The purpose of this interdisciplinary project is to immerse 3rd-grade students in the rich storytelling traditions of Native American tribes, fostering an understanding of their culture, history, and community values. Through exploring fables, myths, folk tales, and fairy tales, students will gain insights into how storytelling serves as a vital tool for preserving heritage and identity across different tribes. By engaging with community partners such as Kumeyaay Tribal members and native artists, students will have authentic learning experiences that connect them to real-world perspectives. The project aims to develop students' narrative writing skills and mastery of English writing conventions while encouraging creative expression through mediums like stop motion videos and songs. Ultimately, the project will culminate in an exhibition at the Children's library, where students will share their learning and creations with families and the community, celebrating the diverse storytelling traditions of Native American tribes.

In this project, students will explore the rich storytelling traditions of Native American tribes, focusing on how these narratives convey history, culture, and community values. They will develop skills in narrative writing by crafting their own stories inspired by Native American fables, myths, folk tales, and fairy tales. Students will also enhance their understanding of English writing conventions through various styles of writing, including creating stop motion videos or songs. By engaging with community partners such as Kumeyaay Tribal members and native artists, students will gain insights into the preservation of heritage and identity through storytelling. The project will also cover the geography and regions of the U.S. to provide context for the diverse storytelling traditions across different tribes. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students will learn to appreciate cultural similarities and differences while developing their narrative and creative expression skills.

In this seven-week project, third-grade students will explore the rich storytelling traditions of Native American tribes through an interdisciplinary approach. They will engage in narrative writing, focusing on fables, myths, folk tales, and fairy tales, to deepen their understanding of Native American culture and history. Students will create written stories, stop motion videos, or songs to demonstrate their mastery of English writing conventions and storytelling techniques. They will analyze and compare the storytelling traditions of various tribes, identifying similarities and differences, and reflecting on how these narratives preserve heritage and identity. By collaborating with community partners such as Kumeyaay Tribal members and native artists, students will gain authentic insights and perspectives. The project will culminate in an exhibition at the Children's library, where students will present their creative works to families and community members, showcasing their learning and appreciation for Native American storytelling traditions.

To kick off the project, organize a storytelling event featuring a Kumeyaay Tribal member or a native artist. Invite them to share a traditional story from their tribe, using a blend of oral storytelling, music, and visual aids. This immersive experience will introduce students to the rich tradition of Native American storytelling and set the stage for their exploration. Following the storytelling, facilitate a discussion where students can reflect on the themes, characters, and cultural elements they observed. Encourage them to ask questions and express their initial thoughts on how storytelling serves as a tool for preserving history and identity. This launch activity will spark curiosity and provide a meaningful context for the interdisciplinary project.

At the culmination of the project, students will host an interactive exhibition at the Children's Library, inviting families and children to explore the rich tapestry of Native American storytelling. The exhibition will feature student-created stop motion videos and songs that illustrate the diverse storytelling traditions of various Native American tribes. Each student will present a narrative piece, showcasing their mastery of English writing conventions through fables, myths, folk tales, or fairy tales inspired by Native American culture. Community partners, including Kumeyaay Tribal members and native artists, will be invited to share their insights and engage with the audience, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of these stories. The event will serve as a platform for students to demonstrate their learning and celebrate the preservation of Native American heritage and identity through storytelling.