Native American Studies Model Curriculum 
Grades TK-2 Introduction

This TK–2nd grade Native American Studies curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, connection, and meaningful learning for young students. Each lesson is approximately 45–60 minutes long and offers engaging, developmentally appropriate content that supports the integration of History–Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts, English Language Arts, and Math standards.  

Lessons are organized into three formats: full Units (more than five lessons, identified with an asterisk), Mini-Units (two to five lessons), and Single Lessons that can be used on their own. Across this grade span, common themes include: acorns and seasonal cycles, a thoughtful and inclusive Thanksgiving Toolkit, appreciation of plants, animals, and the land, history and origin stories shared by Tribal communities, and lessons featuring youth authors, artists, and Tribal language integration. Many lessons also incorporate the arts as a way for students to express learning and connect with the content creatively.

Whether used as a full sequence or integrated flexibly into existing instruction, this curriculum offers rich opportunities to explore Native perspectives through interactive, story-based, and standards-aligned learning experiences.  While lessons are organized by grade level, educators are encouraged to explore across the curriculum. Many lessons can be adapted for different grades and offer rich opportunities to deepen learning with additional regional representation of Native tribes.

Begin your learning journey by watching We Are Still Here, a video uplifting Native Youth voices produced by Wiyot Filmmaker, Michelle Hernandez and Richie Wenzler.