Teacher Resources

What! No Nintendo
Objective:
Students will understand that prehistoric Indian children didn’t have television, video games, books, bicycles, skateboards, or boom boxes. They will learn some of the games and activities that were played by prehistoric Indian children, and appreciate the way ancient people spent their time.
General Information:
Grade: K-5 Group Size: 20-25 Duration: 1 hour
Materials:
Materials vary with each activity. The following books provide further information on American Indian Games: Bernstein, Bonnie & Leigh Blair 1982 Native American Crafts Workshop, Fearon Teacher Aids. David S. Lake Publishers, Belmont, CA Culin Stewart 1975 Games of the North American Indians, Dover Publications, NY Fletcher, Alice C. 1915 Indian Games and Dances with Native Songs, Ams Press NY Macfarlan, Allan and Paulette 1985 Handbook of American Indian Games, Dover Publications NY Pueblo Grande Museum 1982 Child’s Play, Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix, AZ
Background:
Choose one or two activities from one of these books, according to the ages and abilities of your students, and assemble any materials needed for those activities.
Setup:
Although it may seem like the prehistoric Indians did little more than work, they actually spent quite a bit of time playing games. Archeological sites have unearthed pouches containing flat, decorated pieces of bone, thought to be gambling pieces. Prehistoric and modern Indians were also fond of guessing games. These could be played during the cold months of winter. Foot races and games of endurance were played during the summer months.
Procedure:
1. Ask students to think of things they like to do for fun. Make a list of these things on the board. Then ask them if they think prehistoric Indian children could play those same games. Cross out any activities that prehistoric people could not play. Are there any activities left on the board? 2. Now ask the students to think of things they could do without the use of electricity, books, cars, pencils, paper, pens, crayons, paints, etc. Remind them also that they cannot use toys, such as Legos, Barbie dolls, etc. Are these things prehistoric Indian children might have done? 3. Introduce the game you have chosen for the students to play. Explain to them that prehistoric Indian children played all sorts of games, but they had to use materials that were around them, and they didn’t have the conveniences we have today. By using sticks, bones, rocks, corncobs and yucca rope, children devised games that were also games of skill. These games of skill honed the children’s hunting abilities or endurance, both necessary for survival. The games played prepared children for adulthood. 4. After the game has been played, ask the students if they enjoyed it. Could they play that game at home with their friends? Could they play it at school recess?