Free 11th Grade Native American Literature Lesson Plan

Topic: Native American Literature

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to analyze how the beliefs of Native Americans are depicted in their literature.

Materials

• Examples of Native American literature
• Note cards for each student
• Pen or pencil for each student

Warm-up

• Ask students if they are familiar with any Native American tribes or cultures.
• Ask students to name any Native American writers or poets that they might have heard of.
• Write the names of the writers on the board.

Direct Instruction

• Explain that Native American literature is literature that is written by Native Americans or about Native Americans.
• Explain that the beliefs of Native Americans can be depicted in their literature in many ways, including through the use of themes, motifs, and symbols.
• Use the handouts to introduce the concept of themes, motifs, and symbols and give examples of each.
• Emphasize the importance of understanding themes, motifs, and symbols in order to better understand Native American literature.

Guided Practice

• Give students a few minutes to skim through the short story or poem and identify any themes, motifs, or symbols that they can see.
• Have students share their observations with the class and discuss any similarities or differences in their observations.
• Next, have students work in small groups to brainstorm a list of possible themes, motifs, and symbols in a different Native American text.
• Have each group present their list to the class and discuss any similarities or differences in their lists.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose a different Native American text (other than the one that was discussed in the class) to read and analyze.
• Have students write a short essay analyzing the themes, motifs, and symbols in the text they have chosen. Encourage students to use specific examples from the text to support their analysis.

Closure

• Review the main themes, motifs, and symbols that were discussed in the class.
• Ask students to reflect on what they have learned about Native American literature and how they have expanded their understanding of this topic.

Assessment

• Evaluate students' presentations and class participation to assess their understanding of the chosen Native American literature and their ability to analyze its themes, motifs, and symbols.
• Administer a quiz to assess students' knowledge of the main characters, plot, and themes of the Native American literature studied in class.