November is National Native American Heritage month. This is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and rich culture, history, and traditions of Native people. This is also a great time to educate children about different tribes, and to raise awareness about the struggles Native people have faced in the past, and those that continue today.
Using American Indian pictures, words, names, music, and stories can help children to learn about this crucial part of American history. However, we need to be aware that, oftentimes, what young children are exposed to are short bursts of inaccurate stereotypes (at Thanksgiving, for example). As educators and parents, we need to ensure that children receive accurate, unbiased, and consistent learning related to the Native American culture. We highly recommend Lessons from Turtle Island as a resource for teachers and parents who want to introduce Native American cultures to their young children. It is packed full of resources and curriculum, as well as helpful hints to ensure we honor our Native Americans appropriately in the classroom.
In teaching about Native Americans, it is important that teachers choose concrete topics so that children can draw on their own understanding. A project-based approach allows them to explore Native American cultures and construct their own meaning based on their experiences. It is a good idea for teachers to research current information about tribes, their cultures, and their history.
8 Ways to Help Children Learn and Celebrate Native Americans:
Learn about tribes – past and present:
On this website, find a map of the United States with the Native American cultural groups. There are several videos of Native Americans discussing their present lives and common misunderstandings about their culture and lives.
Read a Book or Native American Story:
Teach your children about Indigenous culture with these stunning Native American Children’s Books for all ages!
Native Americans have a history of storytelling. Stories are rich and diverse; some tales are humorous, others are serious. Some stories are about people who lived — or might have lived — long ago; others are about real children who you may know as a friend or neighbor today. PBS shares some Native American stories here.
Introduce Native American Music, Dance, and Drumming
Carolyn is a descendent of the Cherokee tribe, and shares stories, music, dancing, and drumming ideas for young children on her blog. Plenty of resources are included here!
Play a Game
Did you know that Lacrosse was a variety of indigenous stickball games the American Indians played as early as the 12th century? Native Americans used games to teach their children safety, strength, agility, and sportsmanship. The games were fun, and had an important purpose. This site lists real Native American games you can play at home or at school.
Try Traditional Recipes
Many families have special recipes they make during holidays and special occasions. Here are a few kid-friendly Native American recipes using modern ingredients you can try!
Introduce Native American Music, Dance, and Drumming
Carolyn is a descendent of the Cherokee tribe, and shares stories, music, dancing, and drumming ideas for young children on her blog. Plenty of resources are included here!
Explore Native American Language, Words, and Symbols
A pictograph is a picture that represents a word phrase, and is our earliest form of writing. Native Americans wrote pictographs on rocks, cave walls, and buffalo hides to tell stories of battles and communicate important warnings and messages. Here’s an activity you can use to introduce some of the symbols used.
Explore Native American Art
Did you know that there are over 570 Native American tribes in the US? Each tribe has their own language, traditions, and culture. This site contains meaningful craft ideas for children, introducing 9 crafts that honor a variety of cultures and traditions, and includes stories to go along with the craft.
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