Sample
Activities / Learning Standards
Downloadable
Production Guide (.pdf)
In
Brief
 Storytelling has always played a key role in the Native
American tradition. The strength of the stories lies in their
ability to instruct, entertain and empower. We honor this
tradition through our presentation of There Once was a Longhouse
Where Now There is Your House. The goal of this experience
is to allow students a unique glimpse into the life of the
Haudenosaunee.
This production has been designed to
allow your students to actively participate
in a simulation of life in an Iroquois
village. The production elements have been designed to look
and feel as authentic as possible. The set is a scale replica
of an actual longhouse, the shelves are lined with props
that reflect the Haudenosaunee way of life including furs,
gourds, clothing items and tools, and the actors’ costumes
were created to look as if they were made by genuine methods.
Our
story takes place in front of a longhouse in a Haudenosaunee
village. The three actors will greet the students and
lead them through the longhouse to one of five campfires
where they will assume the identity of a member of
one of the five original nations of the Haudenosaunee:
Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk. Through
active participation, students will learn some of the
ways of the Haudenosaunee, “The People of the
Longhouse.” The students will choose Chiefs and
send their representative to a Council of Nations,
participate in a festival of thanksgiving, play a hunting
game and listen to a story of old.
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Teacher
Comments
“I'm extremely pleased with the presentation and performance. This tied
in well and enhanced our unit on Native Americans. My students really enjoyed
the suggested activities (making symbols, story telling) Great work!”
-Mr. Worden, Glen Park Elementary, General Brown CSD
“ As always, a wonderful and effective program for my 4th grade students.
It provides authentic learning and reinforces the lessons taught in the classroom.
My students were enthused and excited about the program. Bravo!”
-C. Walseman, Glenfield Elementary, South Lewis CSD
“ As always, it was excellent! They learned a lot and it got them excited
about the coming unit on Native Americans. Thank you!”
- K. Both, Candor Elementary, Candor CSD
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