Rivers and Indians

In our history book, we just enjoyed a chapter taking us across the geography of North America. The Mississippi River was one focus, so we paused to review about rivers.

The kids took turns reading The River aloud.

The River, by George Maxim Ross

And got out the land and water tiles to make rivers, flowing from tiny streams in the high mountains, into mighty rivers moving out to sea.

Hexagonal shaped tiles painted with blue for water. Glass baubles make mountains (some have snow painted on the top!)

Big Sister make many trickling streams which descend from the ice-capped mountain and form into a great meandering river to a marshy bay and ocean.

Because the geography described is the setting for many native American tribes of 'Indians' I got out some of our favorite books to read as well.

The Sunflower Garden, by Janice May Udry - An Algonquin tale about farming

In My Mother's House, by Anne Nolan Clark- Navajos who live in pueblos

When Clay Sings, by Byrd Baylor - Making pots in the Anasazi, Hohokam, Mimbres, and Mogollan cultures

Buffalo Hunt, by Russel Freedman- Plains Indians, extensive history and stories

Dancing Drum, by Terri Cohlene - Cherokee tale

Indians of the Northeast Coast, Lyell Dawes

Powhatan Indians, Melissa McDaniel

Quillworker, by Terri Cohlene- Cheyenne tale

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, by Paul Goble - Plains Indians about horses

The Mud Pony, by Caron Lee Cohen- Skidi Pawanee tale about horses

Sky Dogs, by Jane Yolen -  Blackfeet tale about horses