The Turtle Take

Grade Level:
Elementary

Subject Areas:
Reading, Social Studies, Visual
Arts

Setting:
Classroom

Skills:
Observation, analyzing,
interpreting, presenting

Prior Preparation: To set the
stage, teach the students the
Turtle Chant (attached) and
have a small discussion about
the Native American culture.
Explain to students the
meaning of animal totems
(attached). Educator may also
want to lead a discussion
about turtle habitat and life
cycle. Have children take a
few minutes to brainstorm
different types of dwellings or
have them illustrate their ideas
and then discuss. Explain that
turtles carry their homes with
them and that, in many
instances, Native Americans
did too.

Vocabulary:
reptile

South Dakota Education
Standards for 4th grade:
Reading
4.R.1.1; 4.R.1.2; 4.R.4.1; 4.R.3.1
Social Studies
4.G.2.1
Visual Arts
Standard 1; Standard 3

Objective: Students will listen to a Native American fable and will construct a turtle home.

Materials: The "Turtle Tale" story, 2 small (6") paper plates, 1 straw, turtle pattern, scissors,
markers or crayons, stapler, Native American housing styles (optional), pre contact housing types
(optional)

Background: In South Dakota, there are several types of turtles that are residents of the state.
One, the western painted turtle, lives around permanent bodies of water. They are cold-blooded
and survive South Dakota's winters by hibernating. The Lakota name for turtle is "keya" and they
are often portrayed in Lakota stories, artwork and crafts. For more information about the
western painted turtle, refer to the attached document, re-printed from the "Natural Source".

Turtles are an ancient animal. Turtles live in and around water, whereas tortoises are land
bound. The turtle is considered sacred to most Native American cultures. It is a healer,
protector, can grant long life, wisdom, and good health. The turtle is also seen as a symbol of
the Universe and Earth, bringing the two together within ourselves is something turtle can teach.
Turtle totems hold the knowledge of awakening the senses, both physically and spiritually.

Procedure:
Copy the head, feet and tail pattern onto green paper.

Read students "The Turtle Tale" story. Ask them how this story differs from stories they've
heard of pertaining to the beginning of time. Explain that the Native American culture has
stories for the "beginnings" of many things (how the sun came to be, how wolves came to hunt,
how buffalo came to dwell in the plains, etc.). Have students share any stories that have been
handed down through their families/cultures that explain the "beginning" of something
important to them (i.e., their birth is the beginning of their family, their grandfather's immigration
is the beginning of their family living in this country, etc.).

Discuss with the class that sometimes having a home is a beginning and that they are going to
make a turtle home. Ask for ideas on what a turtle home could be. Most students may know
that turtles live in their shells - their homes. Give the class some basic information about turtles
(see attached) and explain that they are very revered in the Native American culture as being
one of the wisest creatures created.

Pass out the supplies needed to make the turtle.

Have students color the bottom (outside) section of the plates to create a bright home for their
turtle. Staple the plates together, top to top, creating a rounded shell for the turtle. Have
children cut out 4 feet, 1 head and 1 tail.

Staple, glue, or tape the feet onto the top shell. Staple the tail to one end of the straw and
staple the head onto the other end.

Slip straw between the plates. Tape or stable the bottom plate and the top plate together to
form a shell, leaving an opening by the head. Next have the student pull the tail to make the
head go into the shell (the turtle is going home). Push the tail to make it come out.

Extensions:
Make copies and/or invite your class to view the "Pre-Contact Housing Types" map provided in
this activity. Review what type of housing was used in your area. Pass out copies of the "Native
American Housing Styles" sheet and have students match the pictures of each type dwelling
with the coinciding areas on the map where that type of dwelling was used. Encourage students
to do additional research on the Internet to find out more about each type of dwelling (i.e.,
what types of materials were used to construct the dwelling, how many families lived in the
specific type of dwelling, etc.).

Have a "Dances with Wolves" party. Show the video, pop some "maize" and have fun!

Explore a nearby Native American cultural experience - whether it's attending a local powwow
or hoop dance ceremony, visiting an Indian burial ground or discovering Native American
artwork at a state/tribal-sponsored exhibit.

Vocabulary Glossary:
Reptile: A cold-blooded animal that cannot control the temperature of its body.

Activity adapted from FEMA for Kids