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Unit

Indigenous Storytelling Unit

Created by Allison Green

6 lessons indigenous bipoc middle school friendly

This Indigenous Storytelling unit is brought to you in a different format than a traditional lesson plan. It uses a learning circle format. It was developed by Allison Green, a member of the Algonquin Band of Mattawa Ontario, who is also the author and instructor of the DTA course Approaching Drama Class with an Indigenous Perspective.

Students will discuss origin stories, research the background and land connection of a variety of Indigenous creation stories, create a plot graph of their story, share with the class what they have learned, and then retell the story in their own words. Once students have practiced this process, they will repeat the steps with an Abenaki creation story: Research | Recreate | Understand.

Start here
The overview lays out the structure for the unit, as well as gives background and context to the learning circle format.
  1. 1-3
    Lesson 1-3
    Introduction to Origin Stories
    The first 3 lessons introduce origin stories. Students research an Indigenous origin story in small groups. They will create a plot graph and share in a class discussion.
  2. 4
    Lesson 4
    Retelling a Story
    Student will use the research they completed on days 1-3 to retell an origin story to the class.
  3. 5-6
    Lesson 5-6
    Abenaki Creation Story
    Students listen to the Abenaki Creation Story and explore through plot graphing and recreating.

Standards Addressed

Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade 7

Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Proficient

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