were a very spiritual people.  Their stories and lives reflect this.  Please preview all sites and use at your discretion.

 

 

 

*Meet Kaya & The Nez Perce

The Native Americans were the first people to live in North America.  Many different tribes lived here.  Each tribe had its own language, customs, homes, and way of life.

Kaya and her family were part of the Nez Perce Tribe.  This tribe is sometimes called the Nimíipuu
(which means “The People”).  They lived in parts of what are now Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. The names “Nez Perce” and “Nimíipuu” refer to the same tribe. 
Because the Nez Perce homeland included both river valleys and plateau lands and was close to the Pacific Northwest, you may sometimes see them grouped with the Northwestern tribes and other times with the Plateau Indians. Their culture shares characteristics with both regions.

 

 

+Read!

*Core Reading-  none

*Optional Reading-
– Read in “Meet Kaya”
-Listen to “Meet Kaya”
(Listen to the book read aloud on YouTube!)

*Online Reading-

–American Girl- Meet Kaya

–Who Were The Native Americans?
–Where Did The Native Americans Live?

* The Nez Perce
– Native Americans- The Nez Perce
– The Nez Perce People
–Nez Perce Plateau Tribes
–Nimiipuu Cool Facts For Kids
– Intro to The Nez Perce Tribe 
–Nez Perce: The People of Clearwater

–Plateau Native Americans
–More About The Northwest Plateau Indians

 

+Watch!

–Meet Kaya – Video     (About 3min)
–23 Questions For Kaya   (About 6 minutes)

–The Very First Americans   (About 10 minutes)
–Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest    (About 20 minutes)
–Landscape Of History- The Nez Perce     (About 20 minutes)

 

+Explore It More!

–How To Draw Kaya
–Printable Meet Kaya Lapbook
–Nez Perce Worksheet/Crossword

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-
–Nez Perce Tribe Coloring Page
–Nez Perce Baby
–Nez Perce Woman Coloring Page

–Tribes Of North America Coloring Page

 

+PRINTABLES:

*Printable Power Pack-
-All About Kaya Page

 

 

*Kaya’s World

*Read!

*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-  p. 2-5

*Optional Reading-
-“Meet Kaya” Book

*Online Reading-

*Native Americans Cool Facts
*Who Were the Native Americans?

*Kaya’s World
– What Was It Like To Be A Nez Perce Girl?
– Daily Life of the Nimiipuu
– Nez Perce Legends
– Stories of the Nez Perce

 

+Watch!

–The Nez Perce Indians and their world both past and present !
–The Nez Perce of the Plateau
– “Landscape Of History: The Nez Perce” from The USDA Forest Service
–Coyote and the Heart of the Monster

 

+Explore It More!

*Virtual Museum

–Coyote’s Fishnet
–Coyote and the Heart of the Monster
– Virtual Field Trip Heart of the Monster       (virtual online field trip )
– Photos of National Park- Heart of the Monster
– Photo Gallery of Nez Perce National Park

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

– Nez Perce Coyote Coloring Page
–Idaho Map Coloring Page #1
–Idaho Coloring Page #2
(Can you add a star where Coyote’s Fishnet and the Heart of the Monster are on the map?)

 

+PRINT:
*Printable Power Pack-
-All About the Nez Perce

 

*Nez Perce- The Horse People

+Read!

 

*Core Reading-
-“Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 6-7

*Optional Reading-
-“Meet Kaya” Book

*Online Reading-

*The Nez Perce  &  Their Horses
– The Arrival of the Horse
– The Nez Perce Horses- History
– Horses of the Nez Perce
– What is a Nez Perce Appaloosa?

– Horse History
– Horse Nation!

*The Appaloosa
– The Appaloosa
– History of the Appaloosa
–Appaloosas!
–All About Appaloosas!
–Appaloosas- A Lot of SPOTS!

 

+Watch!

–What is an Appaloosa ?        (About 3 minutes)
–The People of the Horse       (About 2 minutes)
–About the Nez Perce Horse       (About 3 minutes)
–Appaloosas- The Nez Perce Horses      (About 6 minutes)
–How the Appaloosas Keep Nez Perce Traditions
–The “A Palouse” Horse- Nez Perce History    (About 7 minutes)
(This is good for your older students, or anyone who wants to know more details of the Appaloosa and the Nez Perce)

 

+Explore It More!

– Native Americans and The Horse
(Click on each image to read/explore how horses helped change Native American life!)
–How To Draw An Appaloosa
–How To Draw- A Horse Running
–Nez Perce Horse Puzzle Activity
–See Inside a Horse!
–Horse Math!   Color By Number  (Addition)
–More Horse Math
–Horse Search!
–Printable Horse Sudoku Challenge
–Horse Hidden Pictures Printable
–Design Your Own Horse Game    (online)

–Online Tack Room- Pony Game

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–Appaloosa Coloring Page
–Appaloosa Horse Coloring Page
–Horse Lapbook
–Native American Unit Notebooking Pages
–Nez Perce and Appaloosa Coloring Page
–The Horse People Coloring Page

 

+PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-The Horse People
-Draw An Appaloosa

 

 

 

 

*Kaya’s Friends and Enemies

In the 1700s, the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), Crow, Salish, Blackfoot, and Shoshone tribes lived across the mountains and plains of northwestern America. These tribes all had their own cultures, and sometimes  traded goods like horses, tools, clothing, and food.

However, life was not always peaceful. Tribes sometimes competed over hunting grounds, which horses belonged to which tribe, and travel routes. Some tribes were friendly neighbors, while others were definitely not. For example, the Nez Perce and Salish generally had peaceful relationships and often traded with one another. The Blackfoot and Shoshone, however, were enemies and fought over the land and hunting areas. Relationships between tribes could change over time, and a tribe might be a friend in one situation and a rival in another!

 

*Read!

*Core Reading-
-“Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 44-45


*Optional Reading-
-“Meet Kaya”

*Online Reading-

*Friends of the Nez Perce

+The Yakima  (Yakama)
–Who Are The Yakima Tribe?
– The Yakima
– The Yakima Culture
– Yakima- Facts For Kids
– Lewis & Clark Describe The Yakama
(Taken from their journals!)

+The Salish   (Flathead Tribe)
–Who Are The Salish?
– The Salish Tribe
– Coeur d’Alene Native Americans
– Salish Tribe- Facts For Kids
– Lewis & Clark Describe The Salish

*Enemies of the Nez Perce

+ The Shoshones   (Shoshani)
– Who Are The Shoshone Tribe?
– Shoshone Kids
– Lewis & Clark’s Discovery
– Shoshone Facts For Kids
– Lewis & Clark Describe The Shoshone

+ The Blackfoot   (Blackfeet Nation)
– Who Are The Blackfoot Tribe?
– The Blackfoot People
– The Blackfoot
– The Blackfeet Nation For Kids
– The Plains Indians

+The Crow   (Apsáalooke)
– Who Are The Crow Tribe?
–The Crow
–The Crow- Skilled Horseman
–Photo Gallery of The Crow Indians 
– The Crow People- Facts For Kids

 

 

*Watch!

–Native Peoples of the Northwest   (About 13 minutes)
–Native American Indians of the Great Plains      (About 6 minutes)
–Native Americans of the Great Plains      (About 9 minutes)

–The Yakama People    (About 6 minutes)
–The Blackfoot Tribe   (About 3 minutes)
–Who Are The Crow?    (About 4 minutes)
–The Shoshone People   (Read Aloud-  About 12 minutes)
–The Salish… or the Flatheads?      (About 2 minutes)
–Hear the Salish Language!   (About 6 minutes)

 

*Explore It More!

– Use this blank Map of the US to write in the friendly and enemy tribes of the Nez Perce.
-Make your own Native American bead work pattern online!
–The Greedy Porcupine-  A Shoshone Tale
-A Salish Art Lesson to try!

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–Plains Indian Tipi Painting Coloring Page
–Plains Indians Making Pemmican Coloring Page   (more on Pemmican in next week’s lesson)
–Preparing For Winter Coloring Page
–Native American Bead Work Coloring Page
–Native American Northwestern Tribes Coloring Page
–Great Plains Village Coloring Page

 

*PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-Nez Perce Friends and Enemies Chart

 

*Native America- A Dangerous World

 
As we have learned about the Nez Perce and the Plains Indians, we can just imagine how beautiful it was to live in a place surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests, and valleys! But life in these beautiful places was not always easy. Every day, the Native Americans faced all kinds of dangers!

Remember… there were no grocery stores or other markets to buy the things you needed.
Men hunted in the fields and forests, and women picked berries for food, and grasses to make baskets for example. Large animals such as grizzly bears and mountain lions lived in the same areas where the people hunted, traveled, and gathered food. Venomous rattlesnakes could be hidden among rocks and tall grass.
There were also freezing cold winters, injuries, and diseases could also threaten a family’s survival.

Even with these challenges, the Nez Perce and Plains Indians learned how to live in their environment. They carefully observed nature to learn it’s ways, and taught survival skills to their children.
Today we will discover how the Plains tribes met the dangers of everyday life!

*Read!

*Core Reading-
-“Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 20-21

*Optional Reading-
-“Meet Kaya”

*Online Reading-

+The Plains Tribes 
–Meet The Plains Indians
–People of the Great Plains
–The Plains Native Americans
–Plains Indians Facts For Kids

+ Grizzly Bears
– The Grizzly and Native Americans
– Clearwater Grizzly Bears
– The Bear Claw Necklace
– Bear Aware!

+ Mountain Lions
– What Is A Mountain Lion?
– Mountain Lion Quick Facts
–The Mountain Lion Twins
(This is a cute story that weaves in all kinds of information about mountain lions!)
–  Why The Mountain Lion Is Long and Lean
– Legends Cougar
– Mountain Lion Safety

+ Rattlesnakes
– The Rattlesnake
– Reptiles and Rattlesnakes
– When Do Rattlesnakes Attack?
– Native American Rattlesnake Mythology

+ Disease
– Pandemics On The Plains
– Disease Comes To The Native Nations 
– Story of Small Pox

 

*Watch!

– First Americans:  Plains Indians    (About 13 minutes)
– Who Were The Plains American Indians?         (About 6 minutes)
– Plains Peoples
–History of The Grizzlies and The Plains Peoples      (About 8 minutes)
(Including many journal entires from Lewis & Clark’s journals.  If you have a sensitive kiddo, you might want to skip)
–Mato: Native American Animals- The Bear
– The Secret Life of Mountain Lions
– The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

 

*Explore It More!

– Live Grizzly Bear Cams!
– Hear a Grizzly ROAR!
– Wildlife Express
– How To Draw A Rattlesnake
– Cat Tracks
– Make a Moveable Mountain Lion
– How To Draw a Mountain Lion

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–Grizzly Bear Coloring Page
–Mountain Lion Coloring Page
–Rattlesnake Coloring Page
–Prairie Rattlesnake Coloring Page
–Plains Indians Tipi Coloring Page

*PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-A Dangerous World!

 

*WEEK 1:   Kaya Crafts & Fun- Hands-On History

+ Who Are the Nimiipuu?
(Including some fun activities too!)

+Nez Perce Junior Ranger Booklet

– The Nez Perce- Coloring Book    (sadly this coloring book is no longer offered free, but including the link anyway)

+Make a Stand-Up Appaloosa Horse

+Plains Tribes-  Winter Counts Activity

+Salish Tribe Soap Carving

+Seed Pictures Activity

+Make a Mountain Lion Diorama!

+Native American Paper Mache Rattle Drums

+Plains Windchimes

+Cereal Box Tipis
(If you are making a diorama for this unit, this would be a fun addition!)

+Make a Headdress

+Make a Plains Indian Parfleche

 

---

 

*Native America-  A Day With Kaya

* Week 2: “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”

1. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 12-13, p.24-25         (Family)
2. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 26-31                         (Dress)
3. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 8-11, p. 40-41          (Houses & Food)
4. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 14-17, p. 34-35        (Work & Play)
5. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 18-19, p. 32-33        (Art & Music)

 

*Week 2: Optional Reading-
-Book 2, “Kaya’s Escape”

 

 

Last week, we learned where the Nez Perce lived, met Kaya and her family, and explored the land of the Pacific Northwest. This week, we’ll take a closer look at what everyday life was really like for the Nez Perce people.

What did a typical day looked like for a girl like Kaya living with the Nez Perce in 1764?
What foods would she have eaten? What games would she have played with her friends?
What did the clothes she wore look like?

In this week’s lessons, you’ll discover that life in a Nez Perce village was filled with hard work, strong family relationships, BUT STILL plenty of fun !!  You’ll also see how the Nez Perce used the natural resources God provided around them to build homes, make clothing, prepare food, and care for one another.
Let’s learn a little more about Kaya’s World!

 

 

*The Native American Family

*Read!

*Core Reading-
-“Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p. 12-13,   p.24-25

*Optional Reading-
-“Kaya’s Escape”

*Online Reading-

+Life For the Plateau Indian Tribes

+Daily Life
– Daily Life of the Nez Perce
– Life of the Nez Perce
– Ceremonies, Rituals, and Traditions
– What Is A Pow Wow?
– A Tradition of Pow Wow
– Digging For Camas Bulbs A Family Day Out
– Making a Shirt
(Imagine how long it took to make a shirt like this one!)

+Family
– Daily Life of a Nez Perce Family       (Q&A Facts)
– Sharing Custom
– Photos of Nez Perce Families
– Cradleboards  (This is a part of both Family and Daily Life for the Nez Perce!)
– Nez Perce Cradleboard
– Plateau Indian Tribes- Marriage & Family
– Pacific Northwest Tribes- Clans and Marriage

 

+Watch!

–Life of the Nez Perce Indians   (about 3 minutes)
–Peek Into The Past-  Kaya      (about 17 minutes)
–Northwest Region: Northwest Indians Daily Life in the 1700’s
(You can read along to this book)
–Traditions and Culture of Modern Nez Perce
–3 Kids Dance at a Pow Wow 

 

+Explore It More!

– Nez Perce WebQuest!
– Nez Perce Life (In Pictures!)
– Nez Perce Photograph Collection

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–Nimipu Indians Coloring Page
– The Nez Perce Junior Ranger Booklet
(This was included in Chapter 1, but if you haven’t already done this, it’s lots of fun!)
– Daily Life In The Village Coloring Page
– Camas Coloring Page
– Native American Child Hunting Coloring Page
– Native American Girl Sewing Moccasins Coloring Page
– Native American Woman Harvesting Corn
(*Note-  The Nez Perce weren’t introduced to corn as a crop until the 1800’s)
* Native American Daily Life

 

*Native American Clothing

*Reading!

 

*Core Reading:
–  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  26-31

*Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Escape”

*Online Reading-

– Clothing and Traditional Dress
– What Is Regalia?
– What is a breechcloth?
– The Nez Perce Moccasins
– Warbonnets
– Clothing and Headdresses
– Headdresses
– Beading   (There is a more about this in Day 5)
– Life In Beads (The Importance of Beading)
– Where Did The Plains Indians Get Beads For Their Clothing?
– Homes and Clothing

 

*Watch!

– Clothing of the Native Americans
– Nez Perce Pow Wow
(This is a video of dance, but it really shows off the beautiful clothing)
– Traditional Nez Perce Clothing
(Scroll to the bottom of the photo gallery to hear Nez Perce today tell about the importance of their traditional pieces of clothing)
– Nez Perce Clothing      (History project and a video by a kid like you!)

 

*Explore It More!

– Meet the Nez Perce- Interactive Worksheet
– Nez Perce Clothing
(Scroll to the bottom for printable designing native clothing activity)
– Native American Clothing Facts
– The Horse Nation- Clothing and Personal Items
– A Life In Beads
– Photo of Nez Perce Moccasins
– Native American Dolls

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

– Native American Clothing Coloring Sheet
– Native Americans Coloring Sheet
– Native Americans of New England Coloring Sheet
– Native Americans of the North Coloring Sheet
– Ojibwe Beadwork Coloring Sheet

 

 

*Native American Houses & Food

 
In our last lesson we learned that the Nez Perce used the natural resources around them to make their clothing and many of the items they used every day.

Their homes and food were no different!
The rivers, forests, valleys, and mountains where they lived provided nearly everything they needed to survive.
The Nez Perce built different kinds of homes depending on the season and where they were traveling.
They used materials like wood, grasses, and animal hides that were easy to find. They also gathered foods from the land and rivers, like salmon, roots, berries, and animals. Instead of going to a grocery store, they depended on hunting, fishing, gathering, and preserving enough food for every season!

 

*Reading!

*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  8-11,  p.  40-41

*Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Escape”

*Online Reading-

+Native American Houses
– All Kinds of Homes-  Native Americans
– Homes of Plateau Indians
– Northern Plains Indians Tipis
– Native Americans of the Northwest- Longhouses
– Inside a Longhouse
– Tipis

 

+ Food
– Cooking Customs
– Native American Food Facts
– Traditional Foods and Recipes of the Nez Perce
(*Note!  Scroll down under the Coloring Book section and you will see the list of traditional foods.  Click on each one to read more!)

– Root Food Finds of the Nez Perce
– Traditional Tablemanners
–Meals of the Northwest Native Americans
–What is Potlatch?

 

+Watch!

– Native American Homes and Shelters
– Nez Perce Buffalo Hide Lodge
– Native Americans Types of Homes
– Native American Shelters

– Plateau Indian Artifacts and Stories   (about 4 minutes)

– Native America Food Facts   (about 3 minutes)
–Camas! Sacred Food of the Nez Perce   (about 2 minutes)
– Pemmican!   Ancient Recipes   (about 20 minutes-  fun even if you just listen to the introduction)

+Explore It More!

–Match the Native American Dwellings Game

–Kaya’s Lewis and Clark Adventure: Beaten Biscuits
–Kaya’s Bison Chili
–Kaya’s Fennel and Fig Salad
–Kaya’s Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs

-Try these Native American Recipes

+ One homeschool family’s ideas (lots of nice pictures) –
– Nez Perce Foods

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources
–Making Pemmican Coloring Page
–Native American Women Cooking Coloring Page
– Color & Label a Camas Plant

+PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-Recipe Cards

 

*Native American Work & Play

Even though Nez Perce children had chores and responsibilities, they still found plenty of time to laugh and  play! Just like kids today, they loved playing games, telling stories, and especially having competitions!
Many of the games Nez Perce children played were more than just for fun.  The games they played also helped prepare them for being adults. Running races, horseback riding, throwing games, and other activities helped to teach skills they would need for hunting, or building, or surviving the long, hard winters.

 

*Read!

*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  14-17;  34-35

*Optional Reading-
-“Kaya’s Escape”

*Online Reading-

+ Play
– Native American Games & FUN!
– The Creator’s Game   (aka Lacrosse!)
– What did Native Americans Do For Fun?!
– Native American Games 
(This also tells how you can play these games today!)
– Nez Perce Games and How To Play !
(Scroll past the coloring book, and the list of foods.  Click on each game to read a short history and how to play!)
– Storytelling 
– Why was Storytelling so important to the Nez Perce?
(Click the play button at the top left to listen to this short introduction)

 

+ Work
– What Did the Native Americans Do All Day?
– A Day of Work and Play
– Native American Weapons
– Native American Basket Making
– Native American Canoes
– The Nez Perce- How They Got Their Food and What They Ate

 

+Watch!

– Traditional Games of the Native Americans
– The Native American Story of the First Lacrosse Game    (about 5 minutes)
– Native Americans Games
– Slahal, the Stick Game    (Hear the history behind it and learn how to play!  About 2 minutes)
– Quillwork Girl and Her 6 Brothers  (about 4 minutes)
– Listen to the Cherokee Nation Tale of the Panther Hunter
(This story has a great message!!   There is a second story after that, but I didn’t preview it)
– Learn about 8 Different Native American Dances      (And try them yourself!)
– Work!  What The Native Americans Did During A Day!      (about 20 minutes)

 

+Explore It More!

– Huge list of Native American Games to play!
– The Hand (Stick) Game
– Make Your Own Nez Perce Toys and Games
– Native American Games- Facts
– PlayBowl & Dice Game online
– Native American Games you can make yourself
–Native American Games
(Watch how to play the games list in the link below.  Very interesting to know the why behind some of the games!)
–Native American Games To Play!
(There are Crow, Salish, and Blackfoot Tribe games included.  This is written as a lesson plan, so parents you’ll have to read through to find the directions for each game! )
– Learn a Pow Wow Dance !    (Super easy to follow instructions!)
– Native Americans Games & Fun      (Online Quiz Yourself!)

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources

– Cartoon Bow and Arrow Coloring Page
– Simple Teepee Coloring Page
– Native American on Horse Coloring Page
– Native American Clothing Coloring Page
– Dances & Regalia Coloring Pages
–Native American Drum & Dance Coloring Page

 

 

*Native American Art & Music

 

The Nez Perce believed that beauty could be found in the things they made and used every day.
The trees, birds, sky, and colors of creation all around them inspired the Native Americans’ design and art.
Their clothing, tools, baskets, and other handmade items were not only useful, they were also carefully decorated with beadwork, quillwork, and other designs. While most of us would not look at the clothes we are wearing today and say-  ‘ Wow! What a beautiful piece of art!!  But the clothing the Nez Perce sewed was so skillfully made, that it was also a work of art!

Artwork wasn’t the only way the Native American people expressed creativity!
Music was also an important part of every day life. Songs, drums, dancing, and storytelling were all used to celebrate special occasions, teach important lessons from generation to generation, and to bring families and whole communities together!

 

*Read!

*Core Reading-
-“Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  18-19,  p. 32-33

*Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Escape”

*Online Reading-

+ART-

–Native American Art
–Tribal Art and Crafts
– Nez Perce Artwork   (beading, quill work, painting, and more!)

+Beading
–What is Beading?

+Quill Work
– Native American Quill Work
– Useful Beautiful Things 
– Do You Know What Regalia Is?

+Baskets
– Native American Baskets
– Baskets

+Totem Poles
– Native American Totem Poles

+Painting
– Native American Painting

 

+Native American Music-

–American Indian Music
–Pow Wow Drumming

+The Flute & The Nez Perce
– The Flute

+A Nez Perce Tribal Dance-
– Nez Perce Duck and Dive Dance

 

 

+Watch!

– Nez Perce Dance
– Native American Beadwork   (as art)
–Native American Basket Weaving & Storytelling !
(About 5 minutes)
– Nez Perce History of the Flute 
– How To Make A Beaded Necklace 
(Might have to find a quality substitute string for the Moose hide string 😀 !)
– Beading, Native Artistry
(Nice short poem with video of beading.  This is a great tutorial, though not made for that, on how to sew a beautiful piece of Native American art yourself!)
–Native American Instruments 
(See & listen to many different instruments!   About 6 minutes)

 

 

+Explore It More!

–Baskets and Weaving Interactive
– Native American Basketry Art Collection
– Native American Weaving, Moccasins and Clothes

–How Much Have You Learned About The Nez Perce?
–Native American Art-  Quiz Yourself!   

 

 

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–Beadwork Coloring Page
–Moccasin Beadwork Coloring Page
–Native American Pottery Coloring Page
–Painting Tipi Coloring Page
–Native American Blanket Coloring Page

+PRINT:
*Printable Power Pack-
-Coloring Page
-Decorate Your Own Tipi

 

 

---

 

*WEEK 2:   EXTRAS-

* Brief & entertaining intro to speaking the Nez Perce language.

* A little bit of everything we studied this week-
– Native American Life, Skills, and Traditions

* Create Native American Beads and Clothes!

* Felt Moccasins

– How to Make A Beaded Necklace
(This is a fun and simple activity!)
– Try this Native American Beading pattern with Perler Beads!

*All kinds of Native American Games to play !!

*Make your own Cradleboard

* Try making a Native American Tipi!

*Make your own Native American Shirt/Dress
(This is a super easy, no sew version.  If you have older children, imagine all the creativity that could go into creating this shirt with beading work, dyed fabric pieces sewn in, etc…)

* Craft a Paper Wigwam
(My kids once gathered long branches they found in the woods and made a full size wigwam in the field across from our house.  They covered it with palm fronds and other small branches they found and tied together!  Using whatever materials are native to your area is part of the learning fun!)

*A Peek Into the Pantry
Perfect resource for American Girl Recipes !  LOVE LOVE !
I also have tons of them all in one place on myKAYA Pinterest board.

+ Indian Fry Bread recipe…YUM!

+ Yam ‘Finger’ Cakes  Recipe:
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes or yams
1 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Preheat oven to *425.  Sift together dry ingredients into a bowl.  In another bowl, mash the yams and add oil & milk.  Blend well.  Add the liquid to the dry mixture & mix lightly until dough forms.  Turn dough onto floured surface and knead gently until dough holds together.  Form dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.  Cut into strips.  Pull off small pieces and form by gently squeezing each strip into the palm of your hand (thus finger cakes).  Bake 8-10 minutes.   Enjoy!  🙂

+Play Some Games!
Choose several (or more) of the games on this list of Native American Games For Kids.  Copy or print out the pages showing how to play those games.  Gather what you need… and get PLAYING!   What skills do you think a Native American child might have been learning while playing those games?  What new skills might you learn by playing them?

 

 

---

*Week 3: Native America- People & Places

 

* Week 3: “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”
   Native American History:  People & Places

1. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 47                       (Lewis & Clark)
2. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 48-49                (Henry & Eliza Spalding)
3. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 50-51                 (The Nez Perce War)
4. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 51 (inset)           (Chief Joseph)
5. “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 52-55, p.58       (The Nez Perce Today)

 

* Week 3 Optional Reading-  Book 3, “Kaya’s Hero”

 

*The Lewis & Clark Expedition

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began a journey across the United States to search for a route to the Pacific Ocean, to explore the new land going west, and map it !   One discovery were the fascinating Native American tribes they met along the way.  Lewis and Clark described in detail the unique languages, clothing, and traditions they learned from them.   Some of these peoples were friendly and some were definitely not so friendly!

One of the most important tribes they met was the Nez Perce. After a difficult journey through the Rocky Mountains, Lewis and Clark were welcomed by the Nez Perce people, who cared for them, shared their food, and helped them continue on with their expedition!

*Read!

 

*Core Reading-

– “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  47

*Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Hero”

*Online Reading-

–What Was the Lewis & Clark Expedition?
– All About Lewis and Clark
– The Journey  
(Short version of the Lewis and Clark Expedition)
– Map of the Journey
(Use this map to follow the route as you read the story above!)
–Explore Plants and Animals On The Trail With Lewis & Clark 
(Be sure to click the ‘play’ tabs and listen to each plant and animal name in Nez Perce!)
– The Nimiipuu Culture and Contact of Lewis & Clark
(This is a super coloring book, but the first several pages are great reading to understand how the Nez Perce helped with the Lewis and Clark Expedition!)
–Who is Sacagawea?
–Sacagawea and the Lewis & Clark Expedition

 

*Watch!

– The Journals of Lewis and Clark
– The Meeting-  The Nez Perce
(The Nez Perce recorded about Lewis and Clark-  “They might look strange with upside down heads and little eyes like fish…”)
– Lewis & Clark Meet the Nez Perce
–Who Was Sacagawea ?
– Sacagawea Helps Lewis and Clark

 

* Explore It More!

– Going West! Interactive Game
– Junior Ranger- Lewis & Clark Booklet
–  Lewis and Clark Interactive Game
–  Westward Game and Printables
– Lewis, Clark, and the Nez Perce

+ MORE great resources in case you’d like to spend some extra time on this exciting topic !
–  Lewis and Clark Activities and Lessons
–  Lewis and Clark Activities

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–  Lewis and Clark Lapbook
– The Nimiipuu Culture and Contact of Lewis & Clark- Coloring Book
– Animals On The Trail- Lewis & Clark Coloring Book
– Birds On The Trail Coloring Book
– Sacagawea With Lewis and Clark Coloring Page
– Sacagawea Coloring Page

 

+PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-History Detective-  Who Were Lewis & Clark?
-History Detective-  Who Was Sacagawea?
-Map the Lewis & Clark Expedition

 

*Missionaries To The Natives, Henry & Eliza Spalding

*Reading!

+Core Reading-
–  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  48-49

+Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Hero”

+Online Reading-

– Henry and Eliza Spalding Missionaries
– Who Were the Spaldings?
– The Trip West- Narcissa and Eliza
– Eliza Spalding’s Story
– Letters From Eliza
– Who Was Marcus Witman?

 

+Watch!

–The Mission of Henry and Eliza Spalding
(Most interesting for older students probably :D)

 

+Explore It More!
– The Spalding’s had a very difficult time learning the Nez Perce language.
Want to give it a try yourself?
– Learn How To Speak Nez Perce
– Map of the Spalding Mission and Town

 

+PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-The Language of the Nez Perce-  Animals

 

*The Nez Perce War

*Reading!

 

+Core Reading-
–  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  50-51

+Optional Reading–
– “Kaya’s Hero”

+Online Reading-

– The Nez Perce War   (From the Idaho Junior Historian Page!)
– The Story of the Nez Perce War
– Poster of Leaders during the Flight of 1877
– Final Chapter of Freedom
– The Nez Perce War
– Listen-  Chief Joseph’s Surrender

 

+Watch!

–The Sacred Journey- The Nez Perce War
–The Flight of the Nez Perce
– The Nez Perce National Historic Trail
(By the US Forest Service. This video will really touch on all our topics this week.  Might be a little dry for younger children.)
– Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War

+Explore It More!

– Battles of the Nez Perce War
(Click to read a short story account of each battle.  This page takes a moment to load.)
–The Flight of 1877
–Map of the Flight of the Nez Perce
–Nez Perce Timeline Activity

 

+PRINT:
–Nez Perce War Full Coloring Book

 

*Chief Joseph & the Nez Perce

*Reading!

+Core Reading-
–  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  51  (inset)

+Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Hero”

+Online Reading-

– Chief Joseph Biography   (short introduction)
– Native American History and Chief Joseph
– Chief Joseph
– Chief Joseph History Facts For Kids
– Chief Joseph

 

+Watch!

– Who Was Chief Joseph?
– The Chief Joseph Story-  Little Bear Wheeler
– Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce’ War
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_OW55WOZcs
– Chief Joseph

+Explore It More!

– Chief Joseph Printable Biography and a fun game
(Quick review of the events- no disrespect intended.)

 

+Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-
– Chief Joseph Coloring Page #1
– Chief Joseph Coloring Page #2

+PRINT:

*Printable Power Pack-
-History Detective- Who Was Chief Joseph?

 

 

*The Nez Perce Tribe Today

*Reading!

 

+Core Reading-
–  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  52-55;   58

+Optional Reading-
– “Kaya’s Hero”

+Online Reading-

–What is an Indian Reservation?
–Native American Reservations
–Native American Civil Rights

-Some further reading for mom/dad/teens for a more in depth look at the Nez Perce Tribe.
There are some nice pictures you may want to use in teaching this unit also.

+Watch!

– Nez Perce Tribe
– Creative Hearts & Minds 
(This is a bit long for younger children, but very interesting even if you just watch in part!)

+Explore It More!

– Nez Perce Tribe Photo Gallery

*WEEK 3:   EXTRAS-

*Lewis & Clark Activities
– Lewis & Clark Ultimate Guide
– Lewis & Clark Activities

 

 

---

 

*If you’d like to read the rest of the Kaya series, I’ve included them below!

        

---

 

 

*Weekly Language Arts & Grammar Ideas-

*Reading Comprehension Ideas:

This is the same list for each week! Choose which ideas you’d like to work on and come back!
Show what you know about Kaya and the Native Americans!

*Reading Comprehension Worksheets-
– Meet Kaya Reading Guide

*Comprehension Questions, Quizzes, & Activities
You can find interactive quizzes for most historical AG stories , including Kaya!
–How Much Do You Know About Kaya Quiz

*The American Girl website has some nice Kaya worksheets-
– Meet Kaya Guide

*No Groans Book Reports
Ughhhh!  NOT BOOK REPORTS!!  Can’t we just READ the books?!?
WAIT!  I promised this isn’t BORING history!!  There really are some ways you can share about some of the great books you are reading in this Native American unit study!
If you are still doubting me…try one of these  Book Reports…  show what you know with a Book Report Cake, a Rainbow Report, or a Pizza Box Book Report!  See doesn’t this sound fun?!?  If you’re still not convinced may try making a book report poster   (this family made a giant poster from the Kristen series!).

 

*Keep a History Timeline!     (See Question #2 in the Intro)

Timelines are a daily visual review!
I just wrote a post on How To Create Your Own History Timeline!
You will find ideas for pretty much every personality of family… creative, tech loving, small spaces, hands-on, etc…

+History Timeline Binders
–>How To Make A History Binder      (I made a video if you’d rather watch than read 🙂  )
Keep a running list in a notebook of important people, important places, important events, and important ideas. Use these lists later for writing prompts, lapbooking, creating a timeline, etc… Don’t forget you can quickly download the FREE Kaya Printable Power Pack !
Just use the pages you want and add them to your notebook!
If you are continuing on with the rest of the American Girl Units, keep adding to your timeline and you will end up with a really solid timeline for Early American History that you’ll want to keep for the memories !

*History Notebooks, Lapbooks, Scrapbooks, and Folders-
Create a notebook, lapbook, scrapbook, folder, etc…to show what you’re learning.  This is a fantastic way for the kids to articulate creatively what they have  learned!  Need some inspiration?
– What Is A Lapbook?
– What Is Notebooking?
– American Girl Lapbooks

 

*Set Up Your Own Native America Museum Exhibit!
If this sounds a bit too much to do, no fears!  It’s a basically just like MINI museum!
Here are some ideas on how to make your own mini museum (not history specific, but you’ll get the idea)!

I have done this just with my kids, but also in a co-op.  SUPER fun!!
After you’ve completed some of the reading, stop and think about what really made you curious to know MORE!
Was it the different Tribes and their customs?  Or the beautiful Appaloosa Horses of the Nez Perce?  Or what Kaya might have snacked on as she walked through the forest?
Begin by reading through the list of Hands-On History Activities in Week 1.
Brainstorm and write a list of things you’d like to have on display if you were making your very own exhibit for this study.

This would be a great project to work on throughout this unit, adding all your hands-on projects, pictures from field trips, creative book reports, art, and even recipes you’ve made to the museum!  We hosted a night for friends and family to come learn all about what we had been studying.  SUPER fun for everyone!

 

 

*Find whatever outlet that excites your kids!

+How-To’s
Perhaps a How-To video for cooking a traditional Native American recipe…or a How-To Play for some of the indigenous tribes children’s games…or a short sketch book of animals and their tracks.
Whatever your kids love to do, find a way to use it to show what they know!
“Minds in Bloom” has a really great post for some ideas… 72 to be exact!!

+Dioramas
I’ve listed making a diorama as part of the weekly lesson plans.  This is such a great way to work on a focused project that you can add to any time inspiration strikes as you read another aspect of the lives and times of Native Americans!
—> How To Make A Diorama    (Just an example to get you started!)

 

 

*Vocabulary-

+Teaching multiple ages?
Start with the lists below taken from each week’s core reading.
You could add more words, easier or more difficult related words, or choose a list of words from some of the other Native America Books that suits your needs best!
You can find a great list of suggested books for this unit
–> Native America Book & Resources List
–>American History Books & Resources List

 

+Roots of Language  It might also be fun to include some words that we use today that have origins in Native American words (ex. moccasin)
–Words At Play- Familiar Native American Words

 

+Core Reading Vocabulary Lists
The following  lists  are taken from each week’s core reading.
If your child is old enough to be proficient in using a computer, it might be a fun activity to include copy & pasted images along with some of the particularly foreign words. (ex. petroglyph, butte, etc…)

+You will also find a Vocabulary Word Search and Vocabulary BINGO in the 
FREE Native America Kaya Printable Power Pack!!   

***Did you notice the FREE part?   ***

*Vocabulary Lists:

1. legend                 2. Butte               3. peak                4. canyon                5. petroglyph

6. expedition         7. Appaloosa      8. allies                9. ancestors         10. raid

1. lodge                2. awl                3. buckskin              4. sinew              5. elder

6. quill                  7. sacred         8. parfleches            9. serenade     10. hides

1. scout               2. journal          3. missionary         4. treaty             5. raid

6. memorial      7. surrender     8. exile                     9. chief            10. reservation

 

 

*Grammar Ideas:

* You may choose to use your regular grammar curriculum, add just a few of the  ideas below into the mix, or use it all.

*Take advantage of online/printable freebies
Here’s a website with some short Daily Grammar reviews

* Use your reading materials for grammar practice
Simply choose a sentence, or photocopy a page from selected reading.
Depending on what skill you want to emphasize, have your child diagram a few sentences, or find all the verbs, nouns, etc…, or whatever skill needs work.

*Do what works for you !
You may choose to use your regular grammar lessons, add just a few of these ideas in, or follow NONE or all of the ideas below.  Isn’t homeschooling wonderful sometimes?

 

*Copy Work/Narration ideas-

* Choose a favorite passage from the reading to copy.
This could be something very descriptive of the time and place Kaya lived, dialogue to practice use of quotations, or a song or poem from one of the people we studied that week.

* Use some of the Scripture verses if you are using the Bible lessons in this unit.

*Free Kaya Printables
There are lots of Native American themed blank copy work/narration pages included in this packet.  You will also find pages for the poems, Bible verses, and quotes from Chief Joseph and others.

* Poetry related to the study from each week

* “Indian Children”  by Annette Wynne

*Excerpt from the Nez Perce story “Heart of the Monster”

* This week’s Scripture verses-
–Genesis 1
–Genesis 2:7
–Colossians 1:16-20
–Romans 1:20
–Psalm 19:1-4
–Acts 14:15-17

 

* “The Flower Fed Buffaloes” by Vachel Lindsay

*Copy this recipe for Nez Perce Fry Bread

* This week’s Scripture verses-
–1 Peter 1:3-5
–John 16:33
–1 John 5:4-5
–Hebrews 4:16
–Psalm 21
–1 John 3:1-24

 

 

* “Sacajawea”  by  Robert Beecham
(This is an absolutely lovely resource!)

*Chief Joseph’s Speeches and statements
You may like to choose one of those, or try a portion or all of Chief Joseph’s famous surrender speech below-

From Chief Joseph’s Speech-
“I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led on the young men is dead. It is cold, and we have no blankets; the little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills, and have no blankets, no food. No one knows where they are—perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children, and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever”.

* This week’s Scripture verses-
+ Acts 13:6-12 (Saul-Paul & Elymas)
+ John 1:42, Luke 6:14 (Simon-Peter)
+ Genesis 35:10 (Jacob-Israel)
–1 Peter 1:3-5
–John 16:33
–1 John 5:4-5
–Hebrews 4:16
–Psalm 21
–1 John 3:1-24

 

*Native American Unit Study-  Creative Writing Ideas!

*Idea #1-  A Day In Kaya’s Moccasins!

Imagine you are Kaya waking up early on a bright sunny morning in the Nez Perce village.
Write a short story or journal entry describing everything you see, hear, smell, and do during a day in Kaya’s shoes (moccasins)!.
What do you eat for breakfast? What chores do you have?
Do you practice riding your Appaloosa horse or learn an important new skill from an elder?
What adventures do you find as you walk in the woods?
End your story by describing what you learned that day and why life in a Nez Perce village was both exciting and challenging.

 

+Idea #2-  An Appaloosa Adventure!

As most young Nez Perce children you are learning to ride a horse… not just any horse, but an Appaloosa horse!
Write a story about your horse and the adventures you have as you ride over the plains.
What is your horse’s name?  What does it feel like to climb up on it’s back and gallop away?
Where do you travel and what do you see?  What exciting things do you discover along the way? 
A buffalo or a grizzly bear?  Or maybe a rattlesnake or a mountain lion? 
Explain how your Appaloosa helps you on your journey and why horses were so valuable to the Nez Perce people.

 

+Idea #3-  What Would You Ask Kaya?

If Kaya could stop over to visit you today, what five questions would you ask her about her life as a Nez Perce girl?
Think about her family, friends, daily chores, the Appaloosa horses, her favorite activities, fears, and dreams.
Write the 5 questions and the answers as you imagine Kaya might have responded using what you learned this week.
Finally, write a short ending explaining what surprised you most about Kaya’s life and one lesson you think she could teach children today!

 

 

 

*Idea #1- Time to PLAY!

You’ve been up since sunrise and finally finished all your chores.
Finally, it’s time to have some fun!

Imagine you are a Nez Perce child living over 200 years ago.
What game or activity would you choose to play with your friends?
Describe where you are playing, who is with you, and how the game is played.
Is it a race, a horseback game, a throwing contest, a guessing game, or something else?
What skills does the game help you practice?
Explain why this is your favorite game.
Finally, compare your favorite Nez Perce game to a game kids play today.
Which one do you think you would enjoy more, and why?

 

+Idea #2-  Moving Day!

The first bit of cool air blows through your tipi as you step outside this morning.
The seasons are changing again, and soon it will be time to MOVE! 
The summer has been so much fun with longer days and more time to play.  But you know it is time to get everything packed up and move from your family’s tipi back to the winter longhouse.
Write about what it’s like to move with the seasons.

Need some help getting started?
Describe what each home looks like, what materials it is made from, and why each one is the best choice for that season.
Explain how your family works together to take down, build, or prepare your home.
What jobs do you and the other children help with?
How do you carry your belongings from one place to another?
Describe what your new home feels like once everything is unpacked and your family has settled in.
Finally, tell which home you would rather live in—the cozy winter longhouse or the portable summer tipi!

+Idea #3-  Celebration Time!

 

Today is a special day in your village!
Family members and friends have gathered to celebrate, and everyone has an important job to do.  Write about the day!  You could write this like a journal entry, or a letter to a friend, or even as notes to yourself to remember about this day!

Think about all you’ve learned about the Nez Perce so far, and show what you know as you write!

Here are some ideas you might like to include!
Describe how your family prepares for the celebration.
What kinds of foods will there be?  Who will gather and cook it?
Are you dressing in special clothing?  What does it look like?

As the celebration begins, describe what you see and hear.
Are people singing, playing drums or flutes, dancing, telling stories, or playing games together? How does everyone work together to make the day special?
Explain why spending time with family and your community is important.
End your story by describing your favorite part of the celebration and the memory you will treasure most.

 

 

*EXTRA WAYS To Show What You Know!

*Curate your own Native American Tribes Museum!    (See Question #3 in the Intro)
If this sounds a bit too much to do, no fears!  It’s a MINI museum!
Here are some ideas on how to make your own mini museum (not history specific, but you’ll get the idea)!   I have done this just with my kids, but also in a co-op.  SUPER fun!!  This would be a great project to work on throughout this unit study, adding all your hands-on projects, pictures from field trips, creative book reports, art, and even recipes you’ve made to the museum!  We hosted a night for friends and family to come learn all about what we had been studying.

* Find whatever outlet that excites your kids!
I found this American Girl Video on You Tube made by an AG fan, a great way to show what you know. 🙂

*Hands-On !
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this unit to see a list
of some of the fun crafts, cooking activities, & other creative ideas!

 

 

---

*Bible Ideas for Native America-  American Girl Kaya Unit Study

 

 

*Bible Study–  From the Beginning

*Week 1: Creation Stories
*Week 2: Life and Death
*Week 3: What’s In A Name?

 

 

*Week 1: Creation Stories

Have you ever wondered where people came from or how the world began?
People from every part of the world have asked these same questions.
The Native Americans did too!  Did you know that most every one has a creation story to explains how people, animals, and the earth came to exist?

As Christians, we don’t have to guess or make up a story to explain how Creation happened.
We know that God has given us the true details in the Bible!
In the very first words of the Bible, in the first book called Genesis, we learn that God Himself created the heavens, the earth, every living thing, and people by His power and wisdom!

Nothing happened by accident. Everything God made had a purpose and a plan!
And when God created man, do you know what He stopped and said?
He said, that this creation was “very good”!
Every person is made in God’s image and deeply loved by Him!

 

*The reading this week included many Nez Perce stories, including their creation story.   Here are some videos, Scriptures, talk & think kind of discussion starters, and even some coloring pages for any “littles” who might be listening in, or for use in your notebooks or lapbooks.

 

*Read & Explore!

–The Days of Creation
–Explore More CREATION!
-Listen to The Creation Story
–God or Science?
–Kids Creation QUESTIONS!!!
–EXPLORE Animals of Creation    (Check out Horses!)
–Did Dinosaurs and People Live At The Same Time?
–Creation Quiz!

Kaya and the Nez Perce Tribe lived in a beautiful environment!  There were forests full of tall trees, and wide open grassy plains, rushing rivers and quiet streams, and there were mountains, and huge blue skies.   The Native Americans appreciated the beauty of nature very much and knew that it was very special. 
–How Does Creation Reflect God?

–Heart of the Monster Creation Story

–Wise Owl Creation Story

–God Created Water    (Explore It More Science Experiment!)
–God Said, “Let There Be Light!”      (Explore It More Science Experiment!)

–Draw a Days Of Creation Book   
—> Part 2

 

* What Does God Say About His Creation?

–Genesis 1
–Genesis 2:7
–Colossians 1:16-20
–Romans 1:20
–Psalm 19:1-4
–Acts 14:15-17

 

*Watch This!

–And So It Begins     (about 4 minutes)
–God’s Story: How Do We Know?   (about 3 minutes)
–God Creates Everything    (about 4 minutes)
–Creation-  Genesis 1-2          (about 4 minutes)

–God Made Amazing Animals!         (about 5 minutes- especially good for younger kids)
–God’s Amazing Animals Playlist     
(about 2-3 minutes each-  just because these will make you say WOW!)
–5 Mind Blowing Facts About Creation         (about 8 minutes)

–Biblical Creation Story

[YouTube video, like a story-telling of the Biblical creation story (not animated)]

–Heart of the Monster, the Nez Perce Creation Story

 

 

*Let’s TALK!   Ideas to Think About & Discuss-

+What does the word “creation” mean?

+How did the Nez Perce explain how humans came to be?

+Almost every culture has some type of creation story.     Why do you think this is?

+Compare the Nez Perce’s story of creation to God’s creation of man from the ground
   (see page 4 in Kaya’s World). 

+What similarities are there, and what are some of the differences?

+Read some or all of these Scriptures together-
–Genesis 1
–Genesis 2:7
–Colossians 1:16-20
–Romans 1:20
–Psalm 19:1-4
–Acts 14:15-17

+What does God say about the creation of humans and everything else that has been created?

+What are some ways that God reveals Himself through creation?
Think.  As beautiful and intricate as a flower is, WHO made the very first flower?

Nature is BEAUTIFUL! 
Kaya’s people tried to explain what they experienced in the awe of nature! You can see why they did this, but even greater than being in awe of creation, is being in awe of the CREATOR of all that beauty.  You may want to read  to the end of Romans 1 together depending on the ages of your children.

+What is our right response to the AMAZING creation of this world?

* Just for fun!
Here is an excerpt from the book of Genesis translated into the
Nez Perce language.  You can find a themed writing page for this in the Kaya Printable Pack.
– Genesis- In Nez Perce

 

*Let’s Sing!

–Genesis 1:1 Song
–Creator     (This is a beautiful video of creation!)
–This Is My Father’s World
–He Made The Whole World By His Word    (sung by kids for kids!)
–Days of Creation Memory Song

 

 

*Creation Coloring Pages-

– Creation Coloring Page
– Days of Creation Coloring Page
– Calvary Curriculum Coloring and Activity Pages

 

*Printable Power Pack-
-Scripture Copy Work Pages
-Beauty of Creation Activity
-In the Beginning  (drawing page)

 

 

 

 

*Week 2: Life & Death

 
Life as a Nez Perce child in the 1700s was filled with both care free days and also great danger!

Kaya and her family lived among beautiful mountains, rivers, and wide open valleys, but living in the part of the country they did also meant that there were many challenges every day. There were wild animals, dangerous weather, enemy tribes, accidents, and even strangers from faraway places that could threaten their lives. Because danger was never far away, the Nez Perce passed down stories that taught courage, wisdom, and how to face difficult times.

Although most of our lives look very different today, we still live in a world that has dangers.
We may not worry about enemy warriors attacking our villages, or grizzly bears ( though I do worry about snakes and spiders still!), we do still face fears (like spiders!), sickness, accidents, and many other things. Everyone, young and old, experiences times when they feel afraid or uncertain.

In this week’s Bible study, we’ll discover that God’s Word gives us a hope that is greater than any danger we may face! As Christians, we know that God is always with His children in both the good times and the hard times. Because Jesus died for our sins and rose again, we can face both life and death with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate those who trust in Him from His love!

 

* Read the story
-“How Bear Helped Nimiipuu”  in  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”,  on pg. 22-23.

* Some things to think and talk about…

+Why this was such a well known & important story to the Nez Perce?

+Kaya was afraid that the huge grizzly bear could kill her.
She hoped she could hide!The world in which the Nez Perce lived was filled with danger. 
  What other kinds of dangers did the Nez Perce face ?

+What did the Nez Perce do to explain their fear of death? 
    What did Kaya do when she was afraid?

+Do you think their way of thinking helped?  Why or why not?

+What are some dangers that we face in our world today?

+What are you afraid of?

+How do you face your fears?

+What does the word HOPE mean?

+What do Christians believe about facing fear?  About life in a dangerous world?   About death?

 

*Read & Explore!

–What does God say about fear?
–What is hope?

–What is our “living hope” ? 
–A Living Hope Object Lesson
–Peter’s Encouraging Letter
–Stories of Hope To Explore More!
–A Christmas Hope     (Good for any time of the year!)

–If Jesus Cares For the Sparrows… 
–Safe In The Storm
–Disasters!   Faith Over Fear

–Chickens and Coyotes!!   Why does God sometimes let bad things happen?

 

 

* What Does God Say About Fear and Hope?
–1 Peter 1:3-5
–John 16:33
–Psalm 23
–1 John 5:4-5
–Hebrews 4:16
–Psalm 21
–1 John 3:1-24

 

 

*Watch!

+Do Not Fear!
+Take Heart
+God Gives Me Hope   (about 20 minutes)
+What is Hope?    (about 4 minutes-  good for older kids!)
+Psalm 23 For Kids
+Gizmo On Psalm 23:1   (about 2 minutes)
+Life… A Rollercoaster… and Psalm 23

 

 

*Let’s Sing!

+ Psalm 23 Memory Song
+ 23    (from ‘David’)
+Living Hope!

 

 

*Coloring Pages-
– Hope in Christ Coloring Pages- Story 1
– Hope in Christ Coloring and Activity Pages- Story 2

–Printable Story and Activity Book- Victory In Jesus

–Sparrow Coloring Page

 

*Printable Power Pack-
-Scripture Copy Work and writing pages
-Hope Coloring Page

 

 

*Week 3: What’s in a name ?

* Reading

-The naming of children was a very important part of life for the Native Americans.
Read the inset again on pg. 13 of  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”.

–The Plateau Tribes Naming Ceremony

* Think About & Discuss the importance of names in the Bible.

The Nez Perce believed that names were extremely important.  So important in fact, that they didn’t give their children permanent names until they were around 12 years old! 
– The Native American Naming Ceremony

– Native American Names

– Native American Naming Traditions

–Native American Names and What They Mean

BUT…

Did you know that names are very important to God as well?
He uses names to help us understand WHO He is! 
-How many names do YOU have?
-How many names does God have?
-Read about some of the Names of Jesus here.

-Why does He have so many names?

Did you know that sometimes when He walked on the earth, He even gave
new names to people to remind them who THEY were to Him!
Read the Scriptures below and see if you can find the name changes!

+ Acts 13:6-12 

+ John 1:42, Luke 6:14

+ Genesis 35:10

-What does your name mean?
-Ask your parents how they decided what to name you!
-If you could choose a name for yourself, what it would it be?  Why?
Even though God may not have changed your name, He wants you to know
that who YOU are is very important to Him. 
-Read who God says YOU are !  or  Who I Say You Are

*Read more-

–Psalm 124:8
–1 John 3:1
–Acts 2:21

–Matthew 6:9
–Psalm 34:3
–Proverbs 22:1-2

 

*Exploring the Names of Jesus-
–The Names of Jesus Family Devotional   (You can use this any time of the year and it’s free)
–The Names of Jesus Kids Companion Unit Study

 

*Family Movie Night-
If you haven’t seen Overcomer, it’s a great family night movie and it is PERFECT for this week’s Bible study!

*Printable Power Pack-
-Scripture Copy Work Pages
-The Meaning of MY Name

---

 

 

*Native America Unit- Science Ideas:

 

*Week 1: Coyotes Horses
*Week 2: Buffalo/ Salmon
*Week 3: Seasons and the Nez Perce

 

*Week 1: Coyotes, Horses, & the Nez Perce

During our Bible study, we learned that on the fifth and sixth days of creation, God filled the earth with amazing creatures, each designed uniquely. From colorful birds that soar through the sky, to the animals that run across the plains, God’s creativity and wisdom can be seen everywhere we look.

To the Nez Perce and other Native American Tribes we are learning about, these animals weren’t just interesting, they were an important part of everyday life!   Some animals provided food, clothing, shelter, and even transportation!  And others?!
WATCH OUT!  Some animals could be dangerous if they weren’t treated with respect!

In this lesson we will be learning about two animals that were very important to the Nez Perce!
The coyote and the horse!

You could do both of these lessons, choosing a few resources for each one,  OR  you might just choose your favorite animal to learn more about!

* Coyotes-

+Read!

– Coyotes!
– What Is A Coyote?
– Coyote Stories !
– Coyote Facts
– Coyotes On the Move!
– Listen To Coyotes
– Coyotes In The City?
– Coyote Facts For Kids
– Coyote’s Fishnet Legend from the Nez Perce

 

+Watch!

– Amazing Coyotes!      (about 6 minutes)
– Animal Fact Friday at Wildlife Prairie Park- Coyote      (about 2 minutes)
– Top 7 Facts About Coyotes For Kids       (about 6 minutes)
– Wild Kratts- Coyotes!    (about 3 minutes)
– Coyote, the Trickster-  Nez Perce           (about 5 minutes)
– Hear the story ‘Coyote Builds a Dam’ read aloud in Nez Perce

 

+Explore It More!

–Coyote Web Puzzles
– Coyote Games   (solve the puzzle to unlock the next game)
–How To Draw a Coyote Step-By-Step
– Quick Coyote Craft

+Coloring!

– Coyote Coloring Page
– Lots of Coyote Coloring Pages
– Coyote Safety Coloring Page and Crossword Puzzle

+Printable Power Pack-
-All About Coyotes
-Coyote Coloring Page

 

* Horses-

+Read!

– Horse Basics
– All About Horses
– Horse Science- Fun Facts For Kids
– How A Horse Is Built
–American Appaloosa
– Appaloosa Museum

+Watch!

– The Nez Perce and Their Horses
– Horse Facts for Kids
– The Science of Horses-  Cool Facts
– Science Trek!  Horses          (Kids Q&A’s)
– Science For Kids-  Let’s Learn About Horses!

+Explore It More!

–Horse Labeling Worksheet
–How to draw a horse
–Horse Word Find
–Horses Lapbook
–Horse Race Math Game Online   (addition and subtraction)
–Horses Math Game Online    (multiplication)

+Coloring!

–Horses Coloring Pages    (Lots!)
–Nez Perce on an Appaloosa Coloring Page

 

+Printable Power Pack-
-All About Horses
-Labeling the Parts of a Horse Worksheet
-Horse Coloring Page
-Draw an Appaloosa Page

 

 

 

 

---

 

*Week 2:  Buffalo, Salmon, and the Nez Perce

* Buffalo!

+Read It!

+Read “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764” – p. 42-43
– The American Buffalo
– The Buffalo
– Buffalo Hunt!
–What Do You Do With A Buffalo?

 

+Watch This!

–All About the American Bison
– Bison and the Great Plains

 

+Explore It More!

– Buffalo Plains Indians
(This link is an educational site for the state of South Dakota.  It is packed with lots of good information….printables…activity pages,etc. and tons about Buffalo!)
– How To Draw A Buffalo
– Buffalo Habitat
(Maps of where the buffalo were & which states they can be found in now.  This would be a fun tie in to add to your mapping in geography.)
– Buffalo Painting Art Project

 

 

+Coloring Pages-

– Buffalo Coloring Page
– Bison Coloring Page

+Printable Power Pack-
-All About Buffalo
-Buffalo Coloring Page

 

 

* SALMON

+Read It!

-Read “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 40-41

*Everything you want to know about Salmon
– What Is a Salmon?
– Amazing Salmon
– Salmon and the Nez Perce
– Fun Facts About Salmon
– Types of Salmon
(Scroll through to see the different types of Salmon!)

+Watch This!

– The Magic School Bus Goes Upstream
(Full Episode of Magic School Bus Goes Upstream)
–>  The Magic School Bus Goes Upstream!   (stream)
–Molly Of Denali Answers Salmon Questions
–Science Trek-  Salmon!

+Explore It More!

– Salmon Coloring Book
(A entire salmon coloring book with TONS of information. Who knew?!)
–Salmon Recipe
(Think you don’t like fish?  Try this recipe!  YUM!)
–The Salmon Life Cycle Interactive
-Print & Play This Salmon Board Game

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-

–Salmon Coloring Pages    (Lots!)
– Chinook Salmon Coloring Page
–Pacific Salmon Coloring Page

+PRINT:

+Printable Power Pack-
-Salmon Life Cycle Page
-Salmon Coloring Page
-Recipe Cards

 

---

*Week 3: Seasons & the Nez Perce

+READ:
–  Read “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p. 36-39
Using the inset on page 37, see if you can estimate which months coincide with our calendar months today.

-How Long Has There Been Seasons?
+Genesis 1:14
+Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

–The Science of Seasons
– Reasons For Seasons
– Questions About the Seasons
– How The Seasons Came To Be
(Native American stories about how the seasons came to be)

+EXPLORE:

–Why Do We Have Seasons   (NASA Interactive)
–What Causes the Seasons to Change –  Science Project
–How Can the Sun Tell You the Season?

-Make a chart of the seasons and crops/food sources of the Nez Perce.
You could use a wheel and cut out, color, and paste pictures or drawings in each section, for example. You could include the animals we have studied that may have been used for food.  Another idea…make the chart based on what crops/food sources you eat seasonally in your own part of the world. Maybe even grow something seasonal. 🙂

-Native Americans, The Moon, and Seasons
(Both links have about the same information, but the second link includes pictures- this might be a good/creative activity to chart as well)
– Seasons and the Native Americans
– Full Moon Almanac 

+WATCH:

–The Reasons For the Seasons
–What Causes Seasons?
–Why Are There Seasons?
–Sesame Street Seasons Songs

 

+PRINT:

+Printable Power Pack-
-Native America Seasons and Moons

 

 

---

*Native America Unit:  Geography Ideas-

*Week 1- The Pacific Northwest
*Week 2- Tribes & Travels: Idaho, Washington, & Oregon
*Week 3- Lewis & Clark  (Cartography)

 

 

 

 

*Week 1: The Pacific Northwest

*READ & WATCH:

+Intro to the Pacific Northwest

–Regions of the United States
–The Northwest Region
–The Pacific Northwest Region   (Full lesson)
–The Pacific Northwest Facts For Kids
–Nature In The Pacific Northwest

–The Pacific Northwest Indians
– Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest

– Video- Top 10 Places to See in the Pacific Northwest
– Video- Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest
– Video- Native Peoples of the Northwest

 

*MAP IT:

+ Below are two great links to free printable maps you can use for this activity!
– Printable Map of the United States
– United States Map

+Use one of the maps of the US to label the following-
-The states that are part of the Pacific Northwest region
-The state you live in.
-The area the Nez Perce inhabited in 1764
–The Nez Perce land reservation today

-Geographical points of interest in the reading such as:
+The Bitterroot Mountains
+Heart of Monster landmark in Idaho
+The Snake, Clearwater, and Salmon Rivers

+ This is a general Study of Native Americans.
There is a lot of information here. If you will scroll down to the bottom of the page you will find a very clearly made map of many of the NW tribes that are mentioned in our reading. (Kaya’s World- p. 44-45)

*Hands-On History-

+Coloring-
–Pacific Northwest Coloring & Activity Book

+Start a diorama.
Each week you can add the things you are studying!  This week, find some pictures online of the Pacific Northwest.
What beautiful country ! Use these in your diorama as the backdrop.

+ Or create a paper mache or Salt Dough Map of the Pacific Northwest region.

+ Play some interactive games online!
– Native Americans Online Learning Games
– Native Americans Interactive Map       ( *Interactive map*)

+Printable Power Pack-
-All About Idaho
-The Pacific Northwest  (Mapping)
-Pacific Northwest Forest Coloring Page

 

---

*Week 2: Tribes & Travels-
Idaho, Washington, & Oregon

*READ & WATCH:

+Read  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-  p. 44-46

+Idaho
– All About Idaho
– Idaho State Study
– Video- Great States!  Idaho
– Video- Idaho For Kids!
– Idaho State Mini Unit Study

+ Oregon
–Oregon For Kids
–All About Oregon
–Kids Discover!  Oregon
(Be sure to check out the Native Peoples of Oregon section!)
–State Study Oregon
–Video-  Great States!  Oregon
–Video- All About Oregon
–Oregon Regions Printable Map

+Washington
–All About Washington
–Washington Facts
–Washington State Unit For Kids
–Washington Activities and Printables
–Video- The State of Washington

 

*Mapping-

+What is Cartography?
+Video- What is a Cartographer?
-Explore this Interactive Map of Washinton
– Map Making Activities
– Map Making  (For older students)

+Make a map showing the areas populated by the Nez Perce.
Make a list of Nez Perce Friends and Nez Perce Enemies.
Write the tribes friendly with the Nez Perce in blue, and those who were enemies in red.
Make a key on the bottom of your map to show the difference between the two.

+Maps & links to the Nez Perce’s “neighbors”, both friends & foes-
– Idaho
– Oregon
– Washington

 

*Hands On-

* Add items studied this week to your diorama-
– The Longhouse
(This PDF is not about the Nez Perce Tribe, but the printable images and information on the Longhouse is great!  Scroll down to start on page 4)
– Friends, Neighbors, and Enemies

 

*Coloring Pages-

–USA Printables-  Oregon State Coloring Pages
–Oregon Coloring Page
–Idaho Coloring Page
–USA Printables-  Idaho Coloring Pages
–USA Printables-  Washington Coloring Pages
–Washington Coloring Page

+Printable Power Pack-
-The Nez Perce:  Friends and Enemies

 

 

---

*Week 3: Lewis & Clark

*Reading & Mapping-

+Lewis and Clark Expedition   (Intro in song 😀  )
+Mapping West
+Who Were Lewis & Clark?
+Explore With Lewis & Clark
+Interactive Timeline of the Lewis & Clark Expedition
+EVERYTHING Lewis & Clark
(Such a fun site to explore!  Scroll down to explore the route and the Native American tribes they met along the way!)
+Video-  The Lewis & Clark Expedition
+Video- Lewis & Clark Expedition  (Sacagawea)

+Printable Lewis & Clark Introduction and Worksheets
+Lewis & Clark’s Adventure West Interactive
+Lewis & Clark’s Journal WebQuest
+Brain POP!  Lewis & Clark Game

+Another quick overview of the topic & some great printable maps to use along with this week’s reading.
– http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/l/lewisandclark.shtml

 

*Hands On-

+Go West With Lewis & Clark
(A choose your own adventure type game online)

+Lewis & Clark were cartographers.
Review what a cartographer is. Look online at some of the maps they created from what they experienced on their journey.
Choose a map making activity below to try!
– Lewis & Clark Map Making Activity   (with suggestions for all ages!)

+Make a Lewis & Clark Lapbook!

+Native Language- Names of Plants & Animals
(Listen to the audio and see if you can say the names along with the Native speaker!)

+Add to & finish up your diorama-
Here are some links to coloring pages you might like to use-
– Lewis & Clark Coloring Pages
– Lewis & Clark Expedition Coloring Pages
(There are 3 different pages)

 

+More Coloring Pages
–William Clark Coloring Page
–Meriwether Lewis Coloring Page
–Lewis & Clark on the Missouri River
-Color ‘Birds On the Trail’   and  ‘Animals On the Trail‘
–Lewis & Clark Return

 

+Super fun interactive journey along with Lewis & Clark from Scholastic !
– http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/lewis_clark/prepare.htm
– The Journey Begins
– Thomas Jefferson
– Louisiana Purchase
– What to pack?
– Make a specimen box
– Meet the team

 

+Printable Power Pack-
-The Lewis & Clark Expedition
-Who Were Lewis & Clark
-Who Was Sacagawea
-Map the Lewis & Clark Expedition

 

---

 

 

*Native American Art

 

I am including 2 options for a complimenting art study for this unit!
Option #1 is an overview of Native American Art that briefly touches on the modern Native American Artist, John Nieto.
Option #2 is a study of the artist and works of Albert Bierstadt.
His depictions of the beauty of the American landscape and the Native Americans encountered in the middle regions of our country made him a good choice for this unit.

*Option #1-  John Nieto*

+Reading!

–Native American Art
–Full Lesson on Native American Art
–Traditional Native American Art Lessons with Activities
–History- Native American Art
–American Indian Art
–Video:  Discovering American Indian Art

*Explore It More!

-Short lesson and activity for Native American Artist John Nieto
–Weave a Wampum Belt Online
–North American Indian Shield Art Lesson and Activity
– HUGE Collection of Native American Art Lessons for K-12
(Even if you don’t choose to do any of these lessons, scroll through for full size, colored art images!)
–Abstract Native American Art Project
–How To Draw Native American Pottery ;  How To Draw A Native American Headdress
(These would be fun to draw then decorate with sand painting, or any other medium!)

*Analyzing Art
-Worksheet on How to Analyze an Artwork
–Making Art Fun – a show what you know kind of printable
-Some more artist study ideas to use from my favorite Kitchen Table Classroom!

 

*Option #2-  Albert Bierstadt *

* Reading-

*Biography of Albert Bierstadt  
(Includes lots of activities!)
*Introduction to Albert Bierstadt and His Art
*Bierstadt in a Week
*Landscape Artists Lesson Plan
*Printable Biography

 

* Discovering & Doing-

*Slideshow of Bierstadt Paintings
*Albert Bierstadt’s ‘The Last Buffalo’
(Short YouTube video about Bierstadt and this famous painting)
*Albert Bierstadt Interactive Puzzle
(‘The Last Buffalo’)
*Albert Bierstadt Landscapes Tic Tac Toe Game
*Works of Bierstadt
*Bierstadt:  The Buffalo Trail
(Short video analyzing several paintings.  Well done!  Makes you feel like you are in the paintings!)
*YouTube Video of Bierstadt’s Life and Work
*The Hudson River School Art Activity
*Bierstadt Wordsearch
*Meet the Artist Printable

*How to Paint the Grand Canyon- Art Lesson
*Desert Landscapes Art Lesson
*Landscape Resist Painting
*How to Draw a Landscape  
*Kids Art-  How to Paint a Watercolor Landscape
*Landscape Drawing Lesson for Kids

*Who Painted That?
(Fun interactive game that includes some other similar artists as well)

*Coloring-

*Albert Bierstadt Coloring Page
*Landscape Coloring Page ,  Landscapes 2

– Making Art Fun – a show what you know kind of printable
– Some more artist study ideas to use !
– Worksheet on How to Analyze a Artwork

---

* DON’T FORGET to get your
FREE Native America Unit Study Printables !

Also, be sure to follow my other American Girl Pages on Pinterest
for all kinds of additional ideas!   Click —>  HERE  for Kaya’s Page.

---

*You can follow along our American History adventure with the next unit in this series,

American Girl Felicity: Colonial America 1774 Unit Study !

 

---

If you love this Unit Study, check out the Printable Power Packs and the live
PDF Versions all in a neat BUNDLE!

   

---

–> Check out all the American Girl Printables in the Book Store!

*Other FREE American Girl History Units from Fields of Daisies~

*Overview of All American Girl Unit Studies
(An outline of the scope and sequence covered in each of the AG Units)

*FREE Native America Unit Study-  AG Kaya
*FREE Native America Unit Study-  AG Kaya
+Kaya Printable Power Pack  (Free!)
+Native America (Kaya) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Native America (Kaya) Printable HISTORY Cards and Bingo Game
+Native America Books and Resources List
+Kaya Native America Pinterest Board

*FREE Colonial America Unit Study – AG Felicity
+Felicity Printable Power Pack
+Colonial America  (Felicity) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+Colonial America Books and Resources List
+A Colonial America Christmas-  Hands-On History  (Free)
+A Colonial America Christmas-  Printable Power Pack
+Felicity- Colonial America Pinterest Board
+Colonial America (Felicity) Christmas Pinterest Board

 

*FREE Southwest Frontier America Unit Study – AG Josefina
+Josefina Printable Power Pack
+Southwest Frontier  (Josefina) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+America’s Southwest Frontier (Josefina) Books & Resources List
+Christmas Southwestern Frontier- Hands-On History  (Free)
+Josefina’s Southwestern Frontier Christmas POWER Pack
+Josefina’s Southwestern Frontier Christmas PDF Version
+Josefina- Frontier America Pinterest Board
+Southwestern Frontier (Josefina) Christmas Pinterest Board

*FREE Pioneer America Unit Study – AG Kirsten
+Kirsten Printable Power Pack
+Pioneer America (Kirsten) Unit Study- PDF Version
+FREE* Kirsten’s Swedish Pioneer Christmas Unit
+A Pioneer Christmas-  PDF Version
+A Pioneer Christmas Printable POWER Pack
+Kirsten-  Pioneer America Pinterest Board
+Pioneer America (Kirsten) Christmas Pinterest Board

*FREE Civil War America Unit Study – AG Addy
+Addy Printable Power Pack
+Civil War (Addy) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+Civil War Unit Book and Resources List
+Addy- Civil War America Pinterest Board
+Civil War (Addy) Christmas Pinterest Board


*FREE 1900 Turn of the Century America Unit Study – AG Samantha
+Samantha Printable Power Pack
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+Turn of the Century Books and Resources List
+Samantha-  Turn of the Century Pinterest Board
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Christmas Pinterest Board

*FREE The Great Depression Unit Study-  AG Kit
+The Great Depression (Kit) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+The Great Depression (Kit) Printable Printable Power Pack
+Great Depression Books and Resources List
+Kit- The Great Depression Pinterest Board

*FREE World War 2 Unit Study-  AG Molly
+World War 2 (Molly) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+Molly Printable Power Pack
+WW2 File Folder Game
+World War 2 Unit Study Printables BUNDLE!
+World War 2 Books and Resources List
+Molly- World War 2 Pinterest Board

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave