Native American Studies Model Curriculum: Grade 4
This powerful video that uplifts Native youth voices was produced by Wiyot filmmaker Michelle Hernandez and Richie Wenzler.
This profound truth-telling video features Guiding Leaders of the Native American Studies Model Curriculum. Recommended for grades 4-12.
Introduction
The 4th grade Native American Studies curriculum offers a vital opportunity to reframe the way California history is taught. These lessons are designed to humanize Native experiences and challenge the longstanding misrepresentations found in traditional approaches to California’s colonial past. Rather than centering narratives of cultural erasure, this curriculum uplifts the voices, knowledge systems, and ongoing presence
of California Native peoples—presenting them as thriving, resilient communities with deep connections to land, language, and culture.
Students engage with content through inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking. Each lesson is approximately 45–60 minutes long and supports integration across 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 taught independently. This flexible structure allows educators to use the curriculum as a full sequence or to incorporate individual lessons into existing instruction.
Units* and Mini Units
More than 5 lessons* | 5 lessons or less
