Topic: the Iroquois (Six Nations)

Lesson Plan Social Studies

Date(s): Monday Topic: The Iroquois (Six Nations)

Grade Level: 6 Time(s): 2:25-3:10

Curriculum Expectations: Knowledge and Understanding – understand key social and cultural characteristics of Iroquois groups; identify results of contact for both Europeans and FN. Inquiry/Research and Communication Skills – identify and explain differing opinions about positive and negative effects of early contact; use appropriate vocabulary.

Assessment Strategies: As this is the introduction lesson to First Nations, I will do a diagnostic assessment in the form of a KWL chart – What do we know, want to learn and eventually what we have learned about the Iroquois Nation. This should highlight missing knowledge, stereotypes, and misconceptions. Diagnose further with a “Decode the Puzzle” critical thinking activity based on an overhead projection of the cover of Mary Englar’s book.

Accommodations and Modifications: I will take into account the newly-immigrated students and their potential lack of knowledge on Canada’s FNIM peoples (and for that matter, the general lack of knowledge of most people). I will go slowly and base my lessons on the diagnostic assessments.

Resources/Materials: Outline: “Decode the Puzzle” in tribe groups. Discuss inferences. Do KWL chart on Iroquois Nation. Read “The Iroquois: the Six Chapters 1 and 2 in Sherrow’s book. “The Sky People” and Nations Confederacy” by “The Struggle for Peace”. Mary Englar, 2003, Bridgestone Books Introduction: “Decode the Puzzle” of Englar’s book cover – Where is the scene taking place? What are the people “The Iroquois Indians” by doing? Describe the structure – what is it for? When is the Victoria Sherrow, 1992, scene taking place? What time of day is it? Etc, etc. Have Chelsea House tribes report their results.

Overhead projector Middle: Do the KWL chart. Have a piece of chart paper ready for a “Question Parking Lot” – get the kids Transparency of Englar’s questioning and interested in the discovery of this book cover knowledge.

Chart paper Conclusion: Read chapters 1 and 2 of Sherrow’s book.

Follow Up: Further study of the Iroquois Nation, study of the Algonquin Nation and eventual comparison of the 2 cultures. A look at the European explorers as either explorers or invaders and how they affected the peace of the FN people.