NATIVE AMERICAN FOLKTALES

This intriguing video lesson, replete with music and colorful animation, presents four tales from four different Native-American groups:

"Storytelling Stone", from the Seneca tribe of the northeastern woodland area, explains how stories first came to humans. An orphan, despised and taunted, leaves his village. After traveling many days, he sets camp near a huge stone. The stone tells the young man how to receive tales. After learning to give thanks and make sacrifices for the stories, the youngster becomes the first person to hear them. In time, he passes along the stories to others.

"Pelican Girl" comes from the Pacific Coastal Miwok group. It is a cautionary tale that encourages children to obey tribal rules. Pelican Girl has just become a woman, and, according to the ways of her people, must not pick berries or bend down for several weeks. But she forgets and the results are tragic. An evil, fire-eating shaman from the north kidnaps her and takes her to his village. Her exciting rescue, employing magical powers, will keep students on the edge of their chairs.

"The Boy Who Loved Bears" comes from the Pawnee, a Plains group. This beautiful tale helps youngsters understand the significance of bears in Pawnee culture and recognize the deep bond between Native Americans and nature. A young man is killed by a raiding party but is brought back to life by a bear. The two become brothers and lead parallel lives.

"The Turkey Girl" comes from the Pueblo culture of the Southwest. It shows the importance of trust in Pueblo culture and explains why turkeys flee when humans approach. Youngsters will find the similarity to the Cinderella story fascinating.

Includes: 22-minute video; Teacher's Guide Grades 4-8