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Native American Poetry Test

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scarreno

Tier 1
For Schools

Test

Native American Poetry Test

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Lesson Plan

Native American Poetry Test

Students will review and demonstrate their understanding of themes and literary elements in 'Walam Olum,' 'I have killed the Deer,' and 'The Song of the Sky Loom' by answering a multiple-choice question.

Understanding diverse voices and perspectives through poetry enhances cultural literacy and critical thinking skills. This lesson helps students connect with ancient storytelling and poetic traditions.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Review, assessment

Materials

  • Native American Poetry Test

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Native American Poetry Test to ensure familiarity with the question and correct answer.
  • Prepare any necessary logistics for administering a short test.

Step 1

Introduction and Review

10 minutes

  • Briefly recap the three poems: "Walam Olum," "I have killed the Deer," and "The Song of the Sky Loom."
  • Highlight key themes or stylistic elements that connect them, as shown in the Slide Deck.
  • Remind students of the cultural context and significance of these works.
  • Transition to the assessment phase.

Step 2

Test Administration

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Native American Poetry Test.
  • Instruct students to read the question carefully and select the best answer.
  • Remind them of the time limit (if applicable for a single question within a larger test) and encourage thoughtful consideration.
  • Collect the tests.

Step 3

Wrap-Up and Discussion (Optional)

5 minutes

  • If time permits, briefly discuss the correct answer and why it is the most appropriate choice.
  • Address any immediate student questions or misconceptions regarding the poems or the question.
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Slide Deck

Connecting Ancient Voices

Today, we'll quickly revisit three significant Native American poems:

  • Walam Olum
  • I have killed the Deer
  • The Song of the Sky Loom

These poems offer profound insights into early American cultures and their relationship with the world around them.

Welcome students and introduce the day's focus: a quick review of three powerful Native American poems. Briefly mention their significance.

Walam Olum: Creation and Connection

  • Delaware Tribe's Creation Story: Narrates the origin of the world and humanity.
  • Key Theme: The sacred bond between people and their ancestral lands.
  • Imagery: Focuses on natural elements and the spiritual forces that shaped existence.

For 'Walam Olum,' emphasize its creation story aspect and the sense of beginnings and spiritual connection to the land.

I Have Killed the Deer: Respect and Gratitude

  • Tewa Song: Acknowledges the taking of life for sustenance.
  • Key Theme: Deep respect for nature, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the cycle of life.
  • Tone: Reverent, thankful, and humble in the face of nature's gifts.

For 'I have killed the Deer,' highlight the expression of gratitude and the cycle of life and death, reinforcing respect for nature.

The Song of the Sky Loom: Harmony and Creation

  • Tewa Prayer/Song: Uses the metaphor of weaving to describe the creation of a beautiful, harmonious world.
  • Key Theme: Humanity's role in maintaining balance and contributing to the natural order through spiritual offerings and actions.
  • Symbolism: Sky as a loom, elements (rain, light) as threads, symbolizing nature's artistry.

For 'The Song of the Sky Loom,' focus on the weaving metaphor and the idea of humans contributing to the beauty and order of the world, often through ritual and prayer.

A Shared Thread: Nature & Spirit

What do these poems have in common?

  • Profound Reverence for Nature: Nature is not just a setting, but a living, spiritual entity.
  • Interconnectedness: All aspects of life—human, animal, plant, and spirit—are deeply connected.
  • Oral Tradition: Passed down through generations, reflecting communal values and wisdom.

Think about how these ideas shape the message of each poem.

Synthesize the common thread. Emphasize that despite originating from different tribes, these poems share a core reverence for nature and a holistic view of existence. This directly links to the test question's focus.

Time for Reflection: Your Test

Now, you'll have a chance to show your understanding of these themes.

  • You will receive a short test with one multiple-choice question.
  • Read the question carefully.
  • Choose the answer that best reflects the common threads we've discussed.

Good luck!

Explain that the test will assess their understanding of these connections. Briefly explain the format.

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