1. Native American Origin Myths
“How the Honey Bee Got Its Stinger” “How the Chipmunk Got His Stripes”

2. Think and Discuss
Which of the three major ideas of Native American myth appear in this story? How?
What do you think is the central idea or message of this story? What purpose does it serve?
Is the myth effective in sending a message? Why or why not?

3. Write
What makes these origin myths effective means for not only teaching the origin of a phenomena but also effective for teaching a lesson?
Think of a fairytale, nursery rhyme, or picture book you remember from childhood that taught you a similar lesson. What made that story so effective that you remember it today, years and years since you first heard it?
How do both origin and creation myths exhibit the power of language?