
CONCEPT
The stories people tell give us an idea about how they lived
and what they thought was important. Stories can explain nature or relate
memories. Storytelling teaches students that they can learn about history
through legends and true accounts. Storytelling also gives students an
insight into how some Native Americans related to their world and the
realities of a changing culture.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
After viewing Storytelling, students will be able to:
- Describe how stories reflect a way of life and preserve the history
of a people.
- Discuss how Native Americans responded to the coming of white settlers
and the reasons for their responses.
- Explain the reasons for the sadness many Native Americans felt at
being moved onto reservations.
VIDEO SUMMARY
Storytelling examines two Native American legends; a true story about
the daily life of a Shoshone
woman before white people
came, as told in her own language; and a true story
about a Native Americans first encounter with white people.
The video begins with the host, Phyllis Edmundson, and some friends sitting
around a campfire. She describes how Native Americans used storytelling
as a way of passing on history and to explain how their world operated.
Nez Perce historian Allen Slickpoo relates the story of Coyote and the
origin of the various tribes. Shoshone Bannock storyteller Ramona Walema
tells the story of the squirrel chief and how he saved her tribe from
starvation.
The video moves into real life stories. Josephine Thorpe recounted her
life for BSU anthropologist Jon Dayley in 1968. The video presents Thorpe's
description in her native Shoshone, followed by Dayley's translation.
This gives students a chance to hear the Shoshone language.
Finally, Emaline George tells her grandmother's story of her first encounter
with white people. The video describes the conflicts between Native Americans
and white people, and how Native Americans were eventually disenfranchised.
George tells how her people are working to improve their lives and are
trying to reclaim their heritage. The video ends as Phyllis challenges
the students to find stories about their past. She also asks them to think
about what stories they will give to their children and what those accounts
will teach them about Idaho history.
PREPARATION EXERCISES
(Before Viewing)
- Talk with students about stories that they have read or heard that
explain natural events, which may include Greek myths or Indian legends.
Ask why people created stories like these and how they are handed down.
- Give students some examples of stories from American history. Discuss
how and why these stories began and why we repeat them today.
- Ask students to relate family stories about things that happened long
before they were born. Discuss what those stories mean about the history
of their family and how they approached life.
- Explain to the students that Native Americans in Idaho created stories
which helped them to understand and to live in harmony with the natural
world. They also told stories about things that happened in their past
to help young people understand and remember. Ask students, while they
are watching the video, to see what they can learn about the way these
people lived. Then have them see what they can learn about how these
people felt about the coming of the white people.
QUESTIONS FROM VIDEO
(During Viewing)
- Why is it important to learn about these stories?
- Do you have a story about your life that you can pass on to your
children?
VOCABULARY
Ancestor- A person from whom one is descended
Anthropology- The study of the development of human beings
and their culture
Anthropologist- One who studies human beings and their
culture
Culture- The arts, beliefs and customs of a group of
people
Dwindle- To become smaller or fewer
Legend- A story passed down through the years
Reservation- Land set aside by the government for Native
Americans to live on
FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONS
(After Viewing)
- What role do stories play in history?
- Why do you think animals played an important role in the legends
of Idaho's Native Americans?
- How is the Shoshone language different from English? Why would it
be important to hear a story in its original language?
- What stories do you know about some part of Idaho history? What stories
can you tell about your history?
- How did Native American's lives change with the coming of white people?
How is the relationship between white people
and Native Americans changing
today?
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
- Teach students how to tell some Native American stories or legends.
(See below)
- Make some illustrations for one of the stories told on the video.
Have students re tell the story using their pictures to illustrate it.
- Make a picture book about one of the stories on the video or a new
story.
- Have the students ask parents, relatives or friends about their family
history. Have them tell a story about something that happened before
they were born. Have them tell the story to the class or write a book.
- Invite a storyteller into the classroom to tell students more Native
American legends.
SPECIAL PROJECT
Tell a Story
Humans are natural storytellers. Ask students what they did that day and
you'll hear stories. The key to encouraging students to tell a story is
not to suppress their natural impulses. There are ways to channel your
students' natural skills to improve their public speaking abilities. Below
are suggestions to improve your students' storytelling skills in the areas
of content and delivery. They are in no particular order. And don't forget,
above all, to make storytelling fun. It is a skill students will use and
enjoy the rest of their lives.
CONTENT
- Use descriptive words.
- Work with a familiar subject the more you know the material, the easier
it will be.
- Use metaphors.
- Make sure the characters have "character," make them as
real as possible or if they are real, let the audience know who they
are.
- Use feeling words.
- Try to get the audience to see what you're seeing and feel what you're
feeling.
- Make sure the story has an introduction and a conclusion.
- Remind the student that how they prepare to tell a story is more important
then how they deliver it. If they are prepared, they will tell their
story well.
DELIVERY
- Revisualize familiar things in the story.
- Use gestures, but only if they come naturally. Don't inhibit or force
their use.
- Practice out loud. Practice before a mirror.
- Tell the story as if you are talking to just one friend. Be sincere,
enthusiastic, and convincing. Vary the pitch of your voice. Don't label
the feeling of speaking before an audience as "fear." Tell
students to think of it as their body's reaction to doing something
special. Compare it to the excitement of doing something new or the
anticipation of receiving a gift. It is something they can overcome.
And remind them that everyone has the same reaction.
OTHER LINKS
Circle
of Stories - explore a gallery of stories and learn about the history
of Native storytelling.
Native
American Storytelling - lesson plan exploring Native American Myths
and Legend.
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