Descendants of the Taíno people exist all over the Caribbean today. The imprint of the Taíno culture is felt in every facet of Caribbean life, from names of foods and cities to styles of art and music. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and diverse perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Students will research a person and then create a Biography Poster highlighting their accomplishments.
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Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous or notable person that is of Indigenous heritage from the Caribbean region. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishments.
Prepare a research template for students to fill in key facts about their chosen person. This helps students focus on important details like birth date, major accomplishments, and cultural impact, making their work more structured and thorough.
Direct students to approved websites, library books, and multimedia resources. Discuss how to check for reliability and bias, ensuring students use accurate and respectful information about Indigenous figures.
Demonstrate each part of the poster—name, image, dates, and accomplishments—using a well-known figure. Show how to add creative visuals and concise text so students understand expectations and presentation style.
Organize a gallery walk or partner review where students exchange posters and offer constructive feedback. This fosters collaboration, helps catch mistakes, and encourages thoughtful improvements.
Host a presentation day where students share their Biography Posters and discuss what they learned about Caribbean Indigenous leaders. This creates a sense of accomplishment and deepens cultural understanding.
A Biography Poster project is an activity where students research a notable Indigenous person from the Caribbean, then create a poster that highlights their name, image, dates, and major accomplishments. This helps students understand and celebrate the diverse contributions of Caribbean Indigenous peoples.
Students can use school resources like books, educational websites, and library databases to find information about First Nations or Taíno leaders. Recommended steps include choosing a person, gathering key facts, and focusing on their achievements and cultural impact.
Notable Indigenous Caribbean figures include Roberto "Múkaro" Borrero, Anacaona, Agüeybaná I & II, and Guacanagaríx. These leaders made significant contributions to their communities and the wider Caribbean.
A student’s Biography Poster should feature the person’s name, image, dates of birth/death, and a summary of their main accomplishments. Words and images can highlight their impact and cultural significance.
Researching real Indigenous Caribbean people helps students build a concrete and compassionate understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and histories, fostering respect and deeper learning about the region’s heritage.