Curricular Resources > 2015 Volume I > Unit 3 (15.01.03) > Section 11

Teaching Native American Studies

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 15.01.03

Unit Guide

Teaching Young Children About the Cherokee Trail Of Tears

Christine A. Elmore

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Lesson Plan 3

Materials: chart paper, large black marker, notebook paper, pencils

Objective: To imagine that you are a child walking on the Trail of Tears with your family and write an “I Am” poem from that perspective.

Procedure:

Begin with a class discussion about what it would be like to walk with your family on the Trail of Tears. Ask students to describe their impressions using their five senses and list some of their ideas on the chart paper.
Then dig a little deeper and ask about what their feelings and worries might be during this time. List these ideas on the chart paper.
Finally move to the more abstract ideas of dreaming and hoping and ask them to offer some thoughts on these areas and jot them down too.
Then introduce the actual format of the “I Am” poem (previously written to display on chart paper. The format is as follows:

1 ^st Stanza

I am (2 special characteristics you have)

I wonder (something of curiosity)

I hear (an imaginary sound)

I see (an imaginary sight)

I want (an actual desire)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated

2 ^nd Stanza

I pretend (something you actually pretend to do)

I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)

I touch (an imaginary touch)

I worry (something that bothers you)

I cry (something that makes you sad)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

3 ^rd Stanza

I understand (something that is true)

I say (something you believe in)

I dream (something you dream about)

I try (something you really make an effort about)

I hope (something you actually hope for)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

It may be helpful with the first writing that students work with a buddy to create a poem, thus giving each other support. Teacher circulates among the students and offers assistance when needed.
Teacher later types out the poems and each student reads his/her poem to the class.

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