Bring lessons anywhere with Chickasaw Nation online curriculum

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  • “Bearer of the Morning: The Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher,” a documentary in the Chickasaw Heritage Series, is one of the lessons available in the Chickasaw Nation’s set of online curricula for educators and others who may need access to lesson plans at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy photo
    “Bearer of the Morning: The Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher,” a documentary in the Chickasaw Heritage Series, is one of the lessons available in the Chickasaw Nation’s set of online curricula for educators and others who may need access to lesson plans at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy photo
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With many businesses and schools closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many families are spending much more time at home. Parents who have also become home school teachers are searching for teaching resources, entertainment and new recipes for their families.

In response, the Chickasaw Nation is making curricula available for new home school teachers, along with Chickasaw language resources and interactive activities for all ages at Chickasaw.net/AtHome.

Online curriculum

Every lesson of the Chickasaw Nation curriculum is aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards as outlined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education social studies guide. Lessons are aimed at both elementary and secondary school students.

Areas of study include history, social studies, geography and government. Students who dive into these studies will develop skills like reading, writing, critical thinking, test taking and artistic creation.

Each lesson is complete with its own lesson plan, reading material, discussion questions, student activity and reference list for convenience. This material can be easily incorporated into any educational setting.

These studies are designed to inform and educate individuals about the dynamic history of our Chickasaw leaders, monumental events and culture. Chickasaw historians, researchers, archaeologists and other educators, as well as tribal elders, have worked tirelessly to develop this curriculum.

Parents and teachers can guide students into a deeper understanding of the lives and impact of historical figures. The Chickasaw Nation curricula covers pre-removal Chickasaw leaders like Piominko, Payamataha and Tishominko, as well as modern Chickasaw figures who heavily impacted Oklahoma history like Te Ata, Douglas Johnston and Overton James.

The lessons which explore government studies touch on American Indian sovereignty, government in Indian Territory, as well as the Chickasaw Nation Constitution and threebranch style ofgovernment, including the executive, legislative and judicial departments.

Students can learn about historical conflicts like the Battle of Hikki’ya’ (Ackia), the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I and World War II.

Historical events in the curriculum include Chickasaw Removal, American Indian first encounters with Europeans and the foundation and formation of Oklahoma.

Cultural studies include explorations of Chickasaws pre-removal, the Natchez Trace and the history ofChickasaw entrepreneurship.

Two documentaries in the Chickasaw Heritage Series that can be streamed online are also incorporated into the curriculum with the “Bearer of the Morning: The Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher” and “First Encounter” lessons.

The curriculum and film “Bearer of the Morning: The Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher” share the story of Mary Frances “Te Ata” Thomspon Fisher, a world-renowned storyteller who sharedtraditional First American stories, overturned negative stereotypes and advocated the preservation of FirstAmerican cultures.

“First Encounter,” as a documentary and curriculum, examines the Chickasaws’ first encounter with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his conquistadors in 1540.

More to learn and do at home

When it’s time to take a break from lessons, there’s more to enjoy, learn and do at Chi cka saw.net/AtHom e. At this web portal, the Chickasaw Nation offers home activities, entertainment, lessons and resources at a distance.

Social distancing does not have to mean cultural distancing. Anyone can access this assortment of online resources from anywhere with an internet connection.

Whether for education, entertainment or somewhere in between, the Chickasaw Nation has something to offer.