North American Indian
DK Eyewitness Books Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (132)
What’s inside...
Peaceful farmers on the fertile Mid-Atlantic seaboard, fierce warriors in the wooded Northeast, nomadic buffalo hunters on the Great Plains, and igloo-dwellers in the frozen Arctic - the North American Indians were as diverse as the vast continent on which they lived. From the simple spear points of the Paleo Indians to the intricately carved totem poles of the tribes of the Northwest coast, the stunning art forms of these unique peoples are illustrated in breathtaking detail. Examine the beautiful headdresses of the Haidas, marvel at the transformation masks of the Kwakiutls, and admire the magnificent ceremonial costumes of the Dakotas. Written by David Murdoch, Senior Lecturer in American History at Leeds University, and produced in association with The American Museum of Natural History, North American Indian is an exciting introduction to North America's native peoples.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
62 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for Native American tribes described in the book?
How do the traditions and beliefs of different tribes compare to each other?
Why is it important to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans?
How do you think the environment influenced the lifestyle and culture of the tribes?
What could we learn from Native American communities that might help us today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize the vivid illustrations in the book as a visual aid to spark deeper discussions about the culture and daily life of North American Indians.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and connect them with their daily lives or societal observations.
Ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and personal interpretation of the content provided in the book.
Relate the discussions back to the values of respect and understanding of different cultures.
Create a friendly and open atmosphere where the child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Respect and Appreciation
Explanation: The book educates young readers about the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of North American indigenous peoples, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individuals from different cultural backgrounds they encounter in school or their community, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Example Lesson: Importance of History
Explanation: Through exploring the lives of North American Indians, the book highlights how historical events shape societies. This understanding can deepen a child’s appreciation of history’s impact.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge by showing interest in their own family histories and the history of their surroundings, enhancing their connection to their community and heritage.
Example Lesson: Environmental Stewardship
Explanation: The book discusses how indigenous peoples lived in harmony with nature, utilizing resources sustainably. It teaches the importance of caring for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can practice environmental stewardship by participating in recycling programs, conserving water, or joining community clean-up events.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By presenting the challenges and perspectives of North American Indians, the book fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by indigenous peoples.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards classmates who may be different or facing challenges, promoting a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: The Value of Stories and Oral Traditions
Explanation: Illustrating the rich oral traditions of North American Indians, the book underscores the importance of storytelling in preserving cultures and transmitting values.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to stories from older family members or explore books and tales from other cultures, enhancing their listening skills and appreciation for storytelling.