California Native Peoples Counting 1-10

In this engaging K–1 lesson, students are introduced to Coyote at the Big Time, A California Indian 123, a counting book written and illustrated by Karuk/Yurok/Hupa artist, Lyn Risling. The lesson begins with a video read-aloud of the book, featuring Lyn Risling herself, who introduces her cultural background and reads the story aloud to the class. Through vibrant illustrations and simple counting, the book highlights cultural elements and traditional activities associated with Big Time gatherings, such as dancing, drumming, singing, and community celebration. After the read-aloud, the teacher guides students through a set of interactive slides that reinforce number recognition from 1 to 10. Each slide features a number alongside images from the book and includes a short video clip, image or description of Native people participating in Big Time activities. These visual and auditory elements help bring the story to life and provide students with a deeper understanding of California Native cultures and community life. To conclude the lesson, students engage in a hands-on sequencing activity, putting numbers 1 through 10 in order. This fun and developmentally appropriate activity supports number recognition and introduces students to the significance of Native cultural traditions in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.