Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the cultural significance of the Nivagi and Crane song from "Molly of Denali," learn basic math concepts through related activities, explore scientific concepts about cranes, and gain insights into social studies by discussing the culture of Alaska Native people.
Materials and Prep
- Access to "Molly of Denali" episode featuring the Nivagi and Crane song
- Pencil and paper for math activities
- Art supplies (crayons, markers, or colored pencils) for drawing activities
- Books or articles about cranes and Alaska Native culture (if available)
- Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the Nivagi and Crane song and its themes.
Activities
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Watch and Discuss:
Start by watching the episode of "Molly of Denali" that features the Nivagi and Crane song. After watching, discuss what the song means and how it connects to the story. Ask the student how they felt about the song and what they learned from it.
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Math with Cranes:
Create a simple math activity where the student counts different types of cranes (real or drawn). For example, if they draw 5 cranes and 3 nests, ask them how many total items they have. This can include basic addition and subtraction problems.
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Science Exploration:
Learn about the life cycle of cranes. Have the student draw a picture of a crane and label its parts (like wings and beak). Discuss what cranes eat and where they live. This can lead to a conversation about ecosystems and habitats.
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Creative Art Project:
Encourage the student to create their own version of a Nivagi song. They can write simple lyrics about their favorite animal or nature and illustrate it. This combines creativity with cultural appreciation.
Talking Points
- "What do you think the Nivagi and Crane song is trying to tell us?"
- "Can you count how many cranes you see in your drawing? Let's add them up!"
- "What do you think cranes eat? Where do they live?"
- "Why do you think it's important to learn about different cultures like the Alaska Native people?"
- "How does music help us understand stories and cultures?"
- "What other animals do you like? Can you write a song about them?"
- "Do you remember what a habitat is? Can you tell me what a crane's habitat looks like?"
- "How can we protect cranes and their homes?"