Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Native Americans and Giving
Lesson 1:
From Unit How Did We Help?
Purpose:
Through the use of literature and discussion, this lesson will introduce the philanthropic behavior of the Native American in the United States. The speech of Chief Seattle will be explored by using the book Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: The Words of Chief Seattle.
Duration:
One Forty-Five to Fifty Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- reflect on the words of Chief Seattle and describe the Native American view of stewardship of the land.
- define the terms "common good" and "stewardship" and give examples in everyday life.
Materials:
- Copy of the book Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: The Words of Chief Seattle (see Bibliographical References)
- Excerpts from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Speech (Attachment One)
- Samples of Mind Maps (Attachment Two)
Teacher Preparation:
Note: This lesson depends on a picture book that uses text attributed to Chief Seattle. In truth, there is not an accurate version of that famous speech from 1854. The closest version was published in 1887 (33 years after the speech), written by Henry Smith who translated a poetic version from notes he took of the speech. It is believed that Mr. Smith captured the meaning of the speech but not the actual words. (The speech was not in English.) You may wish to raise students’ awareness of legends and let them know that the translation has been altered over the years for different purposes. In addition, Chief Seattle was from the Northwest, not the Plains, as portrayed in the Jeffers illustrations. Although these were not his actual words, the powerful message of our relationship to the earth is still important for us to consider.
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Say to the class, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Explain that this famous 1961 quote from a speech by John F. Kennedy echoes the ideas on which the United States was founded many years ago. See "Excerpts from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Speech" (Attachment One). Tell the learners that they are going to learn about some of the early people and groups in our country's history that worked toward the "common good."
- Hold up the book Brother Eagle, Sister Sky. Explain that it is a re-creation of a speech by Chief Seattle. Using information provided on the back flyleaf of the book (or another source), introduce Chief Seattle historically to the class. Explain that the city of Seattle, Washington was named for him.
- Read the book aloud. As you read, notice and discuss the symbolism displayed in the artwork in the book.
- Make a list together of the special precautions/concerns Chief Seattle asks everyone to take with the environment. Whenever possible, have students make comparisons between traditional Native American practices related to the spiritual view of the environment and current day practices.
- Have students share what they know about the mistreatment of the Native Americans and the land where the settlers moved. How is the treatment different from what Chief Seattle asked for in his speech?
- Introduce the term "stewardship." This refers to the idea of managing our resources so they benefit everyone, not only now, but in the future. By not polluting the water, the air, or the land, we are looking out for ourselves and for everyone. Ask the learners to think about Chief Seattle's words and suggest ways that we can be good stewards of the environment.
- Discuss the meaning of "common good" with the learners (resources shared by the whole group of people). To ensure they understand the concept, ask students for examples of "resources" and "how they can be shared by a whole group." What would Chief Seattle list as examples of "resources" to be used for the common good? Would he say that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the common good?
- Tell the students that they are going to create a mind map showing the Native Americans and what they wanted for the "common good." Model a mind map. There are different varieties that the learners can use as shown in Mind Maps (Attachment Two). Have the students create their mind map and fill in the shapes with the suggestions offered by Chief Seattle.
Assessment:
The learners will demonstrate their understanding of the term "common good" through discussion. They will provide a mind map correctly filled with at least six (6) Native American ideas of "common good" based on the book and the discussion.
Bibliographical References:
- Jeffers, Susan (Illustrator). Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: The Words of Chief Seattle. New York: Dial Books, 1991. ISBN 0-8037-0969-2
- Web site for John F. Kennedy's speech: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Historical+Resources/Archives/Reference+
Desk/Speeches/JFK/003POF03Inaugural01201961.htm
Lesson Developed By:
Pamela McIntoshDetroit Public Schools
Woodward Elementary School
Detroit, MI 48208
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Excerpts from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Speech
This is a portion of John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech as he took office on January 20, 1961.And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Mind Maps
Native American Contributions to the "Common Good:"
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Handout 2Print Handout 2
Mind Maps
Unit Contents:
Overview:How Did We Help? Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Native Americans and Giving
- 2.
- Mayflower Compact Started It (The)
- 3.
- "Society of Friends" and Society (The )
- 4.
- Benjamin Franklin and Life
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Comments
The book "Brother Eagle, Sister Sky gave students a good understanding of how Native Americans felt about the earth.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) to help students have an understanding of what the Native Americans wanted for this land - common good.