This section’s eleven lesson plans were created by a diverse group of authors, including an award-winning arts teacher, a Hmong refugee, and several folklorists. Each lesson plan has its own personality, its own unique approach, and several classroom activities designed especially for Ties That Bind. Dozens of options provide a variety of ways to put the information to work right away in the classroom. There are lesson plans that involve playing games, listening to music and interviewing local characters. Hands-on activities include making a story quilt, trying out the skills of wheatweaving, and watching master artists teach traditional arts to apprentices (some as young as six years old).

The first two pages of each lesson plan are organized in the same way. The first page provides an overview of the plan and the second page contains a detailed table of contents. From there, each plan takes on its own special personality.

Get acquainted with Section III in 3 easy steps! Within a few minutes, you’ll know exactly how the section works and what information it contains!

1. Take a quick look at the first page of one of the lesson plans.

a. Learn what art form, culture group or aspect of folklore the lesson plan features; Find a description of the lesson plan, the grades it can be used for, the materials included on this website and other suggested materials; Note what Colorado Model Content Standards can be addressed.
b. Enjoy a color photograph of a traditional art form, artist, or activity.

2. Take a quick look at the second page of the lesson plan.

a. Find out what subjects are covered
b. Find out what classroom activities have been specially designed to cover the subjects.

3. Skim through the rest of the lesson plan. Find color photographs of artists and art forms, of people and places; Learn how icons direct you to audio and video resources: Find one thing to use in your classroom tomorrow!