Learn about Native American Creation Myths using a Graphic Organizerand encourage

creative writing with this fun activity!

Created By: Claire Lawyer

Name: _____________________

Date: ______________________

Period: _____________________

Native American Stories Compare/Contrast Chart

Research “Creation Myths- Native American” on a search engine and read three different stories from

three different regions. Using this graph, compare and contrast these origin stories in each of the

following categories.

Title of Story:

Settings

Purpose

Characters

Conflict

Resolution

Writing your Own Creation Myth You are going write your own creation myth in the style of the Native

Americans. Since you have read through three myths at this point, and have

a general understanding of their purpose and how they are constructed, you

are going to choose symbols, elements, and characteristics to help you

create your own.

Step 1: Choosing the animals

You need to choose an animal that you believe represents your

personality. This animal will take on the role of the protagonist in

your story and should be a dynamic, interesting animal. (*Note- not

all animals need to be strong carnivores, go beyond the standard and

look to animals that do not have as much popularity to find

something unique and different)

Animal #1- Protagonist: _________________________

Discuss why you chose this animal to represent you and be your

protagonist. What characteristics did it have that attracted you it? What are

some characteristics that you share with this animal? Answer in

complete sentences!

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What is one word that represents what this animal symbolizes to you?

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You now need to choose an animal that will end up being the antagonist

in the story and is the opposite of you in terms of qualities and

characteristics. Think about animals that are quirky and interesting, it

will make the story that much more entertaining.

Animal #2- Antagonist: __________________________

Discuss why you chose this animal to represent the opposite of you. What

characteristics does it have that are so different from yourself? Why do you

think this animal will make an interesting antagonist? Answer in

complete sentences!

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Step 2: Choosing the Setting

The setting is important to Native American creation stories but only in the

context of time. Setting is different in that you will be explaining how the

earth was created, how the spirit world was separated from the human

world, or how animals and humans started to populate the planet.

Choose one of these themes before continuing.

How the Earth Was Created

How the Spirit World Was Separated From the Human World

How Animals and/or Humans Started to Populate the Planet

Depending on your chosen theme, you will need to describe what the

universe was like before the earth was created, the difference between the

spirit and human world in terms of placement and qualities, or the

development of human and animal groups and why each group chose their

location.

Briefly explain your setting in the space provided.

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Step 3: Conflict

The conflict is going to be between the protagonist and the antagonist. The

antagonist is going to try to prevent the creation of earth or civilization in

some way. It is up to you to decide how to create the conflict and describe

the eventual conclusion, however if you want earth to be created, you need

to make sure your protagonist is the victor!

Initial Brainstorming for Conflict

Step 4: Conclusion

Create your conclusion with the understanding that it is the start of your

tribe’s settlement on Earth. If you want to create a parable or lesson with

this story, make sure that you have written in the problem in the first part

of the story.

For example:

Lesson: Humans need shelter and clothes because in the transition process,

lost their fur and ability to exist outside.

Explain how you are going to conclude your creation myth. What is going to

be the result? How is your tribe to survive and thrive and why are they

considered the “chosen ones”?

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Step 5: Writing your creation myth

Now you are going to start writing your creation myth. Make sure that you

are prepared with some high quality descriptive words and use the

thesaurus to incorporate higher level vocabulary. If you are using dialogue

in your story, make sure that you follow the rules of punctuation and

capitalization for dialogue since these rules are different from other

punctuation and capitalization rules. Have fun and be different and unique!