📖

Before Columbus: Who Was Here First?

The First Americans

Day 1of 180
Week 1of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that Native Americans were the first people in North America

2

Learn to sequence historical events

3

Recognize God's diverse creation of peoples and cultures

📖 Scripture Connection

Genesis 1:27

“God created man in his own image, in God's image he created him; male and female he created them.”

— Genesis 1:27 (WEB)

God values all people and created diverse cultures and nations

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large North America map
  • Timeline poster board
  • Colored markers
  • Construction paper
  • Scissors
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students around map, ask 'Who do you think lived here first?'

💭 Review Question: What makes different people special?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain Native Americans were first inhabitants of North America, living here thousands of years before European explorers

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Native Americans came from Asia over land bridges
  • They lived in many different regions
  • Each tribe had unique cultures and traditions
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do you think Native Americans took care of the land?
  • What might have been challenging about their life?
3Activity: First People Timeline (7 min)
hands-on

Create a simple visual timeline showing Native American arrival and life before Columbus

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw long paper timeline
  2. Use pictures to show Native American life
  3. Mark important moments
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-cut images

Challenge: Research specific tribal details

4Closing (3 min)

Recap what we learned about first Americans

📝 Review Questions:
  • Who were the first people here?
  • What made Native American cultures unique?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for creating all people in your image. Help us respect and learn about different cultures.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how different Native American tribes lived

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 86:9

“All nations you have made shall come and worship before you, Lord. They shall glorify your name.”

— Psalm 86:9 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Nations Clap-Along: Clap rhythm while reciting verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Native American history is complex and multicultural

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use respectful language
  • Emphasize cultural diversity
  • Avoid stereotypes
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might have misconceptions about Native American life

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's curiosity about different cultures

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Read children's book about Native American history
  • Visit local museum with Native American exhibits
  • Draw pictures of Native American homes

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 2 →Back to History & Social Studies