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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/first-nations-of-the-northwest-coast/literature-connections
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the Northwest Coast that can help students to better visualize and understand the people and their rich culture. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The book used for the example storyboard is by Nicola I. Campbell. Shi-shi-etko is a beautifully illustrated and poignant book appropriate for Grades 2–6. It is the story about Shi-shi-etko who is about to have to leave her family and everything she knows to attend a residential school.
Residential schools in Canada and the United States ripped children away from their families in a forced effort to assimilate Native Americans into European American culture. Children were not allowed to speak their language or practice their customs and would be punished for doing so. It is estimated that between 1831-1996, hundreds of thousands of Native American children were forcibly removed from their homes by government agents and placed in residential (or “boarding”) schools that were run by the government and churches.
Former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, issued an official apology on June 11, 2008: “Two primary objectives of the residential school system were to remove and isolate children from the influence of their homes, families, traditions and cultures, and to assimilate them into the dominant culture. These objectives were based on the assumption Aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal. Indeed, some sought, as it was infamously said, 'to kill the Indian in the child.' Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country.”
Folk Tales
- Also available through the Sealaska Heritage Store
- Bilingual video reading Shanyaak’utlaax̱: Salmon Boy in Tlingit with English Subtitles
and
- Both are short picture books about the animals of the Native Northwest Coast with beautiful illustrations from artists from Coast Salish, Haida, Bella Bella, and many other Nations that have contributed colorful images as well as cultural information about each creature.
- The raven is an important spiritual figure for the Indigenous people of the Northwest Coast. He is seen as a cunning shapeshifter with magical powers that is credited with giving humankind the gifts of light, fire, and food.
- Video of Reading
Realistic Fiction or Biographies
- Author Roy A. Peratrovich is a member of the Tlingit Nation and son of lauded Alaska Native civil rights activists Roy and Elizabeth Peratrovich
- This story is based on a story passed down by Peratrovich’s grandfather about a 10-year old Tlingit boy named Keet who heads out on an epic Alaskan adventure after stowing away on his father’s canoe.
- Yetsa, her mother, and her grandmother work together to make a Cowichan sweater.
- an upper grade (age 13-up) chapter book about Tlingit civil rights leader, Elizabeth Peratrovich. She gave a powerful speech fighting for equality in 1945 when Native Americans were treated as second class citizens in Alaska. Her efforts led to the passing of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act. Today, Each February 16th, Alaska celebrates Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Peratrovich is also honored on the gold one-dollar coin in 2020.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle and end of the story.
Student Instructions
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Sequence of Events Rubric
Create a storyboard that shows a sequence of events. Below each cell, type in a description about the importance of that part of the story.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Lesson Plan Overview
There are many books related to Native Americans of the Northwest Coast that can help students to better visualize and understand the people and their rich culture. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions.
The book used for the example storyboard is by Nicola I. Campbell. Shi-shi-etko is a beautifully illustrated and poignant book appropriate for Grades 2–6. It is the story about Shi-shi-etko who is about to have to leave her family and everything she knows to attend a residential school.
Residential schools in Canada and the United States ripped children away from their families in a forced effort to assimilate Native Americans into European American culture. Children were not allowed to speak their language or practice their customs and would be punished for doing so. It is estimated that between 1831-1996, hundreds of thousands of Native American children were forcibly removed from their homes by government agents and placed in residential (or “boarding”) schools that were run by the government and churches.
Former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, issued an official apology on June 11, 2008: “Two primary objectives of the residential school system were to remove and isolate children from the influence of their homes, families, traditions and cultures, and to assimilate them into the dominant culture. These objectives were based on the assumption Aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal. Indeed, some sought, as it was infamously said, 'to kill the Indian in the child.' Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country.”
Folk Tales
- Also available through the Sealaska Heritage Store
- Bilingual video reading Shanyaak’utlaax̱: Salmon Boy in Tlingit with English Subtitles
and
- Both are short picture books about the animals of the Native Northwest Coast with beautiful illustrations from artists from Coast Salish, Haida, Bella Bella, and many other Nations that have contributed colorful images as well as cultural information about each creature.
- The raven is an important spiritual figure for the Indigenous people of the Northwest Coast. He is seen as a cunning shapeshifter with magical powers that is credited with giving humankind the gifts of light, fire, and food.
- Video of Reading
Realistic Fiction or Biographies
- Author Roy A. Peratrovich is a member of the Tlingit Nation and son of lauded Alaska Native civil rights activists Roy and Elizabeth Peratrovich
- This story is based on a story passed down by Peratrovich’s grandfather about a 10-year old Tlingit boy named Keet who heads out on an epic Alaskan adventure after stowing away on his father’s canoe.
- Yetsa, her mother, and her grandmother work together to make a Cowichan sweater.
- an upper grade (age 13-up) chapter book about Tlingit civil rights leader, Elizabeth Peratrovich. She gave a powerful speech fighting for equality in 1945 when Native Americans were treated as second class citizens in Alaska. Her efforts led to the passing of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act. Today, Each February 16th, Alaska celebrates Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Peratrovich is also honored on the gold one-dollar coin in 2020.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle and end of the story.
Student Instructions
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-5 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Sequence of Events Rubric
Create a storyboard that shows a sequence of events. Below each cell, type in a description about the importance of that part of the story.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Northwest Coast First Nations Literature Connections
1
Facilitate respectful discussions about Northwest Coast First Nations literature
Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings about the stories by setting clear guidelines for respectful listening and speaking. This helps build a safe classroom environment where every student feels valued and heard.
2
Incorporate authentic voices and resources from Northwest Coast First Nations
Bring in guest speakers from local Indigenous communities or use videos and interviews created by First Nations authors and artists to provide students with authentic perspectives and deeper cultural understanding.
3
Connect literature themes to students’ own lives
Ask students to identify similarities and differences between the experiences of characters in the stories and their own experiences. This strategy fosters empathy and a personal connection to the material.
4
Integrate art and storytelling traditions
Invite students to create visual art projects or share their own oral stories inspired by Northwest Coast First Nations literature. This approach honors cultural traditions and allows for creative expression.
5
Reflect on historical context through primary sources
Use primary documents like government apologies or personal testimonies to help students understand the historical background of residential schools and their impact. Encourage students to ask questions and discuss what they learn in small groups.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northwest Coast First Nations Literature Connections
What are some recommended Northwest Coast First Nations books for K-12 classrooms?
Recommended books about Northwest Coast First Nations for K-12 include Shi-shi-etko by Nicola I. Campbell, Shanyaak’utlaax̱: Salmon Boy, Sharing our World: Animals of the Native Northwest Coast, Goodnight World: Animals of the Native Northwest, Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest, Little Whale: A Story of the Last Tlingit War Canoe, Yetsa's Sweater, and Fighter in Velvet Gloves. These books highlight Indigenous perspectives, stories, and artwork.
How can I teach about residential schools using children's literature?
Use thoughtfully chosen books like Shi-shi-etko to introduce students to the impact of residential schools. Facilitate discussions, encourage empathy, and help students create plot summaries or storyboards to reflect on the experiences and emotions of Indigenous children affected by these schools.
What is a simple classroom activity for studying Northwest Coast First Nations stories?
A simple activity is to have students read a story and then create a 3-5 cell storyboard summarizing the main events. This helps students visualize the plot and deepen their understanding of Northwest Coast First Nations cultures.
Why is the story 'Shi-shi-etko' important for teaching about Indigenous history?
Shi-shi-etko offers a personal, emotional look at the experiences of Indigenous children forced to attend residential schools. It helps students understand the lasting impact of these schools and the importance of preserving family, culture, and language.
Which Northwest Coast animal stories are engaging for elementary students?
Books like Sharing our World: Animals of the Native Northwest Coast and Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest feature colorful illustrations and traditional stories about animals important to Indigenous cultures, making them highly engaging for elementary students.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Northwest Coast
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
