The Cherokee - The United States

The Cherokee
Andrew Santella
2001 Children’s Press
New York, NY

The Cherokee is a non-fiction book about the Cherokee people from the South Eastern United States. This book explains many traditions of the Cherokee people including how they hunted, the kinds of houses they lived in, the art they made, and their special celebrations. Now many Cherokee people live in Oklahoma, after European settlers forced them to move west. While their lives are very different today, they still follow many Cherokee traditions.

"Past and Present"

Standards:
English Language Arts
2-2 The student will read and comprehend a variety of informational texts in print and non-print formats.
2-2.2 Analyze informational texts to draw conclusions and make inferences during classroom discussions.
2-2.4 Create responses to informational texts through a variety of methods (for example, drawings, written works, and oral presentations).
2-4.1 Generate ideas for writing using prewriting techniques (for example, creating lists, having discussions, and examining literary models).
2-6 The student will access and use information from a variety of sources.
2-6.1 Generate how and why questions about a topic of interest.
Social Studies
2-1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of cultural contributions made by people from the various regions of the United States.
2-1.1 Recognize the basic elements that make up a cultural region in the United States, including language, customs, and economic activities.
2-1.2 Compare the historic traditions, customs, and cultures of various regions in the United States, including how traditions are passed between and among generations.
2-1.3 Summarize the cultural contributions of Native American nations, African Americans, and immigrant groups in different regions of the United States.


Objective: The student will create a visual diagram that compares the cultures of the South East United States of the past with today's.

Materials: Paper, writing materials, poster board or presentation software.

Procedures: Working with partners or in small groups, the students will brain storm a list of characteristics of Cherokee culture. The students should focus on how the Cherokee people met all of their needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and family life. Then the students will create another list contrasting and comparing these characteristics with characteristics of modern life.

Then students will organize their information and ideas into a visual presentation which clearly illustrates differences from traditional Cherokee life to life today. The students should also address how the Cherokee culture lives on today and how it has changed.
The students will share their graphic organizers with the class.