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 !

*UPDATE:
I now have a COMPLETE Printable PDF for this unit study!  Each day’s lessons are all organized for you and in one place.  I’ve also added in some extra planners for you to just PRINT and GO and start the FUN!  
AND…If you are looking for weekly planning sheets, field trip ideas, themed copy work pages, word find puzzles, History Detective pages, and other fun FREE PRINTABLES, you can click on the picture below, or just click on the Book Store in the menu at the top of this page !

         

 

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

*Need more great book ideas for supplemental reading
OR books for your BOYS ?

–>  Great Books List for American History Units      (including this Kaya Unit)
–>  Kaya’s Extras Pinterest Page

AND…
You can also find more ideas for this unit, in this post from my Free History Curriculum series
—->  FREE Early American History Curriculum

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

*FREE Native America Unit Study-  AG Kaya
+Kaya Printable Power Pack  (Free!)
+Native America (Kaya) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Kaya Native America Pinterest Board

*FREE Colonial America Unit Study – AG Felicity
+Felicity Printable Power Pack
+Colonial America  (Felicity) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+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
+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
+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
+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   (My FAVORITE yet!!!)
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Unit Study-  PDF Version
+Samantha-  Turn of the Century Pinterest Board
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Christmas Pinterest Board

 

*American Girl Christmas School-  Homeschooling Through the Holidays

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

 

 

*Note:  I am in no way affiliated with, or compensated by the American Girl Company.  This post does contain links to products on Amazon (just for some extra fun resources and books).  If you choose to purchase any of them, I’d really appreciate if you clicked through these links !   There is NO extra cost to you whatsoever, and I will get a small commission from each sale.   Thanks friends!   🙂

Hope you and your family will enjoy this unit !
Let’s get started!

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*Native America Unit Study
Core Reading-

*Week 1: “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”  
Introduction to Kaya & The Nez Perce

1. You Tube Video intro to 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)

*Native Americans:
  Reading & Videos-

*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.  There are also lots of excellent historical fiction and activity books that pair well with this unit.  You can find my favorites
–>  HERE   or   –>  HERE

* Day 1- Meet Kaya & The Nez Perce

*NOTE:  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
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNScCCLIsvQ  (YouTube video-3min)
– http://play.americangirl.com/play/beforever/characters/kaya/

* The Nez Perce
– https://kids.kiddle.co/Nez_Perce_people
–  http://idaho.for91days.com/2012/10/04/the-nez-perce-historical-park-in-spalding/
–  https://www.nps.gov/nepe/learn/education/upload/isaaptakay-Lesson-Plan_Web.pdf
–  https://www.nps.gov/nepe/learn/education/upload/NEPE-Educators-Guide-2.pdf

*Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest  (YouTube about 14 minutes)
–  https://youtu.be/EuL7i7QtNZk

*Printable Power Pack-
-All About Kaya Page

* Day 2- Kaya’s World

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

*Videos-
-Short but very good introduction to the Nez Perce Indians and their world both past and present !    https://youtu.be/3OZrQf-BLIE
– “Landscape Of History: The Nez Perce” from The USDA Forest
Service  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMEVav1Mixw

*Virtual Museum
–https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/nepe/index.html

*Online Discovery-
+Coyote’s Fishnet and the Heart of the Monster
– https://www.nps.gov/nepe/learn/historyculture/upload/Legends_2.pdf
– https://www.nps.gov/nepe/index.htm       (virtual online field trip )
– https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=ED65753F-155D-4519-3E858B5E2269B1EC          (Photo Gallery of sites)

*Printable Power Pack-
-All About the Nez Perce

* Day 3-  Nez Perce- The Horse People

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

* Online Reading & Activities-
+The Nez Perce  &  their horses
– http://www.appaloosa.com/association/history.htm
– http://horsehints.org/IndianNezPerceHorses1.htm
– http://www.horsebreedspictures.com/nez-perce-horse.asp
– http://www.dreamerhorsefarm.com/nez-perce-horse/

* The Appaloosa
– http://www.aaaappaloosas.com/history.html
– http://horses.animal-world.com/Light-Horse-Breeds/Appaloosa.php
– https://www.safaribooksonline.com/library/view/learn-to-draw/9781560108627/xhtml/ch20.html
(Fun How to draw an appaloosa!)
–http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/appaloosa-horse
(Appaloosa coloring page)
– https://www.scribd.com/collections/2618989/Horse-Lapbook-Notebook  (HorseLapbook)

*Coloring Pages & Notebooking Resources-
+Lots of links to read more online & free notebooking pages from this
fun site Stacy Sews and Schools:
– http://stacysewsandschools.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/native-american-unit-study-with-free-notebooking-pages/

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

* Day 4-  Friends and Enemies

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

*Online Reading-
+ Friends of the Nez Perce
+  The Yakima
– http://www.bigorrin.org/yakama_kids.htm
– http://www.native-languages.org/yakama_culture.htm

+ The Salish
– https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/indian-tribes/coast-salish.htm
– http://www.bigorrin.org/coeur_kids.htm

+ Enemies
+ The Shoshones
– http://ilovehistory.utah.gov/people/first_peoples/tribes/shoshone.html
– http://www.bigorrin.org/shoshone_kids.htm
– http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/native/sho.html

+ The Blackfeet
– http://www.bigorrin.org/blackfoot_kids.htm
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/plains/blackfoot.html
– http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/native/bla.html

+The Crow
–  http://www.bigorrin.org/crow_kids.htm
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0DOc-E_hho 

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

* Day 5-  A Dangerous World

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

*Online Reading-

+ Grizzly Bears
– http://www.indians.org/articles/grizzly-bear.html
– http://www.friendsoftheclearwater.org/grizzly-bear/
–  http://www.lewis-clark.org/article/3047

+  Mountain Lions
–  http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mountain-lion/#mountain-lion-on-rock.jpg
–  http://www.apples4theteacher.com/native-american/short-stories/why-the-mountain-lion.html
–  http://www.native-languages.org/legends-cougar.htm

+ Rattlesnakes
–  https://www.nps.gov/nepe/learn/nature/reptiles.htm
–  http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/rattlesnake/#rattlesnake-tongue.jpg
–  http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-rattlesnakes/
–  http://www.native-languages.org/legends-rattlesnake.htm

+  Disease
–  http://www.cdapress.com/archive/article-0c88cb5c-b047-11e5-be73-10604b9f0f84.html
–  http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/variables/smallpox.html

*Printable Power Pack-
-A Dangerous World!

*WEEK 1:   EXTRAS-

* Here is a link to several very nice free printable coloring books.
These might also be good to use as cut outs for paper dolls, backgrounds for the diorama, etc…

– http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/npnht/learningcenter/kids/?cid=fsbdev3_055770

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*Week 2: A Day With Kaya

* Don’t forget to keep checking my Kaya Page (FREE resources & activities) and  Kaya EXTRAS on Pinterest.  I am always posting lots of fun activities to  supplement this unit!  

* Day 1- The Native American Family

*Core Reading-
*  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p. 12-13,   p.24-25
* American Girl Kaya Series, Book 2, “Kaya’s Escape”

*Online Reading-

+Daily Life
– http://www.nezperce.org/history/frequentlyaskedq.htm#what
–  http://people.ucls.uchicago.edu/~snekros/2007-8%20webquests/Daily%20Life%2089/dailylife89.html

+Family
– http://www.native-languages.org/cradleboard.htm
https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/nepe/exb/dailylife/GenderRoles/cradleboards/NEPE57_Cradle-Board.html
– http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/nepe/genderRoles.html
–  https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/nepe/genderRoles.html
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/marriage.html
– http://nativepeoplephotographer.typepad.com/native_american_stock_pho/2008/08/
–  http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/L3/ShowOneObjectSiteID34ObjectID94.html

* Day 2- Native American Clothing

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

*Online Reading-
– http://www.native-languages.org/breechcloth.htm
– http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/The-First-Moccasins-NezPerce.html
– http://www.native-languages.org/headdresses.htm#warbonnets
– http://access.sd25.org/curriculum/NativeAmericans/nwclothing.html
– http://www.native-languages.org/headdresses.htm
– http://thenezperceofnorthamerica.weebly.com/homes-and-clothing.html

* Day 3- Native American Houses & Food

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

*Online Reading and Videos-

+Native American Houses
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/longhouses.html
– http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/Nez_Perce/housing_types_fr.htm
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5c0fI8488    (YouTube)
– http://susankae.com/free_resources.htm
– http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/83/f0/6c/83f06c89b345e1f9488f21ed975f7d35.jpg    

+ Food
– http://apeekintothepantry.blogspot.com/2014/01/kayas-lewis-and-clark-adventure-beaten.html
–  http://apeekintothepantry.blogspot.com/2016/05/kayas-fennel-and-fig-salad.html
–  http://apeekintothepantry.blogspot.com/search?q=kaya
– http://www.native-languages.org/food.htm
– http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/npnht/learningcenter/history-culture/?cid=stelprdb5312571
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/tablemanners.html
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/meals.html
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/potlatch.html

+ One homeschool family’s ideas (lots of nice pictures) –
– http://pinchxeverything.blogspot.com/2013/07/nez-perce-foods.html
– http://trailtribes.org/umatilla/camp-life-and-seasonal-round.htm

*Printable Power Pack-
-Recipe Cards

* Day 4- Native American Work & Play

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

*Online Reading-

+ Play
– http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/teach/lsnplns/nzpinelp.htm
– http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/AI-games.html
– http://www.uiowa.edu/~osa/edu/NativeAmericanGames.pdf

+ Work
– http://www.native-languages.org/weapons.htm
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/wovenmats.html
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/baskets.html
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/canoes.html
– http://thenezperceofnorthamerica.weebly.com/hunting-gathering-and-eating.html

* Day 5- Art & Music

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

*Online Reading & Videos-

+Baskets
– http://www.native-languages.org/baskets.htm
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/baskets.html

+ Totem Poles
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/totempoles.html

+ Quill Work
– http://www.native-languages.org/quillwork.htm

+ Painting
– http://www.native-languages.org/painting.htm

+ The Flute & The Nez Perce
– http://www.mdsd.org/Default.aspx?tabid=937
– http://www.lc-triballegacy.org/video.php?vid=392&query=flute

+ A Nez Perce Tribal Dance-
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWY6MfSmI_E   (YouTube Video)

*Printable Power Pack-
-Coloring Page
-Decorate Your Own Tipi

 

*WEEK 2:   EXTRAS-

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

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0uaCDyipPw

* A little bit of everything we studied this week-
– http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/npnht/learningcenter/history-culture/?cid=fsbdev3_055783

* Create Beads & Clothing
– http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/npnht/learningcenter/kids/?cid=stelprdb5312913

* Felt Moccasins
– http://www.eatsleepmake.com/2013/10/fall-felt-series-felt-moccasin-slippers.html?m=1

+ A Peek Into the Pantry is AMAZING !!  Perfect resource for American Girl Recipes !  LOVE LOVE !  Here is just one of the MANY recipes posted there.  I also have tons of them all in one place on my KAYA Pinterest board.  The website is a bit difficult to navigate .
– http://apeekintothepantry.blogspot.com/2016/05/kayas-fennel-and-fig-salad.html

+ Indian Fry Bread recipe…YUM!
– http://globetrotterdiaries.com/recipes/fry-bread-tacos-eating-america

+ 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!  🙂

+ All kinds of games to play !!
– http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/npnht/learningcenter/history-culture/?c id=stelprdb5312567

 

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*Week 3: Native America-
 People & Places

* American Girl Kaya Series, Book 3, “Kaya’s Hero”

* Day 1- The Lewis & Clark Expedition

*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  47
– “Kaya’s Hero”

*Online Reading & Videos-

–  http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-lewis-and-clark/
–  http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/lewis_clark/prepare.htm
– http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/lewis_clark/1805_history.htm

+ The site below has lots & lots of links to follow Lewis & Clark’s travels!
– http://www.nps.gov/nepe/historyculture/lewis-and-clark.htm

* Online web quests & other fun learning activities
– http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/           (super fun interactive game)
–  http://mrnussbaum.com/lewis-clark/interactive/
–  http://mrnussbaum.com/westward-expansion-printables/
(printable worksheets)

+ MORE great resources in case you’d like to spend some extra time on this exciting topic !
–  https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-lesson-plans/lewis-clark/
–  https://diyhomeschooler.com/2014/03/04/free-history-studies-lewis-clark/
–  http://homeschoolhelperonline.com/2015/07/27/lewis-and-clark-lapbook/
(free lap book)

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

* Day 2- Missionaries, Henry & Eliza Spalding

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

*Online Reading & Videos-
– http://www.nps.gov/nepe/historyculture/henry-and-eliza-spalding-and-their-missions.htm
–  https://www.nps.gov/nepe/learn/historyculture/the-spaldings-mission.htm
–  https://womeninidahohistory.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/eliza-hart-spalding/

*Language Activity-
– The Spalding’s had a very difficult time learning the Nez Perce language.
Want to give it a try yourself?
– http://www.native-languages.org/nez_animals.htm

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

* Day 3- The Nez Perce War

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

*Online Reading & Videos-

+ The Nez Perce National Historic Trail
(You Tube Video by the US Forest Service.
This video will really touch on all our topics this week.
Might be a little dry for younger children.     🙂 )
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMEVav1Mixw

+ Poster of Leaders during the Flight of 1877
– http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5410462.jpg

+Nez Perce Freedom
– http://thenezperceofnorthamerica.weebly.com/the-final-chapter-of-nez-perce-freedom.html

* Day 4- Chief Joseph & the Nez Perce

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

*Online Reading & Videos-
– http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/a_c/chiefjoseph.htm
– http://www.ducksters.com/history/native_americans/chief_joseph.php
– http://native-american-indian-facts.com/Famous-Native-American-Facts/Chief-Joseph-Facts.shtml
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd8hYb7BhAA
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_OW55WOZcs

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

* Day 5- The Nez Perce Today

*Core Reading-
–  “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”-   p.  52-55,  p.  58
– “Kaya’s Hero”

*Online Reading & Videos-
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xjRJatPvNM

+ Collection of photos of life on the reservation today
– https://www.flickr.com/photos/critfc/galleries/72157631504910456
– http://nativestock.com/famain.asp?customerId=27&sKey=XEWPV34W&cid=791

+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.
– http://salmon.net.dn.ua/Litera/history-&-culture/NBonvillain-TheNezPerce.pdf

*WEEK 3:   EXTRAS-
*Lewis & Clark Activities-
– One place with EVERYTHING
– https://www.tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com/2016/04/25/lewis-and-clark-ultimate-guide/
– https://www.monticello.org/site/families-and-teachers/suggested-activities-lewis-and-clark-studies

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*Reading Comprehension Ideas:

* 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 Native America (Kaya) Printable Power Pack!
Just use the pages you want and add them to your notebook!

* 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?
– http://homeschoolbin.com/american-girl-lapbooks.php
– http://www.currclick.com/download_preview.php?pid=79605
– http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/downloader.php?file=userfiles/300/64616004436.pdf&id=3143

*Reading Comprehension Worksheets-
This lovely homeschooling blog, A Pinch of Everything,  has traditional
Q & A’s for lots of the historical American Girl books.
– http://pinchxeverything.blogspot.com/2013/07/meet-kaya-reading-guide.html

*The American Girl website has some nice worksheets-
– http://www.americangirl.com/corp/pdfs/Kaya_OnlineCurric.pdf

* Find whatever outlet that excites your kids!
I found this video on You Tube made by an AG fan, a great way to show
what you know. 🙂
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwR8yFhbl_4

*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!

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*Language Arts/Grammar Ideas-

*Take advantage of online/printable freebies
Here’s a website of very short daily grammar reviews
– http://www.dailygrammar.com/archive.html

* 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?

*Vocabulary ideas-

+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  HERE  and  HERE

+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)
– http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2011/11/american-indian-words-in-english/

+Core Reading Vocabulary Lists 
Or you can use my lists that 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:

*Week 1:

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

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

*Week 2:
1. lodge                2. awl                3. buckskin              4. sinew              5. elder

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

*Week 3:
1. scout               2. journal          3. missionary         4. treaty             5. raid

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

*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
(I have included some below)

*  “Indian Children”  by Annette Wynne- https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/indian-children

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

* “The Flower Fed Buffaloes” by Vachel Lindsay
– http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/242582

* 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!)
– https://archive.org/details/sacajaweaotherpo00beec

*Chief Joseph’s poignant speeches and statements HERE
–  https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/six/jospeak.htm
You may like to choose one of those, or try a portion or all of Chief Joseph’s famous surrender speech below-

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”.

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

*Week 1: Creation Stories

*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.

*Video- Biblical Creation Story
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ean_aMNkAgM
Cool You Tube video, like a story-telling of the Biblical creation story (not animated)
There are tons of good videos appropriate for all ages… though I have to say I did find a few rather odd ones too!

* Story of Creation Coloring Pages-
– http://www.coloring.ws/creation.htm
– http://www.bible-printables.com/Coloring-Pages/Creation/

+This is my favorite resource for free online Bible coloring pages.  Complete OT & NT pages!
– http://www.calvarycurriculum.com/pdf/childrenscurriculum/OLD/CURR001.PDF

* God’s Creation Scripture Reading:
-Romans 1:20        – Psalm 19:1-4        -Acts 14:15-17         -Genesis 2:7

* Some things to think and talk about…
+ Why do you think almost every culture has some type of creation story?
+ What are some ways that God reveals Himself through creation?
(Kaya’s people were obviously seeking to explain what they experienced)
+ Compare the Nez Perce’s story of creation to God’s creation of man from the
ground. (see page 4 in Kaya’s 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.
– http://www.language-museum.com/encyclopedia/n/nez-perce.php

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

*Week 2: Life & Death

* 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…
+ Discuss why this was such a well known & important story to the Nez Perce.
+ The world in which the Nez Perce lived was filled with danger.  It doesn’t
take more than watching the evening news to see that though the dangers
are often different today, the world is filled with many problems.
How did the Nez Perce live with all the dangers?
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 hope in both life & death do we have as Christians ?

* Scripture Ideas-
– 1 Peter 1:3-5  -John 16:33        -1 John 5:4-5        -Hebrews 4:16        -Psalm 21        -1 John 3:1-24

*Videos on the HOPE we have as Christians-
+Watch one of the many short videos of Christ’s life, death & resurrection on YouTube. There are lots & lots.   Here’s a link to a general page with lots of ideas.
– http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jesus%20resurrection%20for%20kids&sm=3

* Hope in Christ Coloring Pages-
– http://calvarycurriculum.com/pdf/cccc/Extras/Easter%20Story%20(2%20of%202)%20-%20Jesus%20is%20Crucified%20&%20Risen.pdf

– http://calvarycurriculum.com/pdf/littleones/New/Jesus%20is%20Crucified%20-%20Jesus%20is%20Risen.pdf

*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”.

* Think About & Discuss the importance of names in the Bible.
You could focus on the names of God…or you could compare how Jesus gave some people new names at a later time in life, just as the Nez Perce gave their children their “most important names as they reached 12-13 years old.
Also, find out what each of your family member’s names mean. It might make a nice activity to record them in a creative way & add to your lapbook, scrapbook, folder, etc…
Another idea would be to read a portion of the Bible (Ephesians is great for this!) and write down together who God says YOU are in Him.
-Here are some other great ideas for different ages from Focus on the Family-
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/who-am-i-your-childs-identity/

Below are some websites to read more about names & some related Scriptures too-
– http://www.apples4theteacher.com/native-american/names/
– http://sweetgrasstraditions.tripod.com/customs.html
–https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/native-american

* Scripture Ideas-
+ Acts 13:6-12 (Saul-Paul & Elymas)
+ John 1:42, Luke 6:14 (Simon-Peter)
+ Genesis 35:10 (Jacob-Israel)

*Exploring the Names of God-
+ Here are some sites (a few are complete studies for kids!) for the names of God:
–https://www.childrendesiringgod.org/documents/curriculum/scope/name_expanded.pdf
– http://ministry-to-children.com/names-of-jesus-lesson/
-http://forthefamily.org/learning-the-names-of-jesus-for-advent/

*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

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*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
* This unit lends itself particularly well to the study of
woodland animals. I have included a couple of animals that have been mentioned in each week’s reading & some links to websites where you will find tons of super cool facts !

* Coyotes-
+Reading-
– http://animals.pppst.com/coyotes.html
– http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/coyote/
– http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/coyote/
– https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/coyotes-on-the-move/
– http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Ranger-Rick/Animals/Mammals/Coyotes.aspx

+Discover & Doing-
+Coyote webquest-http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=36750 +Coyotes/Wolves Discovery Kids Video-
http://discoverymindblown.com/videos/wolf-pack-meets-a-coyote-breaking-trail-with-coyote-peterson/

+ Coloring pages-
– http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/category/mammals/coyote/

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

* Horses-

+Reading-
–http://horses.animal-world.com/Light-Horse-Breeds/Appaloosa.php
– http://www.appaloosamuseum.com/horses
– https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-lesson-plans/horses/
– https://thehomeschoolscientist.com/horse-science-links/
– http://a2zhomeschooling.com/explore/biology_kids/horses_for_kids/

+Discover & Doing-

+ Labeling worksheet:
– http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/worksheets/label_horse.shtml

+ You Tube Video of the Nez Perce & their horses!
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYU4KUjDsH0

+ How to draw a horse –
–https://www.thoughtco.com/step-by-step-horse-drawing-tutorial-1123334

+ Coloring pages
-Nez Perce on an Appaloosa
– http://color-your-own.com/horse_nez_perce_appaloosa.html

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

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

* Buffalo!

+Reading-
+Read p. 42-43 in “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”
– http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/kids/buffalo.html
– http://www.ndstudies.org/images/aind/bison-parts.gif
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/plains/buffalo.html
– http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/usaweb/factfile/Unique-facts-USA14.htm

+Discover & Doing-
+ A short video from National Geographic Kids
– http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/american-bison/

+ 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!
– http://history.sd.gov/museum/education/BuffaloPlainsIndians.pdf

+ 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.
– http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/about-buffalo/buffalo-basics/buffalo-habitat/bison-maps

+ Coloring/Labeling pages
– http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/bison/Bisoncoloring.shtml
– http://voices.yahoo.com/free-printable-native-american-coloring-pages-for-4971562.html
– http://www.honkingdonkey.com/coloring-pages/wild-animals/05-bison-01.htm

+ Just for fun….How to draw a buffalo !
– http://www.wedrawanimals.com/how-to-draw-a-buffalo/

+  Here’s a wonderful art site (for anytime!)… try this project  Buffalo Paintings from Deep Space Sparkle

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

* Salmon-

+Reading-
-Read “Welcome to Kaya’s World 1764”- p. 40-41
-Everything you want to know about Salmon
– http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season11/salmon/facts.cfm
– http://www.critfc.org/for-kids-home/for-kids/indians-and-indian-tribes/
– http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_kids/Chinook-Salmon/es_kids_chinook-salmon.htm

+Discover & Doing-
– A entire salmon coloring book with TONS of information. Who knew?!
– http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_kids/Chinook-Salmon/Documents/salmnbk.pdf

-A Salmon Tale  (Another one…this one is more in a story format for younger children- great!)
 http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/mcgregor/files/salmon_tale_cb.pdf

– Full Episode of Magic School Bus Goes Upstream  (Video)
https://www.schooltube.com/video/43383cf6aba747679572/The%20Magic%20School%20Bus%20Goes%20Upstream
(The Magic School Bus Goes Upstream!)

-Maybe try a salmon recipe today?
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/kid-friendly-salmon-recipe.html

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

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*Week 3: Seasons & the Nez Perce

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

– http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0017B-reasons-for-the-four-seasons.php

+ You may enjoy reading some of the Native American stories about how
the seasons came to be
– http://www.native-languages.org/legends-seasons.htm

+Discover & Doing-
-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. 🙂

-Names the Native Americans gave to the full moon cycles around 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)
– http://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-names
– http://strangesounds.org/2013/04/full-moon-almanac-native-american-follow-the-seasons-by-giving-distinctive-names-to-each-recurring-full-moon.html

-Here are lots of cute skits & songs about the seasons for the younger kiddos
from Sesame Street:
– http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=all%20about%20the%20seasons%20sesame%20street&sm=3

+Printable Power Pack-
-Native America Seasons and Moons

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*Native America Unit:  Geography Ideas-

*Week 1- The Pacific Northwest
*Week 2- Tribes & Travels:  The Friends and the Enemies
*Week 3- Lewis & Clark  (Cartography)

 

*Week 1: The Pacific Northwest

-> Alternative-  Idaho State Study
An alternative would be to do a more specific state study
of Idaho, where the majority of Nez Perce live today.
Click HERE for a fun mini unit on the state of Idaho or HERE for a quick list of links to explore!

*Reading-

+Intro to the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest-– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/index.html
– http://native-american-indian-facts.com/Plateau-American-Indian-Facts/Nez- Perce-Tribe-Facts.shtml
– http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/npnht/learningcenter/history-culture/?cid=fsbdev3_055783

*Mapping-
+Use a blank map of the US to label the following-
-The area the Nez Perce inhabited in 1764
(mostly what is now Idaho, Washington, and Oregon).
-A Nez Perce reservation
( http://www.nezperce.org/rezinfo/npreservation.htm)
-The state you live in.
-Geographical points of interest in the reading such as:
The Bitterroot Mountains
Heart of Monster landmark in Idaho
The Snake, Clearwater, and Salmon Rivers

+ Below are two great links to free printable maps
– http://www.mrprintables.com/printable-map-of-the-united-states.html
– http://www.50states.com/maps/usamap.htm#.Uw-YcSh3N8s

+ This is a link to 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)
– http://nezpercetrail.net/links/

*Hands On History-

+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 clay relief map of the Pacific Northwest region

+ Play some interactive games online!
– http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/index.html
– http://mrnussbaum.com/nativeamericans/        ( *Interactive map*)

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

---

*Week 2: Tribes & Travels, Friends & Enemies

*Reading-

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

*Mapping-

+Maps & links to the Nez Perce’s “neighbors”, both friends & foes-
– http://www.native-languages.org/idaho.htm
– http://www.native-languages.org/oregon.htm
– http://www.native-languages.org/washington.htm

+Make a map showing the areas populated by the Nez Perce.
Add the tribes friendly with the Nez Perce, and those who were enemies.
Make a key on the bottom of your map to show the difference between the two.

*Hands On-

* Add items studied this week to your diorama-
– http://susankae.com/free_resources.htm (printable models of longhouses, etc)
– http://thenezperceofnorthamerica.weebly.com/relations-with-neighbors.html

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

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*Week 3: Lewis & Clark

*Reading & Mapping-

+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

+Lewis & Clark were cartographers.
Discuss what a cartographer is. Look online
at some of the maps they created from what they experienced on their journey.
Try your own map making activity. Below are a few ideas.
– http://www.ehow.com/list_6562207_map-making-activities-kids.html
– http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/profbooks/ss971114b.htm
– http://www.sharingkindergarten.com/2012/08/making-maps-part-1.html

*Hands On-

+Add to & finish up your diorama-
Here are some links to coloring pages you might like to use-
– http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_373.shtml
– http://www.doverpublications.com/zb/samples/245578/teacher14c.htm

+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

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* 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.

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

American Girl Felicity: Colonial America 1774 Unit Study !

*Other American Girl History Unit Studies:

+ Colonial America- Felicity Unit Study
+ Frontier America-  Josefina Unit Study         (America’s Southwest)
+ Pioneer America- Kirsten Unit Study
+ Civil War America-  Addy Unit Study
+ Turn of the Century America- Samantha Unit Study

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

   

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

 

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