📖

Native Americans Choose Sides

French and Indian War

Day 48of 180
Week 10of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how Native American tribes made strategic alliances during the French and Indian War

2

Recognize that different groups have complex motivations in historical conflicts

3

Develop empathy for Native American perspectives during colonial times

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 22:1

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

— Proverbs 22:1 (WEB)

Just as tribes sought to protect their reputation and interests, this verse reminds us that our choices and relationships matter more than material wealth

📦 Materials Needed

  • Blank map of North America
  • Colored pencils
  • Tribal alliance information cards
  • Large poster board
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Begin with a map activity showing the different tribal territories in North America during the 1750s

💭 Review Question: Who were the main groups living in North America before European settlers arrived?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain how Native American tribes made complex decisions about which side to support in the war, based on existing relationships, trade opportunities, and territorial protection

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Some tribes saw alliance as a way to protect their lands
  • Trading relationships influenced tribal decisions
  • Different tribes had different strategies for survival
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why might a tribe choose to side with the French?
  • How did these alliances affect Native American communities?
  • What challenges did tribes face in making these decisions?
3Activity: Tribal Alliances Map (10 min)
hands-on mapping

Students create a color-coded map showing which tribes allied with France or Britain

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide students into small groups
  2. Provide blank North American map
  3. Use different colored pencils to represent tribal alliances
  4. Label key tribes and their chosen sides
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw tribal territories for students to color

Challenge: Research and include specific tribal leaders and their reasons for choosing sides

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on how complicated historical decisions can be

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about Native American perspectives?
  • How might understanding different viewpoints help us be more compassionate?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us to understand that every person and group has a story, and to treat others with respect and empathy.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the war's final outcome and how it changed North America

💎 Memory Verse

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

— Romans 12:18 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Peace Treaty Role Play

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The French and Indian War involved complex interactions between European powers and Native American tribes

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Emphasize that history isn't simple
  • Encourage empathy and understanding
  • Help children see multiple perspectives
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might oversimplify historical conflicts

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Thoughtful questions about tribal motivations and challenges

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research a specific Native American tribe's experience during the war
  • Create a historical fiction journal entry from a tribal perspective
  • Compare modern diplomatic decision-making to historical tribal alliances

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 49 →Back to History & Social Studies