Activity Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the California Intermountain Region that can help students to better visualize and understand the people and their rich culture. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of a book or folktale that they've read.
The book used for the example is Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca by Deborah Kogan Ray. It is the story of Sarah Winnemucca an activist, author, and educator who was a member of the Northern Paiute tribe of Nevada in the 1800s. She fought for the rights of her people and peace between Native Americans and the white settlers. It is appropriate for students aged 9-13.
Other Books and Stories
The Maidu Indian Myths and Stories of Hanc'ibyjim is a collection of traditional stories from the Maidu people.
Coyote and the Grasshoppers: A Pomo Legend, retold by Gloria Dominic, is the legend of how the Pomo nation overcame drought and starvation with the help of Coyote.
I am Sacagawea by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, tells the story of the legendary Shoshoni woman Sacagawea who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition
The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz is a book that honors Native Americans all over North America. With beautiful illustrations and lyrical prose, it describes beliefs, traditions, and hardships faced by the First Nations of North America.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the California Intermountain Region that can help students to better visualize and understand the people and their rich culture. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of a book or folktale that they've read.
The book used for the example is Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca by Deborah Kogan Ray. It is the story of Sarah Winnemucca an activist, author, and educator who was a member of the Northern Paiute tribe of Nevada in the 1800s. She fought for the rights of her people and peace between Native Americans and the white settlers. It is appropriate for students aged 9-13.
Other Books and Stories
The Maidu Indian Myths and Stories of Hanc'ibyjim is a collection of traditional stories from the Maidu people.
Coyote and the Grasshoppers: A Pomo Legend, retold by Gloria Dominic, is the legend of how the Pomo nation overcame drought and starvation with the help of Coyote.
I am Sacagawea by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, tells the story of the legendary Shoshoni woman Sacagawea who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition
The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz is a book that honors Native Americans all over North America. With beautiful illustrations and lyrical prose, it describes beliefs, traditions, and hardships faced by the First Nations of North America.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Literature Connections: California Intermountain Region
Integrate Native American literature into your social studies lessons
Connect students with authentic stories by weaving Native American books into social studies topics. This approach helps students see history through multiple perspectives and deepens cultural understanding.
Select age-appropriate books that reflect diverse tribal perspectives
Choose texts that represent different tribes and experiences in the California Intermountain region. This exposes students to a wider range of voices and cultural traditions.
Facilitate pre-reading discussions to activate background knowledge
Start with questions or images that help students connect prior knowledge to the new text. Building context before reading increases engagement and comprehension.
Guide students in making personal connections while reading
Encourage students to relate story events or characters to their own lives. Personal connections foster empathy and deeper understanding of the text.
Encourage respectful classroom discussions about cultural themes
Model respectful listening and questioning as students discuss cultural values or historical events from the readings. This builds a safe space for thoughtful reflection and diverse viewpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literature Connections: California Intermountain Region
What are some good books about Native Americans of the California Intermountain Region for upper elementary students?
Recommended books for upper elementary students learning about Native Americans of the California Intermountain Region include Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca by Deborah Kogan Ray, Maidu Indian Myths and Stories of Hanc'ibyjim, Coyote and the Grasshoppers: A Pomo Legend by Gloria Dominic, I am Sacagawea by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, and The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz.
How can I use picture books and novels to teach about California Intermountain Native cultures?
Use picture books for whole-class read-alouds to introduce key ideas and spark discussion. Longer novels can be assigned for novel studies, allowing students to dive deeper into themes, character development, and the cultural context of the California Intermountain Native peoples.
What is the story of Sarah Winnemucca and why is it important?
Sarah Winnemucca was a Northern Paiute activist, author, and educator in the 1800s who fought for her people's rights and promoted peace between Native Americans and white settlers. Her story highlights the challenges and resilience of Native Americans in the California Intermountain Region.
How do I create a plot summary or storyboard for a Native American folktale?
Read the folktale, then identify the main events at the beginning, middle, and end. Use a 3-5 cell storyboard to illustrate and describe these events, helping students organize the story sequence visually and in their own words.
Why use literature connections when teaching about First Nations of the California Intermountain Region?
Literature connections help students visualize, empathize with, and better understand the culture, beliefs, and experiences of First Nations peoples. They make social studies lessons more engaging and relevant through stories and personal perspectives.
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