The Songs My Paddle Sings: Native American Legends
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
These Native American myths and legends include the story of Hiawatha, the Mohawk medicine man, and the legend of young Tenas Tyee, so clean and pure that he was able to destroy the terrible two-headed sea-serpent with its heart of greed. A collection of twenty legends from different North American tribes.
Age
9-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the different legends in the book teach us about Native American culture?
How do the stories in the book show the importance of nature?
Why do you think storytelling is important in the book and in cultures around the world?
How did the characters' actions in the legends make you feel, and why?
What lessons can we learn from the legends that we can apply in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the legends together and discuss the moral or lesson of each story, emphasizing how these might relate to your child’s experiences.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite characters and elements of the natural environment in the stories, fostering a deeper connection with the book’s themes.
Ask your child to imagine their own legend inspired by their favorite story from the book; this helps develop creativity and a personal engagement with the content.
Draw parallels between the themes of the legends and modern life to help your child see the contemporary relevance of traditional stories.
Highlight the importance of respecting and preserving cultural stories and practices, underscoring how they contribute to the richness of our world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Through the vivid storytelling of Native American legends, the book teaches the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities that promote environmental sustainability, such as recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-up events.
Example Lesson: The value of courage
Explanation: Characters in the legends often face daunting challenges that they overcome through bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Kids can emulate this trait by standing up for themselves and others, trying new activities that may seem intimidating, and not giving up in the face of adversity.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and cooperation
Explanation: Many stories highlight how characters work together to solve problems or defeat a common enemy, emphasizing the strength found in unity.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging teamwork in school projects, sports, and family activities, teaching them the importance of working with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: The significance of storytelling
Explanation: The book illustrates how storytelling is a powerful medium to pass on traditions, morals, and history from one generation to the next.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share their own stories or family histories, fostering a deeper connection with their culture and heritage.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters often undergo various trials, yet their resilience ultimately leads to growth or success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that challenges are a natural part of life and that perseverance can lead to overcoming these obstacles and learning from them.