Objective

By the end of this lesson, Rosabella will understand the journey of Native Americans during the Trail of Tears, the foods they ate, where they lived before and after the journey, and the importance of these foods in their culture.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and crayons or colored pencils for drawing.
• A map of the United States to show the Trail of Tears route.
• A list of traditional Native American foods.
• A simple recipe for a Native American dish (like cornbread) to try at home.
• Access to a safe cooking area if trying the recipe.

Activities

• Map Exploration:

  Rosabella can look at a map of the United States and trace the route of the Trail of Tears with her finger. Discuss where Native Americans came from and where they were forced to go.

• Food Art:

  Using paper and crayons, Rosabella can draw pictures of Native American foods like corn, beans, and squash. She can label each food and share why they are important.

• Cooking Time:

  If possible, Rosabella can help make a simple Native American dish like cornbread. This will help her understand what Native Americans ate and the importance of these foods.

Talking Points

• "The Trail of Tears was a long journey that many Native Americans had to take. They traveled to a new place where they had to start over."
• "Before the Trail of Tears, Native Americans lived in different places, like forests and plains, where they had their own homes and communities."
• "During their journey, they ate foods like corn, beans, and squash. These foods are called the 'Three Sisters' because they grow well together!"
• "After the journey, many Native Americans settled in new areas. They had to adapt and learn how to live in different environments."
• "Native American foods are important because they are made from ingredients found in nature and have been passed down through generations."
• "Eating traditional foods helps us remember the stories and history of Native Americans, and it's a way to stay connected to their culture."