Domain:
History & Culture
Competency:
Understand cultures and identities
🎂
2-3 year olds
⏰
10 to 15 minutes min
Rate this lesson!
Learning Objective
Children will identify a cowboy in pictures from the book to connect with cultural heritage.
Learning Resource Synopsis
In 'Black Cowboys' by Kyla Ryman, readers are introduced to a vibrant and often overlooked culture through the captivating photographs of Andrea Robbins and Max Becher. This book takes children on a visual journey to rodeos and trail rides, where they meet various Black cowboys and cowgirls who continue to thrive across the United States. The stunning imagery is designed to engage young readers, while the subject matter prompts deeper reflection and discussion among older audiences. 'Black Cowboys' provides an educational glimpse into a significant aspect of American history and culture, highlighting the ongoing presence and contributions of Black cowboys in the modern world.
Extended Learning Resources
| Resource & Author | Publication Info | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History | Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, written by Vashti Harrison | This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to impactful Black historical figures, encouraging an understanding of diverse cultural contributions. |
| National Geographic Readers: Cowboys | Published by National Geographic Kids, written by Lucille Recht Penner | An engaging non-fiction book that provides young readers with facts and vivid images about the life and work of cowboys. |
| Scholastic Discover More: My World | Published by Scholastic Inc., written by Penelope Arlon | This book offers children a chance to explore different cultures and communities around the world through colorful pictures and simple text. |
Vocabulary List
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboy | Person who rides horses and takes care of cows. | Look, there is a cowboy on the horse. |
| Horse | A big animal you can ride. | See the horse? It goes 'neigh'. |
| Hat | Thing you wear on your head. | The cowboy wears a big hat. |
Prompt
Essential Question: "What do you see in the picture?"
Today, we're going to explore a special part of history and culture by looking at pictures of cowboys. Let's get ready to see and talk about what makes them unique and important.
Anticipatory Set
- Show a picture of a cowboy and say, 'Look at this picture. What do you see?'.
- Gently tap your hat or head and say, 'Now, touch your head like a cowboy hat.'.
- Invite children to wave their hands like a lasso and say, 'Let's wave our hands like we're riding a horse.'.
Teacher Tips
- Create a cozy circle where everyone can see the picture clearly.
- Use gentle, supportive language to encourage participation, even if children are unsure.
- Be attentive to each child's responses and acknowledge their ideas warmly.
Learn
Let's dive into 'Black Cowboys' by Kyla Ryman, where we'll see amazing pictures of cowboys and cowgirls. Are you ready to explore their world?
Interactive Engagement
- Point to the cowboy hat.
- Can we say 'yee-haw' together?
- Wave your hand like a lasso.
- Make a horse sound: 'neigh neigh'.
- Touch your boots like a cowboy.
Teacher Tips
- Use big gestures and sound effects to emphasize cowboy actions.
- Encourage children to imitate actions like waving or neighing.
- Pause frequently to let children respond with pointing or sounds.
Ask
Let's think about the cowboys we saw and how they felt.
Discussion Questions
- What sound did the horse make?
- Did the cowboy look happy or serious?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage pointing to pictures while discussing feelings.
- Invite children to imitate horse sounds together.
Navigate
Exploring Cowboy Culture: Hat Adventures
In this engaging activity, children explore the cultural significance of Black cowboys by trying on cowboy hats and looking at photographs. This hands-on experience helps them connect with the cultural heritage and history of Black cowboys, fostering a sense of identity and representation.
| Materials |
|
| Planning |
|
| Implementation |
|
Teacher Tips
- Encourage children to share the cowboy hats to ensure everyone has a turn.
- Use simple and clear language to describe the cultural significance of the cowboy hats.
- Be attentive to children's expressions and guide them to articulate their thoughts.
- Celebrate each child's drawing contribution to the cowboy scene poster.
Share
Let's remember all the fun we had learning about cowboys today. Think about the pictures we saw and the cowboy adventures we imagined.
Reflection Questions
- If you liked the cowboy pictures, give a big smile.
- Show me how you pretend to ride a horse.
- Clap your hands if you felt happy seeing the cowboys.
Teacher Tips
- Encourage children to show their thoughts with gestures or facial expressions, like smiling or clapping.
- Model the actions yourself to invite imitation and participation.
- Celebrate each child's expression, whether it's a gesture, a sound, or a smile, to reinforce their confidence and engagement.
UDL Strategies
Representation
- Provide visual aids by showing children photographs from the book that depict Black cowboys, ensuring a diverse representation of cowboy culture.
- Use a simple story or rhyme about Black cowboys, accompanied by rhythmic clapping or tapping, to make the storytelling auditory and engaging.
- Incorporate tactile exploration by allowing children to feel the textures of various cowboy hats, discussing how these relate to the cowboy's work and environment.
Action & Expression
- Encourage children to use large crayons or markers to draw their favorite cowboy scene on a shared poster, promoting collaborative expression.
- Facilitate a simple role-playing activity where children can pretend to be cowboys, using hats and props, to express their understanding through movement and play.
- Offer an opportunity for children to verbalize or gesture their feelings about wearing the hats and looking at the pictures, supporting various communication styles.
Engagement
- Start with an energetic cowboy-themed song to capture their attention and introduce them to the concept of Black cowboys.
- Introduce a 'Hat Adventure' map where children can place stickers after trying on a hat or identifying a cowboy in a photograph, promoting a sense of journey and discovery.
- Offer choices by allowing children to select which hat they want to try on first, or which cowboy photograph they want to discuss, to foster autonomy and interest.
Assessment Criteria
Formative Assessment
- Observe children as they interact with the cowboy hats and photographs. Look for signs of recognition or curiosity, such as pointing to images of cowboys in the book or naming parts of the cowboy attire. Note any verbal or non-verbal expressions indicating a connection with the images.
- Engage children in a simple question-and-answer session during the activity. Ask questions like 'Which picture shows a cowboy?' or 'What do you see on the cowboy?' Listen for responses that indicate understanding, such as identifying key features like hats or horses.
- Monitor children's engagement as they draw their favorite cowboy scene. Observe the elements they choose to include and how they describe them. Look for attempts to relate these elements to what they learned about cowboy culture, such as including a cowboy hat or a horse.
Summative Assessment
- Review the drawings children create of themselves wearing cowboy hats. Assess whether the drawings include recognizable features of the hats, such as the brim or band, and any additional details that reflect the cultural stories or facts shared during the activity.
- Conduct a group reflection where each child shares a short verbal story or fact about the cowboy culture they learned. Evaluate their ability to recall and articulate at least one detail about the cultural significance, such as the role of Black cowboys or a specific item of clothing associated with cowboys.
×