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 Printable Version
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Native American Legends
by Claire E. Gallo
Grade Level 3-4
Note: This is one of three lesson plans on Claire's Southwest Experience Unit. All 3 can be found together under Social Studies.
ANTICIPATORY SET:
Teacher tells students that they will be reading some Native American legends today. Teacher asks students if they know what a legend is and if they can give some examples.
Legend:
-told to entertain an audience, explain something, or teach a lesson
-usually about places, people, animals about which the
author know best.
-good ways to learn about different cultures and belief
systems
OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
*validate predictions made before reading
*identify main ideas and supporting details
*demonstrate understanding of legend by writing a legend
of their own--"Why Turtle Carries His House"
INSTRUCTIONAL INPUT:
Teacher reads first legend aloud to students (from Byrd Baylor's "And It Is Still That Way"). Students must identify main idea and supporting details. Students take turns reading the rest of the legends orally. Some stories may be read in groups while the teacher floats. Students will again be asked for main idea and supporting details.
CHECKING FOR UNDERSTANDING:
Teacher asks if students can identify some elements of legends based on their reading. Students are also asked for ways to identify main idea and supporting details.
MODELING:
Teacher tells students that they will be writing a legend of their own. Their legend will explain why turtle carries his shell. Teacher models a brief legend of her own.
GUIDED PRACTICE:
Students are given graphic organizers to help them plan out their legends. Teacher asks students to brainstorm reasons why turtle carries his shell. These ideas are written on the board. Students begin writing rough drafts.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE:
Students revise their rough drafts. Teacher comes around and helps edit the children's work. The final draft will then be written on paper shaped like a turtle. (This will later be bound into a class book).
CLOSURE:
Teacher asks students what the legends revealed about Native American culture. They are asked for characteristics of legends. They are then asked for main ideas and supporting details of their own legends. Students will then read their legends aloud.
MATERIALS:
"And It Is Still That Way" by Byrd Baylor, paper, pencils
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