Earth on Turtle's Back & When Grizzlies Walked Upright

Earth on Turtle's Back & When Grizzlies Walked Upright

Essential Questions and Big Ideas from Native American Origin Myths

Multiple Choice

Considering American cultural views about one who might be considered the underdog, what theme do you think best describes what the muskrat was able to accomplish?

• You can't judge a book by its cover.

• Might makes right.

• If first you don't succeed try, try again.

• Never give up on your dreams.

Multiple Choice

From your reading of The Earth on Turtle's Back you discovered that the muskrat makes a risky and desperate swim, yet successfully completes a task to the benefit of all humanity.

What theme describes what the muskrat was able to do?

• Redemption

• Love

• Courage & Perseverance

• Coming of Age

Open Ended

•How did the muskrat succeeding where others failed, benefit everyone?

Open Ended

^{Note that muskrat is a member of the rodent family, which American culture regards as a lowly creature with little value. The muskrat might be what Westerners call an underdog.}

^{What makes a person whom others may consider of little value succeed against all odds?}

What details do you expect to see in stories written by those who respect nature?

Open Ended

^{Myths reveal the deep connections between Native American societies and the natural world.}

^{Briefly describe the types of details you expect to find in stories made by people who respect nature.}