Picture Book Lesson plan

Standards to be addressed:
       ELAALRL1:  The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction,imagery, point of view,figurative language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas)  in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e, poetry, prose,and drama), and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.
      ELAALRL3:  The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as works from other time periods.
     ELAALRL5:  The student understands and aquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.

Pre-taught Vocabulary words:
     origin
      myth
      natural phenomenon
      oral tradition
Story used:  "The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas"

Procedures: 

1. Students have been taught common characteristics of Native American origin myths.
2. Students have already read 2-3 other examples of myths.
3. Students have  participated in a lesson in which 2 slightly different versions of the same myth were compared and contrasted.  The purpose was to illustrate that details may change in a story when it is passed down by word-of-mouth but the meaning remains the same.
4. Teacher reads aloud "The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas"
5. Students are asked to identify elements common to all of the myths read.
6. Students are asked which natural phenomenon is being explained.

Extension Activity:
     Students are instructed to write their own origin myth.  The myth must contain a Great Spirit, reference one of the 4 elements, use animals as main characters, and explain how aomething in nature came to exist.