Native American Studies Model Curriculum: Grades 3-5
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 3rd–5th grade Native American Studies curriculum invites students to engage deeply with Native histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences 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 structure allows for flexibility in how the curriculum is used—whether implemented as a full sequence or woven into existing instruction.
In this grade span, themes explore a range of topics including California Native artists, Tribal homelands prior to statehood, the experiences of California Indians during the Mission Era, and the profound impact of the California Gold Rush on Native communities.
