OLD WEST Curriculum: A Closer Look
Summary
Play, skit, and lessons explore the history of the Old West and encourage students to explore more about the Spanish language and the oral tradition of tall tales.
Introduction
Two Tales – One Moon explores the oral tradition of tall tales in the American West. Two families, a cowboy family and a Native American family, share fantastic stories around the campfire: one featuring the legendary Pecos Bill and another the mischievous mythological troublemaker Coyote.
Teacher Guide
· Background · Director/Educator Preparation · Casting Notes · Performers · Working with your Set · Program · Integrating Curriculum · Fun Facts
Two Act Play
Script for 15 actors
The setting is the campsite of a cowboy family after supper. MA and daughter LIZZIE are standing near the campfire heating water in the kettle. PA and daughter LAURA are unpacking the wagon. The twins BRADFORD and TOMFORD are seated near the horse downstage left – wiping the supper dishes.
Short Skit
Script for 4 actors
The setting is a Native American Village, after a large dinner gathering. A Native American shaman, HEAVY FEATHER, is sitting by a fire.
Creative Play Ideas
4 Scenarios for Imaginative Play
Scenario 3: Imagine you are a Native American tracker in the Great Plains. What animals would you track? Where would you go? Now, pretend that winter is approaching, and you must go on the last tracking trip before winter. What would you do to prepare for winter?
Lesson #1
Vocabulary Strategy - Word Tree
Subjects: Reading, Vocabulary
Lesson #2
Campfire Entertainment – Write Your Own Tall Tale
Subject: Writing
National Standards:
NL-ENG.K-12.1 Reading for Perspective
NL-ENG.K-12.2 Understanding the Human Experience
NL-ENG.K-12.3 Evaluation Strategies
NL-ENG.K-12.4 Communication Skills
NL-ENG.K-12.5 Communication Strategies
NL-ENG.K-12.6 Applying Knowledge
NL-ENG.K-12.9 Multicultural Understanding
NL-ENG.K-12.12 Applying Language Skills
Lesson #3
Vaqueros – The Roots of Cowboy Language
Subject(s): Reading, Writing, Spanish Language
National Standards:
NL-ENG.K-12.1 Reading for Perspective
NL-ENG.K-12.2 Understanding the Human Experience
NL-ENG.K-12.6 Applying Knowledge
NL-ENG.K-12.7 Evaluating Data
NL-ENG.K-12.9 Multicultural Understanding
NL-ENG.K-12.12 Applying Language Skills
Lesson #4
Hitting the Trail - Making a Cowboy Budget
Subject(s): Mathematics, Social Studies
National Standards:
NL-ENG.K-12.7 Evaluating Data
NL-ENG.K-12.11 Participating in Society
NL-ENG.K-12.12 Applying Language Skills
A Sneak Peek Inside
