Title:  Plains:  The Sioux Indians

Grade Level: 4th – 6th

Subjects: Reading, Social Studies, Language, Technology, Art, & Music

Learner Outcomes:

1. Students will locate data about geographic regions, traditional housing, famous chiefs, customs/legends, and foods (Record information on data collection chart using selected  reference sources).
2. Students will discuss their findings and compare them to the previous tribe studied.
3. Students will read and discuss several Sioux Legends.
4. Students will write and edit an original legend in the style of the Sioux Indians.
5. Students will identify on a map major land forms that affected the Sioux lifestyle.
6. Students will make a Sioux drum.

Duration: Two days—minimum 90 minutes per day

Materials:

     Unit data collecting chart and copies of Sioux Legends. Directions for making a frame drum. The following
     supplies for the frame drum: one empty ice cream bucket or one square cardboard box with four flaps on both
     top  and bottom, one large paper grocery bag, white glue, paint brushes, 3 yards of string or yarn, cut into two
     equal lengths, hole punch, tape, tempera paint, one stick about 12 inches long, two old socks, 12 inches of ribbon
     or yarn, or a rubber band, or hair tie.

Technology Tools/Courseware:

     Computers with Internet access, Encarta, or similar reference software, and word processing software.

Teacher Notes:

•  Acceptable Use Policy for each student
•  Many learner outcomes are listed.  Depending upon your individual time frame you may select as many or few as you want. The lesson could be completed in total in two days if desired.  I would suggest dividing the class into 3 or 4 groups depending upon the computer situation. While one or two groups are doing the reference and chart work, the other one or two groups could be working in reading circles on the legends.
• With reading circles you might be blessed to have a few volunteer adults come in to join in the discussion.
•  Make your own Frame Drum as a model in advance of the class.  The directions for this drum and music are available from Hal Leonard Corporation in Let's Make Music! This book contains musical activities from around the world and could be used for other cultural units.

Procedures:

     Session One:

1. Distribute the Unit Data Collecting Chart and allow time for reference work using selected sites.
2. Distribute the legends and allow time for reading and discussion.
3. Lead the students in selecting a topic for their original legend.
4. Discuss the data collected about the Sioux Indians and compare to information about the other tribes.
5. Use maps to locate major land forms that affected the life of the Sioux.

     Session Two:

1. Listen to Sioux music and show example of Frame Drum.
2. Distribute supplies
3. Provide step-by-step instructions and allow work time.
4. Allow time to perform song with students using their drums

Enrichment Activities:

1. Write a cinquain poem about the Sioux Indians.  See references--Poetry Plus
2. Construct a model teepee.
3. Listen to and perform a simple Sioux song or chant.
4. Read and discuss current issues of the Sioux Indians.
5. Students who are interested may want to continue their study of a famous Sioux Indian and present an oral report
6. Reenact a scene in the daily life of a Sioux brave or child.

Evaluation/Assessment:

1. Correct completion of Unit Data Collection Chart
2. Participation in reading and discussing the Sioux Legends
3. Completion of original legend (a specific grading rubric could be used for grammar and characteristics)
4. Completion of Frame Drum

State and National Standards:
West Virginia IGOs

Reading Comprehension: 5.15, 5.16, 5.22, 5.27.  Social Studies: 5.26, 5.27, 5.32, 5.33, 5.46. Language:  5.154, 5.155.  Technology: 5.186.  Art: 5.19.  Music: 5.25, 5.27.

National Standards

References:

General Information for Data Collection by Students

Sioux Indian Site 1
Sioux Indian Site 2
 

Legends and Stories for Reading Circles Teacher Selected

How Fox Saved the People
Origin of the Lakota Peace Pipe
The Three Scouts
The Trial Path
 

Art and Music Resource:

Baron Turner, Jessica and Schiff, Ronny Susan , Let's Make Music: Multicultural Songs and Activities.  Hal
Leonard Corporation. 7777W. Bluemound Rd. P.O. Box 12819 Milwaukee, WI  53213.  Book and CD available.

Enrichment Resource:

Fisk, Sally, Poetry Plus.   Instructional Fair, TS Denison, Grand Rappids, MI.

Pictures of Reservation
 

Author: Carol Thorp (cthorp@access.k12.wv.us)

Madison Elementary School

Overview

Iroquois

Sioux

Hopi

Shoshone

Powwow