Web Quest Lesson Plan

Introduction

In this unit, students have explored the topic of staying true to themselves. In this lesson, they will read about Native American basket weavers who stay true to themselves and their heritage through art. Students will then write poetry about themselves and their reactions to the readings.

Lesson Description

Students will read selected passages from The Language of Native American Baskets <www.nmai.si.edu/exhibitions/baskets>, and then create poetry about themselves and what they have read.<http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm>.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will read about Native American basket weavers and how they preserve the traditions of their tribes through their baskets.
2. Students will identify personal traits and activities that help them stay true to themselves.
3. Students will write six poems; three about themselves, and three about the basket weavers.

Student Web Activity Sample Autobiographical Poem

I Am

I am real and able.
I wonder if this is all there is.
I hear wind chimes,
I see a blue splash of water.
I want to make an impact on the world—
I am real and able.

I pretend I am a virtuoso violinist,
I feel like traveling the world.
I touch any dog that walks past me.
I worry I'll forget how to imagine and play like when I was a child.
I cry when I feel like wants and needs are out of reach.
I am real and able.

I understand that there is only one life.
I say live as you would want to be remembered!
I dream of looking back with no regrets.
I try to affect people and things in a positive way.
I hope to be able to pass these traits on to others through the example I set.
I am real and able.

Sample Basket Weavers Poem:

I Asked

I asked the basket why it was red,
And it straightened and told me proudly.
I asked the basket why it was made from bark,
And it shared the traditions of our ancestors.
I asked the basket why it was round,
And it showed me its purpose.
I asked the basket to help me understand,
And it gently answered my questions.
I asked the basket to show me the past,
And it did and the past was magnificent.
I asked the weavers, Why weave baskets?
And they smiled as they said, It is all we have ever known.
I asked myself, Why can't you do anything useful with your hands?
And the weavers gathered around.
The bark twisted
The skills taught
And I kept quiet
And everything was perfect.