The Very First Americans (Grosset & Dunlap All Aboard Book)
#3 in Reading Railroad Books Series
on Goodreads (231)
What’s inside...
Long before Columbus landed in America, hundreds of groups of people, including the Sioux, Hopi, and Seminole, had already made their homes across the continent. Explore the diverse lifestyles, cultures, and locations of these first Americans, from the whale-hunting Makah in canoes to the buffalo-chasing Comanche on horseback. Learn about their diets, forms of entertainment, and the artifacts they left behind, all depicted through beautiful watercolor paintings.
Discussion points
What are some unique traditions of the different tribes mentioned in the book?
Why do you think it's important to learn about the history of the first Americans?
How do you think the lives of the Very First Americans were similar or different to ours today?
What can we learn from the values and customs of these tribes?
How do you feel about the ways these communities respected nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in any connections your child makes between their life and the lives of the characters in the story.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would feel or what they would do if they were in a similar situation as the characters.
Discuss the illustrations with your child; ask them what they notice and how these visuals help tell the story of the Very First Americans.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about Native American history and culture together, potentially through crafts, music, or attending local cultural events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: The book introduces children to various Native American tribes, each with distinct cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity, which helps them interact respectfully with people from different backgrounds in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story highlights the deep connection between Native American tribes and the natural world, showcasing their practices of living in harmony with nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to adopt environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and conserving water, fostering a sense of responsibility towards Earth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Tradition
Explanation: Through folk tales and cultural rituals embedded in the narrative, children learn about the importance of traditions in shaping communities and individual identities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn about and participate in their own family or community traditions, thereby understanding their personal heritage and fostering a sense of belonging.
Example Lesson: Value of Storytelling
Explanation: The book uses storytelling to pass down knowledge and moral lessons from one generation of Native Americans to another.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to listen to and share stories from their own and others' cultures, enhancing their communication skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: Learning from History
Explanation: The book provides historical context about the first Americans, which helps children understand the past and its impact on the present.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about history and learn lessons from it, promoting critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them.