Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
This lesson plan provides a culturally responsive and interdisciplinary learning experience for second-grade students by integrating social studies, literacy, and character education through the topic of strawberries in Cherokee culture. Using the 5E instructional model students learn that items in nature can hold important meaning for different cultures. The lesson aligns with standards focused on identifying how people are influenced by their environment and how natural resources can shape traditions and beliefs. Students begin by discussing their own experiences with strawberries and sharing what strawberries mean to them. This opening activity activates prior knowledge and helps students understand that objects can have different meanings for different people. During the explore phase, students listen to a read-aloud of The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac. Through the story, students learn how strawberries symbolize kindness, friendship, and respect in Cherokee tradition. In the explain phase, teachers guide students through a summary of the story and explicitly teach important vocabulary such as Cherokee, kindness, respect, and friendship. Students discuss how the story’s message connects to relationships and positive behavior. In the elaborate phase, students complete a hands-on activity by creating paper strawberries and writing kind, respectful, or friendly messages for others. This allows students to connect cultural lessons to their own lives by practicing the values represented in the story. Students are encouraged to give their strawberries to classmates, friends, or family members. Formative assessments occur through class discussions, teacher observation, and partner conversations. A summative exit ticket asks students to explain the meaning of strawberries to the Cherokee people. Overall, this lesson promotes literacy, cultural understanding, empathy, and respectful classroom relationships while helping students appreciate the significance of traditions and storytelling.
Recommended Citation
Bauch, Ava; Barthel, Michaela; Danielson, Cacee; and Kraft, Brooke, "A Strawberry’s Meaning" (2026). OER Materials. 27.
https://red.mnstate.edu/oer-materials/27
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Indigenous Education Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
Comments
This lesson was created for a social studies methods course.