Maidu

1
This fourth grade student investigated one of
Californias native cultures. Differentiation
for the assignment accommodated a learning
disability as well as giftedness. The
independent study was completed with fewer and
less rigorous text requirements than other
students and with less concern for original
wording. The internet was utilized by the
student to find and apply appropriate
illustrations for the report. The presentation
was completed in conjunction with instruction in
PowerPoint.
2
The Maidu
3
Their Land

• The Maidu lived in the northern eastern part of
  California near where Sacramento is today.

4
Their Homes

• The Maidu often built their homes so people can
  see strangers coming.
• Their winter houses looked like a big round pile
  of earth with a hole on the top.
• In summer they had open air shelters. They cut
  branches to support a roof of sticks, grass, or
  dirt.

5
What They Wore

• In cooler seasons or high in the mountains, The
  Maidu sometimes wore moccasins stuffed with grass
  to protect their feet from the snow.
• They tied animal skins around their legs.

6
What they Ate

• The Maidu hunted deer, elk, rabbits, and birds.
• They fished for salmon and trout.
• They gathered wild plants, seeds, roots, insects,
  and berries.

7
What They Made

• They made baskets of willow, red bud, yellow
  pine, bear grass, or bracken fern.
• Beadwork was another important craft with the
  Maidu. It was used as decoration and for trade.

8
References

• The Land and the First People. Reflections Our
  Community, pp 92-119. Harcourt School Publishers.
  2007.
• http//www.countyofplumas.com/museum/maidu_indians
  .htm