Native American Studies: TK - Second Grade

Animals © Zion LaMarr (Paiute, Pit River, and Modoc - member of the Susanville Indian Rancheria)

Artwork featured in Why Animals Have Black on Their Fur: A Paiute Creation Story

Welcome to the TK - 2nd Grade Native American Studies Curriculum

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.

"We Are Still Here"

We invite you to begin your learning journey by watching "We Are Still Here," a powerful video uplifting Native youth voices, produced by Wiyot filmmaker Michelle Hernandez and Richie Wenzler.