The Gift of the Great Buffalo by Carole Lindstrom


Objective
Help children explore how humans use art and stories to connect with animals, communicate ideas, and pass knowledge across generations. This activity connects Paleolithic cave paintings of bison to the story of the buffalo in Carole Lindstrom’s book.

Step 1: Read the Story Together

• Read The Gift of the Great Buffalo, noticing how the buffalo are important to the family’s survival.
• Pause occasionally to ask questions like:
  • “Why are the buffalo so important to this family?”
  • “How do you think the family feels about the buffalo?”
  • “What lessons or knowledge are they passing on about the buffalo?”

Step 2: Explore Cave Art

• Show your child images of bison from caves such as Lascaux (France)
• Ask them to notice:
  • The shapes and outlines of the animals
  • How the animals are shown in profile or in motion
  • Any patterns or repetition of images
• Talk together about why humans might have painted these animals long ago:
  • To remember important animals
  • To teach others about hunting or survival
  • To show respect for the animals they relied on

Step 3: Create Your Own Cave Story

• Invite your child to pick a scene from The Gift of the Great Buffalo. For example, the herd of buffalo, a hunt, or a family moment.
• Have them draw the scene in a cave art style:
  • Use simple shapes, outlines, and profile views
  • Include repeated animals or patterns
  • Optional: make handprints to show humans were there
• As they draw, encourage them to tell the story aloud:
  • Describe what is happening, who is involved, and why it matters
  • Talk about how their drawing helps someone else understand the story, just like cave art does

Step 4: Reflect Together

• After the drawing is finished, ask questions like:
  • “How is your drawing like the cave art we looked at?”
  • “What does your art tell about the buffalo and the people in the story?”
  • “Why do you think humans use pictures and stories to remember important things?”
• Emphasize that both cave paintings and the story of the buffalo help people share knowledge, teach lessons, and connect with animals and each other.

Optional Extension

• Encourage your child to invent a short legend or story about the buffalo inspired by their drawing, explaining something about survival, respect, or community.