Lesson Plans
Who Were the First Americans?This lesson is the beginning lesson of the unit
Native Americans. Students will view an introductory PowerPoint presentation about Native Americans. They will then discuss the physical surroundings and climate of the region they live in.
Express YourselfThis language arts lesson is for Days 9-10 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will practice speaking to a small group about their favorite part of a Native American tale. Peer partners will assess each other’s performances.
Different Tribes, Different TimesThis lesson plan is for Day 10 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will be actively involved in center activities utilizing informational texts to focus more in depth on Native American culture groups from different regions and times.
Indians of the PlainsThis lesson is for Day 11 of the unit
Native Americans. The students will learn about the physical surroundings and climate of the Plains region and how they affected the lives of the Plains Indians. Students work in centers to create related projects.
The SeminolesThis lesson is for Day 12 of the unit
Native Americans. The students will work in centers to learn about the physical surroundings and climate of the Southeast Woodlands region and how they affected the lives of the Seminoles.
Artfully SpeakingThis language arts lesson is for Day 12 of the unit
Native Americans. It is to be done after
The Seminoles lesson plan on the same day. Students will complete a My Favorite Artwork form and use it to practice speaking to small groups.
Expert ReviewThis lesson is for Day 13 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will review both social studies and language arts unit concepts.
Speak UpThis language arts lesson is for Day 2 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will watch two fifth grade students role-playing an effective and an ineffective speaker. They will then brainstorm and discuss qualities of an effective speaker.
Where, Oh WhereThis lesson is for Day 3 of the unit
Native Americans. It focuses on using informational texts to locate different Native American culture group regions.
Direct ExpressThis language arts lesson is for Day 3 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will explore speaking for different purposes (i.e., to inform, to express ideas, and to entertain).
A-maizing FactsThis lesson is for Day 4 of the unit
Native Americans. It focuses on using informational text to locate the Northeast Woodlands region and understanding how the climate, location, and physical surroundings of the region affected the way of life.
Simply Speaking This language arts lesson is for Day 4 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will review criteria of effective speaking and practice using speaking skills in center activities.
Be An Expert This lesson is for Days 5-7 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will read informational texts to become “experts” on a Native American culture group. They will record notes and make a project to inform the class about their culture group.
Practice Makes PerfectThis language arts lesson is for Days 6-7 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will practice speaking for large group settings.
The Matrix This lesson is for Day 8 of the unit
Native Americans. Students will read the class matrix and review by making comparisons of Native American culture groups from different regions and times to determine ways they were alike and different.
Web Links
Compare daily life of Native American tribes from different regions and times.
Different Tribes, Different Times