Students write their own Native American myth in this lesson

Title – Myths
By – Shirley Bosarge
Primary Subject – Social Studies
Secondary Subjects – Language Arts
Grade Level – 4
Time – 40 minutes

I. Concepts:

Use story/myths to explain natural world.

II. Behavioral Objectives

The students will be able to interpret information and data using various graphic organizers.

The students will be able to write a myth from a Native American point of view.

III. Alabama Course of Study

Objective 9: Describe historic Native Americans of Alabama after European contact.

Culture Examples: folklore, games, dance, music

IV. Materials

Teacher: Teachers Edition of Text Book, White board, Markers

Student: Text Book, Paper, Pencil

V. Motivation

Ask, “Have you ever wondered why the grass is green, the sky is blue, or a raccoon looks like he’s wearing a mask?”

VI. Instructional Procedures

1. Call students to the carpet.

2. Start by asking them the motivation question.

3. Introduce and explain the word “myth”.

4. Discuss what a possum is and how he looks as if he is smiling.

5. Build schema.

6. Read the myth “Why the Possum Grins.”

7. Talk about the myth.

8. Give students examples of a story starter.

9. Allow them to either choose from the examples or make up their own and write their own myth.

Closure:
Allow them to share their myth with the class.

Evaluation:
Teacher observation.

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