This past Monday I started a unit on Native Americans in the Southwest. I'm so excited because I have been talking about this unit with my students since January (we had to go through the necessary curriculum to get here).
The first day I brought in a R. Carlos Nakai c.d. (flute music) to set the mood for Native American stories. It was really interesting to see the reactions from the students. I usually introduced the lesson with a story.
The rest of the week the students worked on a reader's theater on four different Native American creation stories. It was originally going to be quite simple, but it became elaborate- with costumes and scripts. I must say that my class is so awesome, they are very creative and the entire play came together beautifully. We even got to perform for the second and first grades.
They had two days to write a script rough draft, final, make costumes, and memorize their lines. Believe me, they put so much effort in, I was amazed at the outcome. Not too shabby for 2 days, I was so impressed!
On Thursday I gave an impromptu lesson on Native American music and the different stories behind flutes. I played my Native American flutes (key of A and C) for the class and gave the background info. Not wanting to leave out my buddies, tin whistle Eb, C, and F, I played them for the class also and had them compare and contrast the two different instruments. It was so fun.
This week I have a lot planned. I want to get to a little game called "The Moccasin Game." The caveat is that it's supposed to only be played in the winter. Winter is about gone, but I think I can do a quick game on Monday.
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