The Hiawatha Primer (PDF ebook) – Today's resource is this classic reading and nature studies primer that uses the 1855 epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow based on the legends of the Ojibway Indians as its subject. It's a delightful reading primer for grades 2-3, covering a variety of topics, handwriting instruction, reading lessons, and some lovely illustrations. A great introduction to this classic work for younger students.Freebie of the Day Wan t a movie to go along with it? A Native American educator recommends:
On Amazon her review says:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Song Of Hiawatha, October 10, 2007
By Carol "Red Hawk" (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Song of Hiawatha (DVD)
I think it was nicely done. Being an elder who teaches Native traditions to the young, I would use this movie for children to watch. Certain aspects were incorrect, like the pony beads on the dresses as mentioned by another, but that can easily be rectified in a teaching setting.
Here's a good little cartoon version to tie in younger kids or kids at heart:
It features three Disney cartoons, including "LITTLE HIAWATHA (1937 also on the Pocahontas II DVD)
This story tells of the positive consequences of a good deed. A little Indian boy wants to be a mighty hunter and goes out in the forest to prove it. But he cannot kill a bunny that crosses his path, an act which endears him to the woodland creatures who later rescue him from a grizzly bear. "
Here are some other links I recommend about the author of the original poem, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and a recap of the original poem itself:
