Native American Myths

English III – Mrs. McBeth

Emma Ortega Master Story Teller

A myth is a story told generation after generation explaining why the world is the way it is. It presents the views of a certain group who creates it. Creation myths explain how the universe, the earth, and life began. There are 4 main functions of myths, which include instilling awe, explaining the world, supporting customs, and guiding people. View the History and Myths told to Mrs. McBeth's Class by Emma Ortega See Mrs. McBeth or Mrs. Ratliff to view the Myths How Texas Indians Got Hispanic Names(History) The Pow Wow (History) How the Stars were Made (Myth) Vain Possum (Myth) Coyote Eyes (Myth) Be Careful What You Promise (Myth) The two best student-created original myths with orginal artwork from each of Mrs. McBeth's classes are posted here: And Then There Was Turquoise Creation of Turquoise Crying Turtle Frog and Lizard Legend of the Caterpillar Moon and Stars Running Horse Turquoise Turtle

Although it was the first American literature to be created, Native American literature has been the last to be recognized -- and, to some extent, is still waiting for full recognition. Beginning with its first thousand years of oral literature and continuing to the present time with writers in all the genre of literature, Native American is an important element in the literature of this country.”   http://www.usc.edu/isd/archives/ethnicstudies/indian_lit.html

Native American Unit 

§         Study Native American Culture

Do’s & Don’ts Hurt and Pain Streaming Video  http://www.ableza.org/dodont.html 

View and discuss art and music.

§         Read “The World on the Turtle’s Back” p.24 and take notes.

§         Discuss the different myths in the story.

§         View Native American storytelling video “Bright Eyes.”

§         Read “Coyote and the Buffalo” p. 39 and take notes.

§         Listen to storyteller Emma Ortega present a story.

§         In groups tell assigned parts of the stories we read in the style of the Native  

     American storyteller. 

Project:

§         In groups create and write a myth telling how turquoise was created.

    “The desert people danced and rejoiced with the coming of the rains. Their tears of joy   

     seeped with the downpour onto mother earth-to become the ‘stone of the sky and water.’  So  

     goes the legend of turquoise, whose clear hearted hue takes center stage."  Coldwater Creek

§         Research Native American art, crafts, and music.  Possible sites to use:

                    Ableza home page  http://www.ableza.org/index.shtml

                    Musician, artists, & storytellers sites   http://www.nativeculture.com/lisamitten/music.html

                    Index to sites  http://www.hanksville.org/NAresources/ 

                    Flute Site  http://www.echoespast.com/index.html

                    Research  http://www.historylink101.com/1/native_american/native_american_indian.htm

§         Create a piece of art or make a craft or instrument to go with your story.

§         Create a piece of music, or at  least, find a piece of music to play along with  

     the telling of your story.

§         Share with the class and tele-conference or videotape for the Collaboratory.

§         After reading/viewing our stories, Mrs. Cherney’s class in Chicago will write    

                   A play about one of our myths, make a set, costumes, etc., and tele-          

                   conference or videotape it for us to view.