The New York State Social Studies standards require that fourth grade students learn about the Haudenosaunee, better known as the Iroquis; a confederacy of Native Americans and First Nations peoples in northeast North America and Upstate New York.
The unit inspired fourth grade teacher Sue Rota to create a multi-modal learning experience for her class. “Because many Iroquois people still live in New York State, I felt it was important to provide my students with an opportunity to learn about the history of the Haudenosaunee and their life and culture from all angles - giving them more of a 360 degree view.” In order to accomplish this, Rota enlisted help from some of her colleagues. Art Teacher Mark Stankiewicz, STEM Integration Specialist Mariah Klimowich, Music Teacher Cailin Cienki and Digital Literacy Teacher Valerie Miu all agreed to incorporate lessons about the Iroquois into their areas of specialty.
▪️In art class, the students studied the longhouse, the traditional home for the Haudenosaunee. Mark Stankiewicz shared the history and construction of the structure, and then the students worked in teams to build their own reproduction.
▪️Mariah Klimowich introduced the students to traditional Iroquois wampum belts, their patterns and meanings. After researching different designs, the students created their own unique designs using pipe cleaners and beads as their STEM activity.
▪️Music class had the fourth graders dancing and singing in the style of the Haudenosaunee tribe. Under the direction of Cailin Cienki, the students learned that music is the way that the Iroquis socialize and celebrate. They studied the different instruments and sounds they make, and learned the song and movements for the “Standing Quiver Dance”.
▪️To round out the project, Valerie Mui instructed the scholars in compiling everything they learned about the Iroquis people and culture into a one-page informational document, which they presented to the class.
The students' completed projects are currently on display outside of the fourth grade classroom.
Research skills are valuable and a necessary component of a scholar’s academic career. Lessons that cross modalities and require students to use critical thinking create an understanding of academic research and build a strong foundation for executing future projects.
Thanks to Ms. Rota for making the Iroquois unit fun and interesting for our students!
