Plains Indians
Me Reader and 8-Book Library Series
What’s inside...
Crafts, activities, stories, and historical facts give today's children a close look at youngsters of past cultures. A perfect companion to school history curriculum. Photographs of children in costume help to bring the past alive. Easy activities are great for class projects or at-home pretending.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What were some of the daily activities the Plains Indians engaged in? How do you think their environment influenced their lifestyle?
Why do you think the traditions and ceremonies were important to the Plains Indians?
What can we learn from the way the Plains Indians respected nature and the world around them?
Can you imagine what it would be like to live as a Plains Indian child? What would be the most exciting and the most challenging parts?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with that of a Plains Indian child, emphasizing the influence of environment on lifestyle. Discuss the value of traditions in their own lives and draw parallels. Highlight the importance of respecting nature, drawing examples from the book and relating them to current environmental issues. Encourage creative thinking by asking them to imagine themselves in a different historical and cultural context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The book offers insights into the fascinating way of life of the Plains Indians, emphasizing their traditions and values.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity, understanding the importance of embracing differences among people in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and cooperation
Explanation: The narrative highlights how the Plains Indians worked together, relying on collective efforts for hunting and gathering for survival.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by participating in group activities, collaborating with peers in school projects, and supporting their families at home.
Example Lesson: Stewardship of the environment
Explanation: The book portrays the Plains Indians' deep connection to nature and their sustainable practices, such as using every part of the buffalo.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, and protecting natural habitats in their local areas.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: Stories of the Plains Indians adapting to changing environments and overcoming challenges are central to the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient in the face of personal challenges, whether they're adjusting to a new school, dealing with a difficult situation, or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of storytelling and oral traditions
Explanation: The book illustrates how storytelling was vital for passing down knowledge and history in Plains Indian cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to listen to and share stories, enriching their communication skills and understanding of history and tradition.