Encounter+from+the++Native+American+vs.+Europeans

 ** Introduction to Explorers ** Objectives:  Materials Needed:  Procedures: 1. Anticipatory set: the teacher will read the book Encounter by Jane Yolen to the class, after which they will discuss both the Native Americans' and the European Explorers' points of view.
 * By creating a postcard, students will demonstrate their understanding of 1) the explorers' feelings upon finding new lands and peoples, and 2) the Native Americans' feelings upon having their homes overtaken by strange people.
 * Encounter by Jane Yolen
 * A piece of white cardstock for each student
 * Art supplies (crayons, markers, watercolors)

2. The teacher will divide the class into 2 groups and assign one group the role of Native Americans and the other group the role of European Explorers (as in the story Encounter).

3. The students will think within their assigned roles and share with the class what some of their thoughts and feelings would be while in this situation. The teacher will encourage them to actually feel the excitement the explorers felt upon finding their great treasures as well as the fear, curiosity, and confusion that the Native Americans felt as a result.

4. The teacher will explain the assignment by saying "Each of you will receive a blank white postcard. When I say `go', you are all going to create a postcard to send to a person of your choice. Those of you who are in the Native American group will need to portray the thoughts and feelings that you would experience as a Native American on the back side of your postcard in writing, and vice versa for the Explorers. On the front side, you must draw a picture of the things that you are experiencing-- what would this situation look like to a Native American? What would it look like to an Explorer?"

5. The teacher will sketch a model of a postcard on the board and give the students suggestions and ideas for their writing and drawing (ex: "Explorer" students may wish to draw a picture of the newfound land and write of their excitement upon finding many unique treasures.) The students will be encouraged to use creativity, expression, and descriptive words in their writing.

6. The teacher will pass out cardstock and art supplies, say "Go", and allow 25-30 minutes for the students to complete their postcards. While they are working, the teacher will select a few students from both groups to share their postcards with the class during the last 5-10 minutes.  Evaluation:
 * The teacher will collect the students' postcards and evaluate whether the objective was met.