Kaya: Dioramas to die for

This class is such a delightful group!  I predict each week will get better and better.

Today we learned all about the Nez Perce Native Americans.  This is the tribe of Kaya, our first American Girl.  

We started out by filling in some info on our timeline, including Jamestown, Pocahontas's trip to England, and then the date Kaya lived.

We marked on a map where her home was located. (WA, OR, and ID)

Then we dove in to figure out just what her life was like.  We discovered it was a lot like ours.

We talked about the food she ate, clothes she wore, chores she did, homes she lived in, and the tradition of storytelling.

This aligns perfectly with our first project.  The task is to make a diorama all about the life of Kaya and the Nez Perce.  We looked at an example of a diorama and I could definitely sense excitement in the air about this project!

Everyone received a cardboard box to use as a base.  You also received a paper bag full of supplies.  Just as the Nez Perce used every inch of the buffalo they killed, you are tasked with using everything INSIDE of the bag and the bag itself!  If you do, you will be rewarded. I can't wait to see your creativity.  Please bring your dioramas back next Thursday.  And be ready to explain what you made.  You are free to use any additional supplies you find as well!  Take a walk outside and use the resources around you, just like Kaya!

You also received your first memorization assignment.  You are to read the story about the Nez Perce and then retell it in your own words (oral storytelling) to someone that you think is awesome.  Then that someone can sign the back of your paper to prove your assignment is complete!  Bring these back to class and show me.

Next week we will talk about the character of Kaya.  She learns a very valuable lesson.  We are also going to talk about a couple of the Nez Perce traditions that I think you will like.

Also, in two weeks we will be taught by Merry Dial all about horses.  I passed out the field trip permission slips today.  Please bring them back next week.  

Thank you for all of your great behavior and discussion in class today.  It was such a treat to share the morning with you.

1) Nez Perce diorama

2) Memorization

3) Field trip permission slip

Also, if you want to do some more research about Kaya, here are some links:

Nez Perce Facts for Kids | eHow

				Nez Perce Facts for Kids | eHow The Nez Perce people got their name from a French Canadian translator who accompanied the 1805 Lewis and Clark exploration. It means "pierced nose," but that pra...
				View on www.ehow.com	Preview by Yahoo

Facts for Kids: Nez Perce Indians (Nez Perces)

				Facts for Kids: Nez Perce Indians (Nez Perces) Information about the Nez Perce Indians for students and teachers. Covers food, homes, arts and crafts, weapons, culture, and daily life of the Nez Perces.
				View on www.bigorrin.org	Preview by Yahoo

Have a great week full of research and crafting!