Lesson Plan - Making Our People Proud

Watch a Video: Celebrating Our Traditions
After watching, ask: Why do these kids work so hard to keep their traditions alive? 

Preview Words to Know 
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• culture 
• nation 

Set a Purpose for Reading 
Point out the “As You Read.” Have students think about traditions that are important to them. 

1. What is culture? Based on the article, what do you know about Pojoaque culture?
Culture is the traditions, beliefs, and habits of a people. Based on the text, I know that hoop dancing is part of Pojoaque culture. It is a way to tell stories and pray.
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2. Why is lacrosse important to people of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy?
The modern game of lacrosse is based on games the Haudenosaunee Confederacy invented more than 900 years ago. They played as a way to toughen up for wars, settle disputes, and honor their Creator.
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3. Why does the author write that “it’s not so easy” for Leeann to learn Yuchi?
Leeann can’t learn Yuchi in the same ways people learn other languages. There are no books printed in Yuchi, and few people can speak it.
^{(RI.3.1 TEXT EVIDENCE)}

FEATURED SKILL: Compare and Contrast
Use the Skill Builder “Comparing Stories” to have students identify similarities and differences among the three kids profiled in the article. 
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