Grade 3 – Unit 8
Two Row Wampum
Discover History and Treaty Traditions with Two Row Wampum Belt. Bring Grade 3 students into the story of the Two Row Wampum Belt, a powerful symbol of equality, peace, and shared responsibility between the Haudenosaunee nations and settlers. This Releasing-Writers-inspired unit pairs Elder William (Bill) Woodworth’s telling of the story with vocabulary support and writing exemplars, guiding students to notice the careful craftsmanship, the symbolism of each bead, and the enduring message of peace and respect that the belt represents. Students will write, reflect, and connect with a story that shows how cultural artifacts can carry powerful lessons across generations.
Structured Writing Cycle
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy shares that “Story telling is an essential part of Haudenosaunee culture. It isn’t just about telling stories, it’s a positive way to teach the beliefs and values the Haudenosaunee hold.” Listening to the voices of indigenous elders is important, which is why the mentor text for this unit is, in fact, a video.
Please listen carefully as you watch this mentor video for this unit, The Story of the Two Row Wampum Belt as told by Elder William Woodsworth.
Note to educators: You will want to play this video a few times over the course of this structured writing cycle, pausing as you watch to highlight important ideas and details.
Mentor Video – The Story of the Two Row Wampum Belt as told by Elder William Woodworth
- About the Story Teller – Elder William Woodworth
- Story Telling and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Educator Resource – Structured Writing