Overview—Osage History & Culture
For teachers: there are four ways to teach these lessons based on how many copies of the book are available for reading.
VIDEOS
- JOURNEY OF THE OSAGE – (10 Min.) —Introduction to Osage past and present. Helpful background for other lessons (Credit: St. Louis Art Museum in conjunction with Osage Nation Museum and others).
Through Guided Reading Questions, students identify key details and engage in personal response to this first-person story of a modern Osage boy who describes his activities and interests, many of which are typical and others which are uniquely Osage, such as annual dances and traditional art forms. Text focuses on Osage culture’s emphasis on family, community, and creating a strong sense of belonging. Layout is rich with photographs from past and present, and informative sidebars include maps and historical information. Readers learn how the Osage have had to adapt to white culture but are also regaining and preserving many of their traditions. Meet Christopher presents a positive and energetic young person within a dynamic and thriving culture. Final Assessments - creative writing paragraph interpreting historical photo and vocabulary matching. Extended - Research project.
Through Guided Reading Questions, students read and respond to this non-fiction omniscient-voice book with its survey of Osage history and culture. Broad range of topics include food, clothing, language, name, history, oil, government, family, education, traditions, In-Lon-schka & clothing, religion, and games. Locator map and many large photos.
Students sharpen reading and literary analysis skills of setting, character, symbol, plot stages, and theme, while reading of a young girl who experiences prejudice at school, but finds strength and comfort at home in the symbols of her Osage culture and strong family traditions.
A young girl matures as she overcomes loneliness for her brother overseas in World War II, and learns of traditions of courage and selflessness in her rich Osage heritage. With this story of inner conflict, lesson also focuses on literary techniques of setting, plot stages, symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, and theme.