Activity Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands that can help students better visualize and understand the people, their history, and their present. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. Using Storyboard That, students can create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The story used in this example is Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons by Joseph Bruchac. It's a traditional story that stems from many different First Nations spiritual beliefs about thirteen cycles of the moon in a year along with the change and wonder of the seasons. This picture book is appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Here are some other stories that relate to the Indigenous People of the Eastern Woodlands:
I am Not a Number is the story of eight-year-old Irene who was removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school. Written by Jenny Kay Dupuis, it speaks about the experiences of her grandmother in Canada’s residential school system. This picture book is appropriate for ages 7-11.
Malian's Song by Margaret M. Bruchac is the story of a young girl living with her Abenaki family near Montreal in 1759. It is based on the true story of English Major Robert Rogers’ brutal and devastating attack on her village and the resilience and strength displayed by the Abenaki in the aftermath.
1621: A New Look At Thanksgiving (National Geographic) by Catherine O’Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac tells the story of Thanksgiving from a more balanced and historically accurate viewpoint using photographs taken of a re-enactment at Plimoth Plantation.
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich is a highly acclaimed series about life in mid 1800s America through the eyes of 7-year-old Omakayas, or Little Frog, who lives with her Ojibwa family on Lake Superior’s Madeline Island. This chapter book is appropriate for ages 8-12.
The Warriors by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki) is a modern story about a boy named Jake Forrest, an Iroquois boy who loves lacrosse. He moves from his reservation to live with his mother in Washington D.C. where he struggles to maintain his cultural identity while fitting in at an elite private school. This chapter book is appropriate for ages 9-12.
Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki) is another modern story about a boy named Danny Bigtree who encounters racism when he moves from his Mohawk reservation to Brooklyn, NY. Danny finds inspiration from his Iroquois heroes to stand up for himself.
Kunu's Basket: A Story From Indian Island by Francis, Lee DeCora (Penobscot Indian Nation in Maine and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) is a contemporary story about a boy named Kunu learning the traditional method of basket weaving and the importance of patience and perseverance. It includes an author’s note about the traditions and importance of basketmaking in Penobscot Nation culture.
Rabbit's Snow Dance by James and Joseph Bruchac playfully retells the Iroquois folktale that teaches children about the changing of the seasons and the importance of patience and being a good friend. This picture book is appropriate for ages 3-7.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp (Mohawk) is a colorful picture book that depicts the special message of gratitude that is spoken at Native American ceremonies of the Iroquois.
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 Eastern Woodlands that can help students better visualize and understand the people, their history, and their present. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. Using Storyboard That, students can create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The story used in this example is Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons by Joseph Bruchac. It's a traditional story that stems from many different First Nations spiritual beliefs about thirteen cycles of the moon in a year along with the change and wonder of the seasons. This picture book is appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Here are some other stories that relate to the Indigenous People of the Eastern Woodlands:
I am Not a Number is the story of eight-year-old Irene who was removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school. Written by Jenny Kay Dupuis, it speaks about the experiences of her grandmother in Canada’s residential school system. This picture book is appropriate for ages 7-11.
Malian's Song by Margaret M. Bruchac is the story of a young girl living with her Abenaki family near Montreal in 1759. It is based on the true story of English Major Robert Rogers’ brutal and devastating attack on her village and the resilience and strength displayed by the Abenaki in the aftermath.
1621: A New Look At Thanksgiving (National Geographic) by Catherine O’Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac tells the story of Thanksgiving from a more balanced and historically accurate viewpoint using photographs taken of a re-enactment at Plimoth Plantation.
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich is a highly acclaimed series about life in mid 1800s America through the eyes of 7-year-old Omakayas, or Little Frog, who lives with her Ojibwa family on Lake Superior’s Madeline Island. This chapter book is appropriate for ages 8-12.
The Warriors by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki) is a modern story about a boy named Jake Forrest, an Iroquois boy who loves lacrosse. He moves from his reservation to live with his mother in Washington D.C. where he struggles to maintain his cultural identity while fitting in at an elite private school. This chapter book is appropriate for ages 9-12.
Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki) is another modern story about a boy named Danny Bigtree who encounters racism when he moves from his Mohawk reservation to Brooklyn, NY. Danny finds inspiration from his Iroquois heroes to stand up for himself.
Kunu's Basket: A Story From Indian Island by Francis, Lee DeCora (Penobscot Indian Nation in Maine and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) is a contemporary story about a boy named Kunu learning the traditional method of basket weaving and the importance of patience and perseverance. It includes an author’s note about the traditions and importance of basketmaking in Penobscot Nation culture.
Rabbit's Snow Dance by James and Joseph Bruchac playfully retells the Iroquois folktale that teaches children about the changing of the seasons and the importance of patience and being a good friend. This picture book is appropriate for ages 3-7.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp (Mohawk) is a colorful picture book that depicts the special message of gratitude that is spoken at Native American ceremonies of the Iroquois.
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 for First Nations of Eastern Woodlands
Incorporate Indigenous perspectives in classroom discussions
Encourage students to share their thoughts and connect the stories to present-day Indigenous communities. This helps foster respect, relevance, and understanding beyond just reading the texts.
Prepare students with cultural background before reading
Provide a brief overview of Eastern Woodlands First Nations and their traditions. This sets the stage for students to better appreciate cultural details found in the stories.
Facilitate meaningful post-reading reflections
Ask students to reflect on what they learned about Indigenous cultures and history. Prompt them with questions like, "How did the story change your perspective?" to deepen critical thinking.
Connect literature to real-world Indigenous voices
Invite a local Indigenous speaker (virtually or in person) or share interviews and videos. This helps students bridge the literature with authentic experiences, making learning more meaningful.
Encourage students to create their own storyboards based on family or community traditions
Guide students to design a storyboard about a tradition or value from their own lives, inspired by the books. This activity builds empathy and helps them see connections between cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literature Connections for First Nations of Eastern Woodlands
What are some recommended books about the First Nations of the Eastern Woodlands for elementary students?
Recommended books about the First Nations of the Eastern Woodlands for elementary students include Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back by Joseph Bruchac, I am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Malian's Song by Margaret M. Bruchac, and The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich. These titles offer engaging stories and authentic perspectives suitable for young readers.
How can I use literature to teach about Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands?
You can use picture books and chapter books as read-alouds or novel studies to introduce students to Eastern Woodlands cultures. Encourage students to discuss characters, themes, and history, and use activities like creating storyboards to help them visualize and summarize main events.
What is 'Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back' about?
Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back is a picture book that shares Native American stories and spiritual beliefs about the thirteen cycles of the moon in a year, highlighting the changes and wonders of the seasons as understood by many First Nations peoples.
How can students create a plot summary for a story about Indigenous peoples?
Students can create a 3-5 cell storyboard that describes the main events at the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Each cell should include a visual and a brief description, helping students organize and retell the narrative.
Why is it important to include authentic Native American perspectives in classroom literature?
Including authentic Native American perspectives helps students gain accurate historical and cultural understanding, fosters empathy, and counters stereotypes. It also respects the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples.
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Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands
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