Fourth graders know what it takes to survive!
As part of the transdisciplinary theme "How We Express Ourselves," fourth graders are learning about indiginous people throughout the world and what it takes to survive. Instruction initially focuses on the Northwest Native Americans. Students learn about the natural resources available to the people of the northwest through interactive lessons where they view the land from the perspective of a Native American. Students respect and appreciate the land and the resources available to help them build a home, find food, and make clothing. Throughout the unit, students learn how the Native Americans used the resources to communicate through art, making totems, button blankets, masks and boxes.
Students also learn about the interactions between Native Americans and settlers. It is always exciting to hear about the day the settlers come with a treaty that they want signed! TAKE IT FURTHER - As students learn about the indigenous people of the Northwest, connections are made to indigenous people throughout the world. Why are some areas of the world industrialized and others are still underdeveloped? How did groups of people decide where to settle? These are great questions and can lead to deep conversations with your child. AT HOME, have discussions around the underdeveloped nations, and talk to your child about their understanding of natural resources. Look for ways that they are taking action at home based on this unit. Is your child expressing himself through art? Is he/she more responsible with resources and not wasteful? DID YOUR CHILD have special insight or ideas for action? We would like to hear about it! Send Mrs. Chelf an email with pictures of art or something that your child said or action that he/she took (or wants to take) as a reflection of this unit! |
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