Introduce the three sisters through an engaging booklet about corn, beans, squash, and the relationships that help a garden grow. This three sisters resource introduces Haudenosaunee agricultural knowledge, the Thanksgiving Address and helps students learn about the Haudenosaunee, reciprocity, gratitude, and caring for the natural world.
Short reading passages, drawing activities, and written responses bring together science, social studies, and literacy in an approachable half-page booklet.
The Three Sisters Activity:
𖥧 13 page student booklet
𖥧 Three Sisters Craft
𖥧 Introduction to the Haudenosaunee and the six nations of the Confederacy
𖥧 Readings about corn, beans, and squash and their contributions to the garden
𖥧 Garden drawing, labelling, and matching activities
𖥧 Introduction to reciprocity and people’s responsibilities in caring for a garden
𖥧 Brief explanation of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
𖥧 Reading comprehension questions and a gratitude-to-action reflection
𖥧 Answer key and a one-page teacher lesson plan
Students will explore:
𖡼 How corn supports climbing beans
𖡼 How bacteria associated with bean roots help the plant use nitrogen
𖡼 How squash leaves shade the soil
𖡼 How people care for the plants that provide food
𖡼 How gratitude can connect with actions that show care
Designed for Grades 2-4: Use as a shared reading activity, a small-group lesson, or independent work with support as needed. All factual comprehension answers are included in the booklet, while reflection activities encourage personal connections.
Print, cut the sheets in half, and staple to assemble the booklet. Use throughout the year alongside learning about plants, gardens, Indigenous perspectives, and relationships with the land.
The Thanksgiving Address section introduces its purpose and directs teachers to a Haudenosaunee source; it does not reproduce the Address.
