Homes of the Native Americans
Native American life Series
What’s inside...
After Christopher Columbus and other European adventurers landed in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries, the lands they explored were often called the 'New World.' However, North, South, and Central America were new only to the people of Europe. Native Americans had lived on the land for millions of years. In some cases, the natives and Europeans were able to live in peace and even learned from each other. Most of the time, however, the European invaders brought with them disease and violence, which spelled the end of the Native Americans' way of life. This series has been written to provide a more accurate and encompassing journey into the world of Native Americans. Filled with full-color illustrations and photographs, these books allow readers to enjoy learning about the life and cultures of the American Indians.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think living in a teepee, igloo, or longhouse would be different from our home?
Why do you think different tribes built different types of homes?
What materials can you see that were used to build these homes? Why do you think those materials were chosen?
How do you think the environment influenced the way Native American homes were built?
What can we learn from the way Native Americans used natural resources in their home building?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize by asking them to draw a Native American home and explain their choices of materials and design.
Compare and contrast the Native American homes with your own home to deepen their understanding of cultural and environmental differences.
Use the book’s illustrations to point out details and ask your child what each element might tell us about the lives of the people who lived there.
Discuss the importance of respecting and preserving different cultures and their histories, highlighting the Native American communities.
Connect the discussion to sustainability by talking about how Native Americans made use of available resources, prompting thoughts on how we can better use resources today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Respect
Explanation: The book educates about various Native American homes and life, teaching children about respecting and valuing different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate cultural differences and demonstrate respect towards diverse communities in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book showcases how Native Americans skillfully adapted their homes according to their environment, using available resources.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively and adapt to different situations, whether it’s solving a problem at school or adjusting to changes in their lives.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: By learning about the historical aspects of Native Americans’ homes, children gain insights into the past and its influence on the present.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can help children understand the importance of history in shaping our world, fostering a deeper appreciation and curiosity for learning about other historical contexts.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book illustrates how Native American cultures were intertwined with their natural environment, promoting sustainable living.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this awareness to their own lives by practicing environmental conservation, such as recycling or conserving water at home.
Example Lesson: Community and Cooperation
Explanation: Stories in the book highlight communal living and the collective effort in building homes, reinforcing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to collaborate effectively with others in group activities at school or in their community projects.