Lakota Lesson Plans

Learners count in Lakota Sioux numbers and solve math problems. In this algebra lesson, students count in a different language and use it to solve math problems. They work on their pronunciation and spelling as well as math skills in this assignment.

Students research the Native Americans living in the regions explored by Lewis and Clark. They identify the modern-day names of sites claimed by the Lakota Indians, and create a poster of the original Native American names.

Students are introduced to the topic of traditions. They examine the traditions and cultures of the Tlingit, Lakota and Cherokee Native American groups. Using their language, they practice saying a few words to each other and identify the similiarities and differences between the three groups.

Pupils discuss and identify the signs, symbol, and sacred animals associated with traditional Lakota objects of the past. They then design and create a two-dimensional piece of art that incorporates one of these signs or symbols.

Students examine and review Lakota beadwork designs. They watch an instructional video on how to bead and then design and graph a design on paper. Finally they bead the design onto a leather bag.

Students discover the artistic and story-telling aspects of the Lakota Tipi.  In this Native American history instructional activity, students create a tipi using blankets, a table, and chairs, then paint parts of their story on sections of canvas to pin to the tipi.  Included is a facts sheet on the Lakota Tipi and a color photo of a tipi.

Students will identify the structure of the Dakota Nation including the Seven Council Fires, explore the relationship between the Corps of Discovery and the Lakota and examine the conflict between the two parties from varied points of view.

Students study the buffalo. They watch a video and read a stroy about the buffalo and what it meant to Native American Indian tribes. They practice naming the parts of buffalo in Lakota.

Learners research the traditional Lakota tipi (teepee) and compare types of homes used in the past with those used today. They design and construct an accurate model of a tipi.

Students research how religions are created and how they influence the way people live. They identify the religious beliefs and practices of the Inuit, Lakota, Apache, Navajo and Iroquois Native Americans. Students find the similarities/differences of those beliefs and practices as well. They set up a tribal meeting to share their findings with the class.