American Girl - Girls of American History Unit 1 1764 Nez Perce-Kaya® - Teacher License

Although this particular unit pertains to a time in our history that is prior to the exploration of the Pacific Northwest and an establishment of a real organized government, the study of the Pacific Northwest and the Nez Perce Indians is still a rich part of the history of North America. This study could lead into later in history with a study of Chief Joseph and his meeting of Lewis and Clark, although this didn’t happen until later into the 1800s. It could also be used at a starting point to an American Indian unit through the 1800s, including the Trail of Tears and many other important events and battles. This unit was a favorite with my boys. Craft and field trip ideas from the time period are included in the unit to help enhance the study. Some examples of *crafts include; teepee craft, canoe craft, drawings and more.

Making history engaging for students is possibly one of the most difficult tasks for teachers.  How do we overcome that?  Two key things are critical for accomplishing this task.  First, it must be relatable in someway, and secondly, it needs to offer learning opportunities for multiple learning styles.  Girls of American History uses the popular American Girl book series.  This instantly makes history relatable, as the main characters are school age children, families and strong male characters. 

Girls of American History uses multisensory learning, which follows a pattern of Do It, Write It, Say It, Read It, See It.  Multisensory learning is great for every kind of learner - because each learner gets to experience learning the way they are most comfortable - but they also have the opportunity to learn through other senses.  Studies and research have shown that learning material through multiple senses helps children to retain information better.

The experiences practiced in multisensory learning allow each student to participate in ways that help them understand and retain best.  Boys and girls learn together and help each other with projects such as making Native American accesories, playing a Native American spear game, having discussions about the story, historical information, as well as positive character traits such as bravery, selflessness, etc.  .  

Schooling multiple ages together, in a co-op setting for example, is very manageable.  And, with the continuity of the same subject matter for literature and history, as well as crafts and field trip experiences, opportunities for discussion are plentiful and help build a love of learning.

Field trips can include an authentic Pow Wow or a tour of a fish hatchery.  This six week unit study using the American Girl® Kaya® series books is great for doing school in a large class setting,  or a smaller co-op environment.  Have a class Pow Wow at the end of the unit!

There are two options for the required readers for this unit.  American Girl orignally printed the Kaya stories in a six book set. These stories have been reformatted into a three book set called "Beforever".  Either book set will work for this curriculum.

This series of books follows a young Nez Perce girl through trials and triumphs. She learns about herself, her family and what it means to be a friend. Strong male charcters include both relatives and friends that are present throughout the series.

**Crafts are not included in the purchase of the curriculum, but resources and instruction as to what crafts to purchase are included.  Some units do include free craft templates. Teacher License allows permission for the purchaser to teach to as many groups and classes as they like.  There is no expiration.  Teacher may not make copies for parents, other teachers or the school/co-op.  The file remains the property of the purchaser only.