Native American Myth Illustrations

In Language Arts, fifth grade students explored Native American myths. The students presented their chosen myth in the oral story-telling tradition as Indigenous Peoples would. To enhance their story-telling, students created a 3D pop-up illustration showing one scene from the myth.

Below are a few examples :

Why the Mountain Lion is Long and Lean – from the Mattaponi Tribe

Illustrated by Georgia

The Peace Tree – from the Iroquois Tribe

Illustrated by Sam

Sedna, Mistress of the Underworld – from the Inuit tribe

Illustrated by London

After their oral presentations students received feedback from their peers. Their illustration often featured in the affirmations:

Gabriel, you did a great job using a southern accent to tell ‘How the Raven Stole the Sun,’ and your visual with the raven had a lot of detail.

Taalia, you told your story of ‘Why the Bat Hangs Upside Down’ in your own words, and your visual with the bat was clear.

Bridget, you included lots of details in your visual. You used it well to tell ‘Puma and the Bear’ and even to ‘break the bear’s neck’ during the story. Dramatic.

The Story of Owl and Raven – from the Inuit and Eskimo Tribes

Illustrated by Amelia

A Giant’s Rock-Throwing – from the Hawaiian Islands

Illustrated by River

How the Buffalo Were Released on Earth – from the Apache Tribe

Illustrated by Henry

The rabbit and the Fox – from the Apache Tribe

Illustrated by Marly

How the Beaver Stole Fire from the Pines – from the Nez Perce Tribe

Illustrated by Charlie