Monster Birds

After reading Monster Birds to a third grade classroom, we discussed the book. As a whole, the class enjoyed the tale. We talked about how storytelling is an important part of the Native American way of life, and how this folktale has been passed down for generations through storytelling. One of the most important points that students learned from this book is that sometimes we can change bad things into good things if we work hard and we know that others have faith in us. Other student comments included how taking care of your people is important to the Navajos. We also talked about how the twins used courage and responsibility in hunting down the Monster Birds and killing them to save their people. They also liked the colorful illustration, and the fact that although the twins had magical feathers and lightning bolts, they also made mistakes. (One of them opened his eyes when being lowered from the cliff by Spiderwoman's web, causing the web to break).

After our discussion, we started our sand painting art project. This was a lot of fun, and it was inexpensive! My only suggestion is to use simple patterns if you do not employ the ones provided with the lesson plan. As the students must outline the images with glue, and control over glue bottles is sometimes difficult, it is helpful to have simple patterns. It is also a good idea to cover the tables/desks with newspaper. Then give each child a piece of scrap paper to place underneath their tag board. Explain that this is to be used to catch the extra sand each time they use a different color. After each application, gather excess sand on the scrap paper and replace in the correct cup.

 

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