Welcome to the Third-Fifth Grade Native American Studies Curriculum

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. Students will also encounter the story of Ishi and issues around repatriation, along with broader themes of colonization, devastation, and the enduring resilience of Tribal Nations. Lessons highlight Indigenous stewardship practices and relationships to the land, explore the significance of federal Tribal treaties, and include a Mathematics Basketry Unit that integrates geometry and cultural design. Other topics include California Tribal land and ecosystems,Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Native expression through poetry.

Throughout the curriculum, students engage with rich, culturally grounded content through storytelling, art, language, and observation-based learning. Many lessons highlight regional Tribal voices and perspectives, providing students with a more accurate and inclusive understanding of California’s history and present-day Native communities.

Although the curriculum is organized by grade level, educators are encouraged to explore lessons across all grade bands. Many lessons can be adapted for use in other grades and offer opportunities to expand regional representation and deepen students’ learning experiences.

*We invite you to begin your learning journey by watching two videos, Native California History, a profound truth-telling video featuring Guiding Leaders of the Native American Studies Model Curriculum and We Are Still Here, a powerful video uplifting Native youth voices, produced by Wiyot filmmaker Michelle Hernandez and Richie Wenzler.