Animal Spirit Helpers and the Old Ones
Southeast Native Americans, Seminole
Lesson Plan
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Class Activity:
Brainstorm a list of problems on the white board that they might face in
their daily life. Give them some examples if needed: A school bully, too
much homework, a best friend who is not speaking to you. Get a list together
of about 10 problems that are broad enough that many students might experience
these problems at one time or another.
Brainstorm a list of animals that live in the Florida Everglades.
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Group (or Individual) Activity:
Have each group select one problem and one animal guide from the class created
lists of their choice.
Direct students to write a short story about the problem they selected and
their animal guide's helpful advice offered to solve that problem. Do not
end your story. Do not tell what happens next.
Additional Instructions: Helpful suggestions from their animal guide must
fit the animal. For example, if their spirit guide is an ostridge, their
animal guide might recommend they ignore the problem. Or, a panther, no matter
how hard he tries, cannot fly; however, he can leap great distances, so leaping
would be fine.
Give groups (or individuals) some time. Then...
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Class Activity: Tell the class that they are now the "Old
Ones". They are the wise elders of the village. Have each group present their
problem and their guide's helpful advice. The "Old Ones" are to offer
advice of their own. Don't forget your manners! Be sure to thank the "Old
Ones" for their guidance.
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Group Activity:
After each group has had a chance to present their story, and the "Old Ones"
have added their advice, have each group finish their story. Direct each
group to add an illustration of their animal spirit guide. Don't forget -
the Seminoles loved tall tales. Have fun with your story.
Have each group present the ending of their story orally to the class. Do
not yet present their illustration. If groups wish, and stories are short
enough, have them read their whole story.
Ask the class: Whose advice did they take? Their own, their spirit guide's,
or the advice of the Old Ones? (Get some answers.)
Say: The Seminoles did not share the identify of their personal animal
spirit guide with anyone. Today, we are going to make an exception. Ask:
What animal do you think was the spirit guide for this group? Get some guesses.
Have each group identify their spirit guide animal orally and by showing
their illustration.
Post each group's story on the walls of your classroom, along with their
illustration of their animal guide.
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Activity Conclusion: Say: The Seminole Indians believed
that it was important to get advice on a problem that concerned you. It gave
you something to think about, and time to think. Seminole teachings say:
But ultimately, no matter how sound or unsound the advice, what you do and
how you handle your problem is up to you, and so are the repercussions of
your actions.
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