MuseumMenu

Related Links

Museum - Education
Special Topic Programs

Keepers of the Fire

Shishibe (Potawatomi Bingo)

To be used with: Keepers of the Fire; the American Indians of Dowagiac, Michigan, a school program of the Museum at Southwestern Michigan College.

Introduction:

Students will learn and use the Potawatomi Indian words for five common animals while playing a variation of bingo. Game should be preceded by a discussion of how this language is different than English (see Activity Introduction). This activity addresses State of Michigan school curriculum.

Supplies Needed:
Preparation:
  1. Make copies of Shishibe playing card master, on paper or cardstock, one copy per student.
  2. Using random number list, copy one column of numbers into blank squares of one playing card. Print numbers so they are big. Proceed to the next column of numbers for the second card, and so on. Number one card for each student. Center (duck) square gets no number.
  3. Cut apart the bingo numbers and mix them together in a container large enough to put your hand into.
  4. Practice saying Potawatomi words to be used from pronunciation guide at end of Activity Introduction.
Procedure
Step 1:

Using Activity Introduction, talk about the Potawatomi language and Shishibe, the game developed to teach that language to interested Native Americans and others.>
Step 2:

Pass out numbered playing cards and crayons to students.
Step 3:

Explain how game is played and have students repeat each of the Potawatomi language animal names with you. Be sure to emphasize that students getting five X’s in a row must call out “Shishibe” to let you know, rather than “Bingo!”  
Step 4:

Note the little duck in the middle of the card is a free “X” for all.
Step 5: Draw a Shishibe number from the container and announce it using the Potawatomi animal name, followed by the number; for example, “m’shiki fourteen,” or “mko seven.” Students use crayons to mark “X’s” on squares whose numbers have been called.
Step 6: Set aside the numbers you have drawn in groups by animal type (all Mko’s together, all Pananche’s together, etc.).
Step 7: Students who believe they have gotten five “X’s” in a row should bring their playing cards up to be checked by you against game numbers you have called and set aside. Winner receives prize. Play may continue for other students to get additional winners.
Step 8: After game, return selected Shishibe numbers to container, mix well.