HAA DUSEÉIGUX SITEE YAAW | Herring is Life
HAA DUSEÉIGUX SITEE YAAW | Herring is Life
2nd grade place-based unit
In the spring, Sitka and other parts of Southeast Alaska witness the great return of the herring. This vibrant season is marked by the simultaneous spawning and harvesting of herring—a time of abundance and cultural significance. In this lesson, students explore the life cycle and importance of herring while making meaningful connections to English Language Arts and math standards.
LESSON 1
Schedule Mr. Charlie Skultka or another cultural specialist for the bentwood box cooking demonstration later in the unit.
Print the habitat coloring pages for students.
Prepare markers, crayons, or pencils.
Set up large butcher paper or a digital space for the class mural.
Cue the Yáa at wooné video and check that it will play
LESSON 2
Gather vocabulary visuals or cards.
If available, collect real items for students to observe, such as herring, herring eggs, or hemlock branches.
Prepare and cut out student memory game cards.
Cue the audio or pronunciation support ahead of time.
LESSON 3
Print one bingo sheet for each student and one teacher copy.
Gather paper and pencils for the drawing activity.
Cue the drawing video and harvesting video.
Make sure students can easily return to the class mural after the activity.
LESSON 4
Work with the Cultural Department to schedule the bentwood box cooking demonstration.
Try to time this lesson near the Science Center symbiosis lesson if possible.
Gather chart paper or a whiteboard for discussion.
Prepare student observation sheets or drawing paper.
Have pencils, crayons, or colored pencils ready.
Review student expectations for safe and respectful observation during the demonstration.
LESSON 5
Print the Yaaw_Review_Book_Lesson5.pdf for students.
Gather pencils, crayons, or other coloring supplies.
Decide whether students will complete the book independently, with partners, or as a whole class.
Prepare a space for students to share one page or one thing they learned from the unit.
This lesson page in the current PDF is very brief, so these prep steps are inferred from the review-book format and classroom use.