ST 1

INHABITANTS OF NEW YORK

Native American Legends and Poetry

Introduction

We have learned that the first Native Americans in New York have made many contributions to our state! Their music, art, and words are still used today!

Native Americans also passed down legends and poetry, or oral traditions. They told stories during parties and celebrations. Native Americans also told stories before bedtime in their longhouses. These legends and poems were passed from generation to generation and now are even found in books!

Oral Traditions
Legends

Poetry

Native Americans used characters, settings, and plots to write stories that have a message!

Native Americans used three different kinds of poetry: diamante, haiku, and cinquain.

Task

Your task is to write a Native American legend and poem! After reading examples of each and exploring Native American artifacts, you will be ready to write your own! When your work is done, you will hand in your three worksheets, your legend and poem (both on a sheet of loose leaf with the heading and mistake-free!), and be ready to talk about what youve learned with the class! Please e-mail iterr238@gmail.com with any questions!

Process
Step 1:
Visit the websites to read examples of Native American legends and poetry. After reading the legend, complete this worksheet and print it. After reading the three types of poetry, fill in this chart and print it. Go to the online museum and tour the Native American exhibit. Choose three artifacts that inspire you and complete this worksheet and print it.

Step 2:

Step 3:

Using what you have learned about Native American legends, write your own! Choose ONE form of Native American poetry (either a haiku, diamante, or cinquain) and write a poem following that pattern!

Resources
Legend: The Hunting of the Great Bear

Resources
Poetry: Forms and Examples of the Three types of Poetry Examples of Haiku Poetry Examples of Diamante Poetry Examples of Cinquain Poetry

Resources
Artifacts: Images of Native American Life Remember: You can use all the links on the side of this website to find your three images that will inspire your own legend and poem explore and choose the three images that you like the most!

Evaluation

Grammar

Many grammatical and spelling errors

Some grammatical and spelling errors

Free of grammatical and spelling errors

Application of Knowledge

Information was not accurate, not much evidence of accurate facts Little creativity used, predictable writing

Somewhat accurate information, some facts were not correct Few original touches were added to the writing

Accurate information, facts were exact

Creativity

Writing is unique and fresh, creativity was present throughout the writing

Conclusion

You have just learned how to write Native American legends and poetry! The possibilities of writing from the view of Native Americans are endless, so keep on exploring and keep on writing!

Teacher Page

New York State Learning Standards and Core Curriculum Social Studies:

New York State Learning Standards and Core Curriclum ELA

Important accomplishments and contributions of Native American Indians who lived in our community and State

Technology Operations and Concepts

Reading Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation. Writing Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding. Writing Standard 2: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students: a. understand and use technology systems. b. select and use applications effectively and productively. c. troubleshoot systems and applications. d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.