As background building for the Social Studies unit that explores the cultures of Native Americans, students are given an overview about the various aspects of each group’s culture by region.
Students read the Native American folktale, Yonder Mountain: A Cherokee Legend. We identify various symbols throughout their story and write about their significance. Students collect quotes that help support each character’s discover on their sacred quest to become chief. One of our target skills is to understand “theme.” In this legend, there are many messages and morals that can be understood through the actions of the characters and the symbolism throughout.