The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven Lesson Plan

Indian Mascot Debate

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

Students will make a case for one side of the Indian Mascot debate.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4

Structure:

Alexie mentions the fact that many sports teams (from local teams through professional level) use the names of Indian tribes and Indian images as mascots. There has been heated debate about this topic for many years. In this activity, students will debate this topic.

On the first day, split students into three groups: pro-Indian mascots, anti-Indian mascots, and a jury. The pro and anti groups work together, doing research, to write a statement explaining their position and...