Lesson Plan

Word Warriors: The Code Talkers of Oklahoma

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The battle between code makers and code breakers has been going on for centuries and is a key tool of warfare. The contributions of the Native American Code Talkers of World Wars I and II are celebrated in a instructional activity that features a documentary about them, an article that details their contributions, a page from a graphic novel that pictures Annumpa Luma's experiences, and a game where class members attempt to translate Code Talker Terms into English. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use during November's Native American Heritage Month
  • Although only a portion of the video is included in the lesson, preview the entire 29-minute documentary for the historical perspective it provides
  • Requires extra prep time to queue up the video and prepare the materials
  • Print the card pieces on card stock and laminate to permit reuse
Classroom Considerations
  • If class members are not familiar with the Indian School program, a link is provided to an additional lesson, "Surviving Assimilation,"  about the Indian Schools and the attempts to assimilate Native Americans
  • Requires projection equipment with internet for the video and the presentation
  • Individual copies of multiple handouts are also required
Pros
  • Links are provided that detail the many learning strategies used in the lesson
  • The lesson brings to life the important contributions of the Code Talkers
  • Materials are available in both English and Spanish
Cons
  • None
Common Core