TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Nov 16, 2025
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Zitkala-Sa/Gertrude Simmons Bonnin - Unladylike 2020
Grades
6 to 12
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Introduce your students to the inspiring life of Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin), a Yankton Dakota writer, musician, and political activist. This resource delves into her journey...more
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Introduce your students to the inspiring life of Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin), a Yankton Dakota writer, musician, and political activist. This resource delves into her journey from attending a Quaker missionary-run boarding school at age eight to becoming a powerful advocate for Native American rights. Zitkala-Sa co-composed and wrote the libretto for The Sun Dance Opera, the first American Indian opera, and co-founded the National Council of American Indians to lobby for increased political power for American Indians.
tag(s): native americans (116), politics (120), women (176), womenchangemaker (67)
In the Classroom
Have students read one of Zitkala-Sa/Gertrude Simmons Bonnin's books. Students can listen to her music and use Answer Garden, reviewed here to write down words that they feel as they are listening to her music, then view their word cloud. Finally, students can create a book using Book Creator, reviewed here to create a book of Indigenous rights activists.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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American Experience: Native Americans - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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The American Experience: Native Peoples collection on PBS LearningMedia provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the histories, cultures,...more
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The American Experience: Native Peoples collection on PBS LearningMedia provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the histories, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous communities in the United States. Topics covered include the forced relocations such as the Trail of Tears, the impact of government-run boarding schools on Indigenous children, Native American involvement in the Civil War, and the American Indian Movement's role in events like the Wounded Knee occupation. These materials offer valuable insights to enhance classroom discussions and promote a deeper understanding of Native American histories and contemporary issues.
tag(s): civil war (141), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
After exploring topics like the Trail of Tears or Native American boarding schools, have students create a timeline using Timeline, reviewed here or Timelinely, reviewed here that includes both historical events and modern Indigenous rights movements or cultural revivals. After viewing a clip on government-run boarding schools, students can write a fictionalized journal entry from the perspective of an Indigenous child attending one of these schools, using historical details to guide their writing. Using inspiration from the We Shall Remain series, instruct students to create a digital collage using PhotoCollage, reviewed here or short video using Animoto, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Monah - Monah
Grades
9 to 12
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Monah offers lessons on the First People, including the Black Kettle and the Washita River Massacre, The Sterilization of Native American Women in Oklahoma, The Tonkawa People: A Retracing...more
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Monah offers lessons on the First People, including the Black Kettle and the Washita River Massacre, The Sterilization of Native American Women in Oklahoma, The Tonkawa People: A Retracing of Steps from Texas to Oklahoma, Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I, Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty, and Osage Massacres and Gender Roles. Lesson plans include an introduction, materials, learning objectives, slides, quizzes, websites, primary sources, and map activities.
tag(s): 1800s (77), 1900s (80), 1910s (26), 1920s (25), 1930s (40), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in the lessons presented as they are from the site. They can also take a virtual tour of the Museum of Native American History Monah Virtual Tour. Students can also compare two different groups/tribes of Native Americans. Compare using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Coyote Story - Crow Animations
Grades
4 to 8
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The video "Coyote Story" tells the story of Coyote discovering a group of ducks and devising a plan to trick them. This traditional Chippewa tale, shared in the Ojibwe storytelling...more
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The video "Coyote Story" tells the story of Coyote discovering a group of ducks and devising a plan to trick them. This traditional Chippewa tale, shared in the Ojibwe storytelling tradition, aims to bring Native American stories to broader audiences while preserving the rich language and cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): native americans (116), stories and storytelling (65)
In the Classroom
Have students retell the story of Coyote and the ducks using illustrations or puppets they create. Encourage them to focus on the sequence of events and the lessons learned. Challenge students to write their own Coyote story, following the traditional format using Book Creator, reviewed here or on paper. Assign students to research the Ojibwe people, focusing on their storytelling traditions, culture, and history. They can present findings as a poster or a multimedia presentation using Canva, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Molly of Denali - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 2
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The PBS Learning Media "Molly of Denali" collection offers an engaging educational platform for elementary-level learners, featuring interactive lessons, videos, and games inspired...more
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The PBS Learning Media "Molly of Denali" collection offers an engaging educational platform for elementary-level learners, featuring interactive lessons, videos, and games inspired by the award-winning animated series. The collection explores topics such as cultural traditions, geography, and environmental awareness while fostering literacy, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning. Through engaging videos, games, and activities, young learners develop reading, research, and critical thinking skills, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for Alaska Native heritage and the natural world.
tag(s): alaska (22), critical thinking (140), literacy (121), native americans (116), problem solving (243), social and emotional learning (114)
In the Classroom
After watching an episode of Molly going on an adventure, have students create maps of their neighborhood or a fictional place, labeling key landmarks and paths. Students share a family tradition or create a short story like the Alaskan Native storytelling tradition. Create a classroom challenge, like building a small bridge from classroom materials to connect to Molly's problem-solving a challenge.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources - Zinn Education Project
Grades
6 to 12
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The Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources webpage from the Zinn Education Project provides resources to challenge traditional narratives of Columbus Day by centering the history and resilience...more
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The Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources webpage from the Zinn Education Project provides resources to challenge traditional narratives of Columbus Day by centering the history and resilience of Indigenous peoples. It offers lesson plans, articles, and book recommendations aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the colonial impact on Native communities and celebrating Indigenous cultures and histories. These materials are designed to help educators engage students with Indigenous peoples' historical and ongoing struggles, encouraging a more inclusive and accurate view of history. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): columbus day (7), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Students can create posters, poems, or videos celebrating Indigenous cultures and contributions. Use a tool such as Canva Edu, reviewed here. They might research Indigenous art, music, or traditions and present their findings creatively. Use a lesson plan where students take on roles of Indigenous people, European settlers, or other historical figures to explore the impact of colonization. Role-playing encourages empathy and helps students understand multiple perspectives. Have students research local Indigenous history, such as tribes native to their area, and create a presentation or written report. The presentation can be completed digitally using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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White Cloud: A Hero to His People - National Gallery of Art
Grades
4 to 7
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The Heroes and Heroines lesson from the National Gallery of Art website explores the painting White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas by George Catlin, offering a rich resource for ...more
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The Heroes and Heroines lesson from the National Gallery of Art website explores the painting White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas by George Catlin, offering a rich resource for classroom instruction. Teachers can use this lesson to engage students in discussions about historical figures and Native American culture. The lesson includes guided questions, information about White Cloud's leadership, and an analysis of Catlin's artistic choices. In the classroom, this resource can spark conversations about leadership, cultural representation, and the role of art in documenting history. Activities like art projects or research assignments on historical figures can further enrich the learning experience.
tag(s): art history (109), cultures (248), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Organize a short reenactment of White Cloud's journey to Europe. Students can role-play different figures, such as White Cloud, his companions, and George Catlin. Assign students to a Native American tribe affected by the Indian Removal Act and have them research the tribe's culture, geographical displacement, and challenges during the period. Students can create their own portraits of a modern-day hero using mixed media. Have students write a journal entry from White Cloud's perspective, detailing his journey to London and his feelings about representing his people.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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DocsTeach American Indians Primary Resources - National Archives
Grades
6 to 12
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DocsTeach is a versatile educational website designed by the National Archives to provide teachers with primary source documents and interactive activities. The "American Indians" section...more
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DocsTeach is a versatile educational website designed by the National Archives to provide teachers with primary source documents and interactive activities. The "American Indians" section offers a wealth of resources for teaching about the history and culture of Native American peoples. Educators can access historical documents, photographs, maps, and videos that explore various aspects of Native American life, policies, and U.S. government relations. Teachers can use these primary sources to create custom lessons or use pre-made activities to engage students in critical thinking and historical analysis.
tag(s): cultures (248), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
After exploring primary documents about U.S. policies towards Native Americans, organize a classroom debate on key issues like land treaties, the Indian Removal Act, or the reservation system. Students can be assigned roles representing different perspectives, such as Native American leaders, U.S. government officials, or settlers, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the issues involved. Create stations with different primary sources, such as treaties, photographs, or government policies related to Native Americans. Students rotate between stations, analyzing each document and responding to prompts. Have students use primary sources to create an interactive timeline of significant events in Native American history, such as the Trail of Tears, the establishment of reservations, or key legal decisions using a resource such as Time.Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Living Nation, Living Words: A Guide for Educators - Library of Congress
Grades
7 to 12
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The Living Nations, Living Words Educator Guide from the Library of Congress offers a rich resource to explore contemporary Native American poetry and culture. This guide is designed...more
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The Living Nations, Living Words Educator Guide from the Library of Congress offers a rich resource to explore contemporary Native American poetry and culture. This guide is designed to accompany the Living Nations, Living Words poetry collection, featuring works by 47 Native American poets. The educator guide provides thoughtful lesson plans and activities that help students engage with themes of identity, resilience, and connection to land through poetry. The guide focuses on Indigenous perspectives and voices. It helps teachers create meaningful discussions in English/language arts, social studies, and cultural studies classrooms, fostering a deeper understanding of Native American contributions to literature and society.
tag(s): cultures (248), native americans (116), poetry (195)
In the Classroom
Have students create visual art pieces that represent the themes or imagery from selected poems. Assign students to research the cultural background and history of a specific Native American tribe represented in the poetry collection. Students select a poem from the Living Nations, Living Words collection and conduct a close reading. They analyze the poem's themes, imagery, and cultural significance. Following their analysis, students create their own poem inspired by the original work, incorporating similar themes or cultural references.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National Museum of the American Indian - Smithsonian Institution
Grades
K to 12
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The National Museum of the American Indian contains an expansive collection of Native American artifacts. In addition, the museum's online offerings share photographs, media, and additional...more
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The National Museum of the American Indian contains an expansive collection of Native American artifacts. In addition, the museum's online offerings share photographs, media, and additional resources for educators and students. Browse through the homepage to view current exhibits and events; online events are clearly labeled, and there is a different section with a link to all online resources. Be sure to visit this site section to find links to various topics, including poetry, Native American women, and much more. Select the link from the dropdown box at the top of the page to view materials provided for educators. Included in the resources for educators is Native Knowledge 360 Education Initiative, reviewed here, which offers many teaching resources, including lessons, media, and professional development webinars. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): explorers (66), native americans (116), primary sources (118), professional development (270), thanksgiving (25), westward expansion (41)
In the Classroom
Be sure to bookmark this site for use with lessons on Thanksgiving, using primary sources, or when teaching about Native Americans. Consider using curation tools such as Padlet, reviewed here, or Wakelet, reviewed here, to organize resources for easy retrieval. Padlet and Wakelet are also handy when sharing information and resources with students. As you begin your lessons on American Indians, begin with a formative assessment to gauge your students' understanding of the topic. Use an easy online quiz tool such as Baamboozle, reviewed here, to engage students in your learning activities. As you continue in your lessons, continue to motivate and engage students using Wooclap, reviewed here, to review information either in class or as a homework activity. Instead of testing to assess knowledge upon completing your unit, offer students the opportunity to share their understanding of content in various ways. Examples include creating an infographic using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here, an explainer video made using Clipchamp, reviewed here, and an interactive map built using Google My Maps, reviewed here.
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Indigenous Peoples of the Americas - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 8
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This diverse collection of resources provides many opportunities to experience the culture of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas through visual arts, dance, music, and more. Resources...more
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This diverse collection of resources provides many opportunities to experience the culture of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas through visual arts, dance, music, and more. Resources include lessons for grades K-8 that focus on learning about indigenous people through integrating the arts with science, social studies, and language arts. Other resources include videos that feature Native Americans discussing their crafts through interviews and storytelling. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable. Lessons correlate to National Core Arts Standards, Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards.
tag(s): cross cultural understanding (177), cultures (248), dance (31), holidays (228), native americans (116), north america (15), stories and storytelling (65)
In the Classroom
Print lesson plans during Native American Month, as a supplement to social studies lessons about cultures and states, or during geography lessons. Lesson plans are available in PDF format or as Google Documents; save any lesson to your Google Drive as a copy of the original document and edit it to fit your curriculum or adapt it as desired to fit current lessons. Use any or all materials found on this site as a personalized learning lesson for students to complete in person or remotely. For example, add a video, poem, and reflective activity, and additional materials to a SchoolStack, reviewed here, an activity that offers students a choice of learning materials and activities. Consider asking students to work in collaborative groups to research indigenous people based on their interests. For example, have a group explore dance, another their art and sculpture, and a group that researches geographic locations of the different tribes. Ask each group to share their learning by creating simple websites made with Telegra.ph, reviewed here. Telegra.ph provides simple website creation tools without all the distractions of backgrounds, templates, and other distractions. Easily add text, images, and links to any Telegra.ph site.
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Native Knowledge 360 Education Initiative - Smithsonian Institute
Grades
K to 12
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Find support for teaching about Native Americans with the many resources found at Native Knowledge 360. Access live and recorded professional development webinars that feature guidance...more
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Find support for teaching about Native Americans with the many resources found at Native Knowledge 360. Access live and recorded professional development webinars that feature guidance on the proper use of primary sources, understanding problematic narratives about Native Americans, and much more. Browse through the lesson resources to view and use featured activities, handouts, digital posters, and more. The search feature includes tools to filter searches by grade level, subject, region, or format of resources. Several lesson options are available in Spanish. This website also offers free virtual field trips led by museum educators; advance registration is required. These events fill up quickly; sign up to receive newsletters and updates to receive notification in advance of event signups.
tag(s): native americans (116), thanksgiving (25), westward expansion (41)
In the Classroom
Replace some (or all) of your current written Native America resources with the genuine artifacts and stories available for viewing on this site. Use Padlet, reviewed here, to organize important information and resources found on this site to share with students. As students learn about Native Americans, instead of written or oral presentations, ask student groups to create quizzes for their classmates using a quiz-creation tool like Baamboozle, reviewed here. Baamboozle is a quick and easy resource for creating and sharing quizzes for teams of two. As a final project, transform and extend student technology and learning by using Book Creator, reviewed here, to create class books sharing information about Native Americans. Book Creator is a digital book creation site offering the ability to add images, text, video, and more. Be sure to share student-created books on your class website or blog after publication.
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Reading Treks: The Journey of York The Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 6
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TeachersFirst Reading Treks create a virtual field trip of resources about a piece of literature or text using the My Maps feature of Google Maps. This Reading Trek provides inspiration...more
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TeachersFirst Reading Treks create a virtual field trip of resources about a piece of literature or text using the My Maps feature of Google Maps. This Reading Trek provides inspiration and suggestions for using the trade book The Journey of York The Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. York, the only enslaved man on the journey, did not choose to go. Slaves did not have choices. However, his contributions to the expedition were valuable, and this is his story. Use our robust Instructional Guide with students in grades 2-6. Content correlates to Common Core Standards, ISTE Student Standards, and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. Find the entire selection of Reading Treks here.
tag(s): 1800s (77), commoncore (60), explorers (66), lewis and clark (13), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many suggested classroom uses for this resource found on the Instructional Guide (PDF). Consider using the historical information and primary sources from the book to have students create timelines of the important events throughout the time of Lewis and Clark's explorations. Find a variety of free online timeline creation tools at located here. Using the map and locales, trace and then calculate distances for some of Lewis and Clark's travels.
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Native American Heritage Month - Described and Captioned Media Program
Grades
K to 12
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Each November, we celebrate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This site provides a series of videos for students to learn about the history and stories of Native Americans....more
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Each November, we celebrate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This site provides a series of videos for students to learn about the history and stories of Native Americans. The website features five video series, broken into the categories of A History of Native American Achievement, Native American Culture, Native American Folklore, Native American History, and Celebrate Native American Educators. Each video includes suggested grade level use and links to content standards. Most videos are available as a preview, register for your free account to view videos in full.
tag(s): commoncore (60), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Include these videos as part of your studies of American Indians and their heritage. Engage students by making the videos interactive using edpuzzle, reviewed here, to add both teacher and student comments. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here, for extending learning when students create virtual field trips sharing locations and information found during their research of American Indians. Have students create interactive timelines using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here, for younger students, or Timeline JS, reviewed here, for older students who can include music, photos, videos, maps, comments, and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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