Seventh
Grade: Story Tellers--"Passing on the Traditions"
Most
Native American tribes passed on the history of the tribe through oral
tradition. The elders would pass
the stories along to the children. Many
tribes had "story tellers" to teach moral lessons and values.
Our
"Story Teller" ceramic figures come from pre-Columbian inspiration
along with 20th century ceramics from the southwest. What
traditions and stories will you pass on to future generations? Talk to your
elders (parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles--or other community figures).
Below, are listed some ideas to get you started.
We will record your stories to play during our district art show--along
with video containing everyone's storyteller figures and your artist's
statement about what it means to you. You
do not need to include everything listed.
These may be very personal and do not HAVE to be recorded.
You will not be graded on the content---just on whether or not you do
the assignment.
1.
What nationality were
your ancestors?
2.
When did your
ancestors come to this country? What were they seeking?
3.
What was their
livelihood (what did they do for a living?)
4.
What family
traditions were passed down from your ancestors? What family traditions of
your ancestors are no longer practiced? (For instance, communication was very
important to my ancestors. They
spent their free time, what little they had, writing letters.
I have many of their letters saved.
My elders (on the Richer side) saved these letters dating from 1860's.
My personal family does not write letters, which to me is sad. We
occasionally phone one another--I am the one who phones to keep the
communication going)
5.
What lessons have you
learned from your elders? (Lessons
on character building, beliefs and values)
6.
What fond memories do
you have growing up? What stories
will you tell of the "good old days"?
7.
What traditions will
you pass on to future generations?
8.
What are your hopes
for the future? What are your concerns? (Will
the world end in the year 2012? What will the "New World" be like?)
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