Thanksgiving, Native American Lesson Plans from Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

Autumn is the time as a teacher and parent and former home-schooler, that I turn my attention toward American History. Through my 22 year career, I approached it from a variety of angles. One of the very best sources for history is of course literature. We pretty much insulate our home with books. They are our most valued physical possession.

For my lessons, my novel of choice for many ages is Elisabeth George Speare's Sign of the Beaver. Speare is not only a storyteller par excellence, she is a three time Newbery winner and a meticulous historian. Speare has written books that cover many times and places. Each book is a triumph and takes her long arduous years to write because she delves into the period, people, places, events, artifacts, and interaction of the story.

For these lessons, we focus on Sign of the Beaver. Set in the wilds of Maine in early 1700's Beaver relates the tale of 12-year old Matt who has traveled from New England city life with his father to literally carve out a homestead from the land. They have built a tiny cabin, planted a precarious corn crop and begun a life. Now father must return to town (on long trail he blazed himself with only feet and a rented canoe). He will bring back with him, Mother who has just given birth, a weak ill infant baby sister and another younger sister. 12 year old Matt, with only his father's old gun , it has been decided, will remain to guard the newly built settlement for six weeks. He will keep the 'home fires burning' , counting the time on notched sticks. Alone.

Living alone would be difficult for adults. Matt not surprisingly encounters a series of horrendous events, involving bees, bears, broken bones, betrayal and most importantly Matt embarks on a life-changing relationship with a native boy named Attean, his grandfather and finally the entire Beaver clan of Penobscot natives. When grandfather saves Matt's life, nurtures him back to health after an attack by bees and a broken ankle, the bargain is made that Matt will teach Attean to read and speak English.