symbolstories

	Native American Symbol Stories Objective After discussing the different Indian Symbols and their definition with English words, the students will create their own symbol story on the back side of their paper made vests. Materials Needed Brown paper bags Markers and crayons Indian Symbols sheet Scissors Plain paper Ruler and/or measuring tape Draw application of a desktop publishing program Procedures 1. As a cooperative group, use the Indian symbols sheet to create a group story. Read it to the teacher or facilitator. To collect more information about Indian symbols, visit: Indian Symbols Read a Cherokee story at Cherokee Legend 2. Have the students create an individual story, similar to the one done as a group, using the Indian symbols. Write a draft on paper first, then use Draw Application to draw Indian symbols; later transfer to back side of the following vest. 3. Create the Native American vest following these directions: a. take a brown paper grocery bag b. cut up the middle of the front and around the neck area c. cut into the sides and make armholes d. cut fringes all the way around the bottom e. to make the ties, punch two holes near the neck opening at the front f. pass a piece of yarn through each hole g. decorate with markers or crayons using the Indian symbols 4. Copy the symbol story on the back part of the vest. 5. Students can share their stories as a whole group activity. 6. Use the vest in the culminating activity of the play "A Native American Welcome." Evaluation Students create vests, present three facts from Internet web sites and share stories. Extension Activity Go to Our Lakota Culture Click on Read Authentic Indian Folklore Read: The Legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman Question: What happened to the warrior who did not respect the White Buffalo Calf Woman? Answer: He was killed in a cloud of smoke Homework Believing that spirits caused everything, masks were worn to humor and frighten spirits away. Tell the student to pretend that he or she is a medicine man/woman and is wearing a mask. Have them write a story about meeting a good or evil spirit and its magic powers. Home

Native American Symbol Stories

Objective

After discussing the different Indian Symbols
and their definition with English words, the
students will create their own symbol story
on the back side of their paper made vests.

Materials Needed

Brown paper bags
Markers and crayons
Indian Symbols sheet
Scissors
Plain paper
Ruler and/or measuring tape
Draw application of a desktop publishing
program

Procedures

1. As a cooperative group, use the Indian
symbols sheet to create a group story.
Read it to the teacher or facilitator.
To collect more information about Indian
symbols, visit: Indian Symbols
Read a Cherokee story at Cherokee Legend

2. Have the students create an individual
story, similar to the one done as a group,
using the Indian symbols. Write a draft on
paper first, then use Draw Application to
draw Indian symbols; later transfer to
back side of the following vest.

3. Create the Native American vest
following these directions:
a. take a brown paper grocery bag
b. cut up the middle of the front and around
the neck area
c. cut into the sides and make armholes
d. cut fringes all the way around the bottom
e. to make the ties, punch two holes near the neck
opening at the front
f. pass a piece of yarn through each hole
g. decorate with markers or crayons using
the Indian symbols

4. Copy the symbol story on the back part
of the vest.

5. Students can share their stories as a
whole group activity.

6. Use the vest in the culminating activity
of the play "A Native American Welcome."

Evaluation

Students create vests, present three facts
from Internet web sites and share stories.

Extension Activity

Go to Our Lakota Culture

Click on Read Authentic Indian Folklore

Read:
The Legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman

Question: What happened to the warrior
who did not respect the White Buffalo Calf
Woman? Answer: He was killed in a cloud
of smoke

Homework

Believing that spirits caused everything,
masks were worn to humor and frighten
spirits away. Tell the student to pretend
that he or she is a medicine man/woman and
is wearing a mask. Have them write a story
about meeting a good or evil spirit and its
magic powers.

Home