Screen time usually gets a bad rap. As teachers, we have valid concerns about how attached students are to personal devices (especially when we are trying to teach).
But we can actually use this love of screens to our advantage! I know when I put on a quality video clip, even my most reluctant learners perk up and pay attention!
If you are tired of scrolling YouTube for quality educational videos, check out these 9 Native American History Videos for Kids! Below, you’ll find links to these great sources, including videos from various tribal nations and regions, already vetted for your classroom.
The Danger of a Single Story- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discusses the importance of learning the full background of a culture and people, instead of relying on a single source.
- 18.5 minutes
- My rating: Ages 10+
- Notes: While this speech may not directly teach about Native American history, this video is a great way to discuss why you are studying different cultures. In my Native American Regions unit, you’ll find an entire lesson about culture and identity that includes this video. If you don’t have enough time for the full speech, here are some key moments:
- 10:12-10:50 Defining “power” as who is controlling the story (Adichie mentions Native Americans and the British)
- 13:55-14:09 The consequences of a “single story”
- 17:36-18:32 Why stories matter
Iroquois or Haudenosaunee?- WMHT
- Onondaga storyteller Perry Ground explains the important difference between the terms ‘Iroquois’ and ‘Haudenosaunee’ and which term is correct.
- 4.5 minutes
- My rating: Ages 8+
- Notes: Speaking to an audience of young students, Perry Ground walks through the history of the word ‘Iroquois.’ In simple, engaging language, he explains that ‘Haudenosaunee’ is the correct term when referring to the tribal confederation in the North Eastern United States. You could have students create a timeline as they watch the video, and pause the video as needed to add details. Encourage them to add visuals to their timelines, such as a snake or a picture of a longhouse!
Let’s Talk Cherokee- OsiyoTV
- This YouTube Channel posts short videos (1 minute or less) that feature Cherokee words and phrases.
- 1 minute
- My rating: Ages 8+
- Notes: This is a great resource for having your students experience the Cherokee language! The short videos include English captions, Cherokee writing, and a pronunciation guide. Here are links for your students to learn “Hello,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Friend.” You could invite students to learn a word or phrase and create a word wall.
Lakota Winter Counts- Smithsonian Design Museum
- Two Smithsonian experts describe the Lakota tradition of creating ‘Winter Counts’ as a way of recording important events from the year.
- 5 minutes
- My rating: Ages 10+
- Notes: This Native American history video shows examples of Lakota Winter Counts, which were annual records that showed key events through drawings. The historians explain what we can learn from these records. You could have students create a visual record of their lives, thinking of one key event per year since they were born.
KOB 4 Kids Navajo Language – Introduce Yourself
- New Mexico news anchor Colton Shone explains how to introduce yourself in Diné (Navajo).
- 2 minutes
- My rating: Ages 8+
- Notes: This quick video will give your students a look at the complexity of the Diné (or Navajo) Language. Have your students practice introducing themselves to each other! Perhaps the complexity of the language could lead to a discussion about the effectiveness of the Codetalkers of World War II.
A Shoshone Legend – Wolf Tricks The Trickster
- A retelling of the Shoshone legend of how death was introduced to the earth.
- 2.5 minutes
- My rating: Ages 10+
- Notes: This voiceover video would give your students the perfect opportunity to illustrate the story they hear! The legend has two main characters, Wolf (the wise creator) and Coyote (the trickster). You may want to have your students listen to it twice to make sure they are following the details of the story!
Traditional Dip Net Fishing The Yakama Nation Tribe- Cooking Up a Story
- Scott Spino explains the process of dip net fishing on the Lyle Falls Fishway for the Yakama Nation and how it supports their families and keeps their tribal traditions alive.
- 2.5 minutes
- My rating: Ages 10+
- Notes: This video shows the Yakama Nation using traditional fishing methods today to support their families. I think your students will benefit from seeing the Yakama Nation as an active tribe, not simply a historical group! The video shows two instances of fishermen clubbing fish recently caught in their nets (about 1 second each). You could ask your students if they have any family traditions that they continue to follow today (i.e. recipes, holidays, etc.).
Robert Hoffmann (Tlingit) Talks Carving Tools
- Robert Hoffmann (Tlingit) talks about the carving tools he uses to carve formline design pieces.
- 9 minutes
- My rating: Ages 8+
- Notes: This video will introduce your students to a traditional Tlingit art form called formline design. After watching, your students could research formline art pieces, both historical and modern. While you can’t hand over some sharp woodworking tools for a class activity, perhaps your students could practice carving a design in something soft (such as rolled-out clay or play dough).
Sumeg Clips: Living House- North Coast Redwoods District
- California State Parks interpreter Maiya explores a Yurok Living House at Sumeg Village in Patricks Point State Park.
- 8 minutes
- My rating: Ages 8+
- Notes: Your students will be able to see an authentic Yurok house built from fallen California Redwoods. In this video, the tour guide gives information about the lifestyle and building techniques of the Yurok nation. Have your students keep track of what features the house has based on the lifestyle of a family that would have lived there!
Free Great Plains Gallery Walk Lesson
I hope these 9 Native American history videos for kids help you use the power of screens for good!
Do you need help getting started teaching about Native American Regions? For an engaging, low-prep lesson, grab my FREE Great Plains Gallery Walk lesson! This is a free sample from my Native American Regions unit.
In this activity, students learn about the Great Plains region and the Lakota tribe’s history and culture.
This freebie includes 10 informational posters (plus a student worksheet) for a low-prep, high-impact lesson as students walk around the room learning new material.
Need more help teaching about Native American History?
If you are looking for more resources to help boost your Native American unit, check out these other posts!
- 3-Week Native American History Unit: This all-inclusive unit provides interactive lesson plans about Indigenous groups from eight cultural regions: Eastern Woodlands, Great Plains, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, Plateau, Great Basin, California, and Southeast.
- 5 Native American Regions Map Worksheets: These free worksheets are available digitally so your students can zoom in to see the details! Students will be able to practice analyzing informative maps while learning about Native American regions and history.
- Native American History Timeline for Kids: This free timeline spans thousands of years of Native American history and identifies 20 key events to help your students see history in context.
- The Ultimate Guide to Teaching About Native American Regions: A complete guide that gives you everything you need to know about teaching this topic with students.
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