Generalization & Rationale Objectives Teacher Information & Introductory Activity Main Lesson Supplementary Lessons Print Lesson & Worksheets

Lesson 2 - Supplementary Lessons

Supplementary Lesson #1

Remind students about the concepts related to oral history. Oral history is one way in which knowledge, traditions and customs are passed down from one generation to the next. Discuss with students how many Aboriginal groups did not use writing to preserve their history, but instead told stories and legends, and invented symbols to represent ideas. These symbols are known as hieroglyphics (this word could be added to the new word wall).

Discuss with students modern forms of hieroglyphics, like street signs (use pictures to illustrate). Discuss some symbols that could be used to represent a girl, boy, grandmother, grandfather, dog, horse, mom, dad, house etc. Either draw these on the board or on the flip chart to provide students with a visual aid. Distribute the 'Blackfoot Hieroglyphics' worksheet. Students will then create their own hieroglyphic story of an important event or ceremony that they celebrate within their own family.

Provide each student with a portion of a brown paper bag that they can rip to look like a buffalo hide. Make sure they write their names on one side. On the other side, have them use pastels to create a 'symbol story'. Students should try to mimic some of the symbols created in class or those provided on the handout. Once they are finished, they will 'wash' their hide by using a paintbrush and brown tempera paint. The paint will not adhere to the pastel. Students will then crumple up their hide and then spread it out to dry. This will give it the effect of being an authentic buffalo hide.

To conclude the activity, encourage each student to explain the meaning of their buffalo hide 'symbol story' and then display them around the classroom.

Supplementary Lesson #2

The Blackfoot people initially wore moccasins for the practical purpose of protecting their feet from the elements. However, the creation of moccasins also fell within the creative sphere, as Blackfoot women would often decorate the tops of moccasins with simple geometric patterns. Distribute the 'Patterns of Moccasin Design' worksheet that describes six different moccasin patterns. Distribute the 'Design Units' worksheet to students so that they may see the six basic quill and beadwork patterns that were commonly used. Make sure they understand that the Blackfoot women only used five colours: red, blue, white, yellow and green. Distribute the 'Create Your Own moccasin Design' worksheet and allow students to create their own moccasin design by following the basic patterns used by the Blackfoot people. Have students cut out their moccasins once they are done and display them around the classroom.

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