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PRESENTED BYTHE LIFE OF WILMA MANKILLERElementary Discussion QuestionsWILMA’S WAY HOME:Author/Illustrator by Doreen Rappaport

Lesson Plan By:Lynne F. Stoverstoverlf@jmu.edu Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma MankillerAuthor/Illustrator by Doreen RappaportDisney-Hyperion /2019STORY SYNOPSIS: This picture-book biography of WilmaMankiller, the first female chief of theCherokee Nation, begins with her early lifein rural Oklahoma. The sixth in a family ofeleven children, she grew up in a poor, butloving family. Her life in a supportive ruralcommunity is disrupted when a newgovernment policy relocates her family tosuburban San Francisco. There she facesmany challenges, but eventually finds anew community at the Oakland IndianCenter, returns to Oklahoma, and finds hercalling as a leader. Direct quotes fromWilma Mankiller’s autobiography areincluded in the blank verse narrative.

Reading Makes Cents 2022-2023Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma MankillerLesson Plan By:Lynne F. Stoverstoverlf@jmu.eduElementary Discussion QuestionsWhere was Wilma Mankiller born? [Oklahoma] How many children were in her family?[There were eleven. She was right in the middle at number six.]The first illustration in the book shows Wilma’s large family working in their garden.(Display the illustration.) Can you identify the different resources being used? Naturalresources. [vegetables, soil, trees, water, sun] Human resources. [Family membersplanting, chopping, weeding, fetching water] Capital resources. [shovels, axes, pails,rakes, hoes.] What were these productive resources used for? [The garden and chickens helped thefamily grow their own food.] How else did the family put food on their table? [Theyhunted and fished.]Wilma’s family and community members used barter to help them get a variety ofgoods. What are some examples of things that were bartered? [They bartered (traded)eggs for milk, and homegrown vegetables for store-bought goods.]Why did Wilma’s family move to San Francisco, California when she was eleven-years-old? [Her father could not find work in Oklahoma and he hoped the governmentprogram to move his family to the city would give his children a better future.] The students in her new school made fun of Wilma’s last name. But she was proud ofit. Why? [Her family was given this name because her ancestors guarded the villagehomes and when enemies attached, they fought back.]When Wilma was eighteen, she got married and had two daughters. However, shekept investing in her human resources. How did she do this? [She started college, wentback to the Indian Center, and got a job at the Oakland Indian Center working withchildren.] 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Introduction: Show the students the cover of the book Wilma’s Way Home: The Life ofWilma Mankiller. Tell them they will be listening to a story about a Native Americanwho was the first female of the Cherokee Nation.

Reading Makes Cents 2022-2023Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma MankillerLesson Plan By:Lynne F. Stoverstoverlf@jmu.eduAfter a long recovery from a car accident, Wilma went to help the 350 people livingin Bell, Oklahoma. They were very poor but helped each other survive by sharingfish, meat, and firewood. What natural resource did they request from her to helpthem? [They wanted running water.] When Wilma became a leader in the Cherokee Nation, she helped the tribe achievefinancial success and gain pride in their accomplishments. What were someachievements gained during her ten years of leadership? [The Cherokee Nationrevived a tribal high school, built four health clinics, two daycare centers and a jobcorps training center. New businesses were created, such as a cattle and poultryranch, gift shops, and a motel. These businesses generated millions of dollars.] In 2022 Wilma Mankiller was selected as one of the featured women for the new U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. This is a four-year program thatcelebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women to thedevelopment and history of our country. Why do you think she was selected for thishonor? [Answers will vary but her leadership skills and support for the people of theCherokee Nation will likely be mentioned.] 8. 9.10.