7 Helpful Tips for Native American Activities in the Classroom

Classroom teaching tips graphic for Native American lessons with colorful feathers in the background

Within this Native American Activities blog post, you’ll find read alouds, technology, and other lesson plan ideas. You’ll also find crafts at the end of the blog post. And finally, there is a freebie for you to download as well. Teaching about Native American history and Native American life is very important for primary grades. It is necessary for students to know what their country was once like, and how Native Americans still live in the country today.

Read Alouds for Native American Lessons

Collection of Native American children’s books including titles like The Sioux, The Apache, and The Very First Americans

When learning about Native Americans, it’s great for students to listen to stories and nonfiction texts. This helps to clear up any misconceptions they have had about Native Americans in the past. So here are just a few great reads about Native American life. Check your local library (sooner rather than later!) to see if you can stock up on Native American literature and informational text. Or stock up with these Amazon affiliate links to buy!

Provide Visual Lessons and Videos to Teach

Laptop showing National Geographic Kids webpage with Native American learning articles and images

(Source: BrainPop Jr. Collection, and BrainPop American Indian video)

BrainPop will forever be one of my favorite resources to suggest to teachers. First, you have BrainPop Jr. for younger students. They don’t have a video only about Native Americans in general. However, they do have individual videos for specific tribes. Then, you have BrainPop, which does introduce a video about Native Americans and how they still live in our country today!

Computer screen showing online Native American teaching videos, including topics like Cherokee, Pueblo, and Chief Joseph, used for elementary social studies lessons

(Source: National Geographic Kids)

This website has a wealth of information. There are articles and resources for information on different Native People in different parts of the country. First, for each region, they include historical traditions and practices. Then, they include information about how those Native Americans live in the country now. For instance, in the Arctic article, they talk about how Native Americans survived the cold climate in the past and today!

Teach Native American Vocabulary

Native American vocabulary worksheets and illustrated cards featuring words like “totem pole” and “hunting and farming” for elementary students

(Source: Native Americans Activities)

Make sure to teach new vocabulary to students during their Native American activities unit. Help students explore Native American life through vocabulary-building activities. These worksheets include words, definitions, and illustration prompts to deepen understanding of important concepts. Students can use them for writing, discussion, and reading comprehension connections.

Include Native American Life Today

Native American lesson materials showing reading passages about reservations, modern life, and common misconceptions

(Source: Native Americans Unit)

Help students learn about Native Americans’ lives today with thoughtful reading passages. Topics to cover include modern traditions, life on reservations, and correcting misconceptions. Find books, online videos, and even these reading passages to help teach your students about Native Americans today!

Provide Lots of Learning Opportunities

Printable Native American reading passages and comprehension worksheets for kids covering Arctic, Woodland, and Plains regions

(Source: Native Americans Unit)

Although this social studies theme has tons of information to teach, you may be lacking social studies time. Consider working Native American activities such as reading passages about different tribes or regions into your reading block, morning work, small group study, or homework. Reading passages can help deepen students’ understandings.

Native American Activities: Exploring with Crafts

American Indian totem pole craft idea for the elementary classroom.

(Source: Thomas Elementary Art)

This is such a great cooperative activity for the entire class. After learning about the totem poles and their purposes, this would be a fantastic way to bring in different learning styles.

Teaching Native American history map activity for elementary students.

(Source: Mrs. Schmelzer’s First Grade)

I love this activity for working with groups! First, you’ll split the students up into different groups. Then, you’ll let them research different tribes. They will create a map of tribes around North America.