The student will identify the components that make up a legend and write their own buffalo legends.

Website: http://doe.sd.gov/octa/ddn4learning/themeunits/buffaloroundup
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
Legends that have been collected by the teacher that students may be familiar with or read in the past
Word Processing Program
Draw Program such as KidPix
Sample rubric created

Activity 1:

Divide class into groups and give group a legend that they might be familiar with.
Have them read their legend as a group.
Each group will share with the large group what their legend was about.
Have students brainstorm, as a class, the similarities and differences between the different legends. Record their responses on newsprint or chalkboard.
Develop a definition of legends from student responses as well as teacher directed definition.

Activity 2:

Using website http://www.state.sd.us/DECA/tehcnology/themeunits/buffaloroundup read several of the Native American legends that involve buffalo. Discuss the meaning of the legends with the students.

Activity 3:

Have students, either in groups or individually, write their own legends involving buffalo. Use a word processing program to have them create rough drafts, edit and final copies. Using a draw program such as KidPix have them create graphics to go with their legends.

Assessment:

The legends that the students write will be assessed using the sample rubric created located at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/view_rubric.php3?id=83199 or use the following website to create your own - http://rubistar.4teachers.org/.