Native American Heritage Month in the Elementary Classroom
With the arrival of November comes the celebration of Native American Heritage Month. This period serves as a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the rich history, culture, and invaluable contributions of Native Americans. Within the elementary classroom, teachers can seize this moment to actively involve their students in understanding and valuing this vibrant heritage.
North America hosts a diverse array of Indigenous groups, each with unique cultures, languages, and histories. Over 570 federally recognized tribes exist in the United States, and numerous First Nations groups are found in Canada. These include widely known tribes like the Cherokee, Navajo, Hopi, Inuit, and more, each with their customs and languages passed through generations. Teaching about these diverse groups offers an introduction to the rich tapestry of Indigenous nations in North America.
This post will guide you on incorporating literature, music, and interactive research in your classroom, facilitating a deeper exploration of Native American culture for students.
Native American Literature for the Upper Elementary Classroom
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell, a classic children's novel based on a true story, follows Karana, a Nicoleño tribe member left alone on an island after her people leave due to Russian hunters. Karana's solitary adventure showcases her survival skills, resilience, and bond with nature, illustrating themes of courage and determination amidst adversity.
Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story by S.D. Nelson depicts the life of a young Hidatsa girl, Buffalo Bird Girl, also known as Waheenee, in the 19th century along the Missouri River in present-day North Dakota. The book, featuring beautiful illustrations, delves into Waheenee's cultural ties and experiences, portraying her daily life, seasonal changes, and the traditions of the Hidatsa tribe. It illuminates the rich heritage of the Hidatsa people and their strong bond with the land amidst changes and resilience.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade, is a poignant children's book emphasizing the significance of protecting Earth's water. The story, blending themes of environmentalism and Native American spirituality, follows a young Indigenous girl urging action to safeguard this crucial resource. Through a powerful ancestral prophecy, she inspires readers to stand against threats to water and the planet, highlighting the call for environmental stewardship and the preservation of nature for generations to come.
Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac follows Danny Bigtree, a present-day Mohawk boy navigating conflicts surrounding school and his Native American heritage. Confronting stereotypes and bullying, Danny struggles with self-identity. With family and traditional guidance, he learns to embrace his Native roots, discovering pride and strength. The story highlights the significance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of modern challenge.
First Laugh - Welcome Baby! by Rose Ann Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood, with illustrations by Jonathan Nelson, is a heartwarming picture book depicting the Navajo First Laugh Ceremony. The story follows a Navajo family eagerly anticipating the baby's first laugh, a significant event in Navajo culture. Through playful attempts by family and community members to elicit the laugh, the book beautifully portrays the ceremony's cultural importance and the bonds of love and community. The charming illustrations capture the essence of this cherished Navajo tradition, emphasizing family, love, and cultural heritage.
At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell and Weshoyot Alvitre is a poignant picture book set during WWII. It follows a Cherokee family, primarily women, awaiting the return of a loved one who serves as a pilot. The story beautifully portrays the family's strong bond, drawing on heritage while sharing love and prayers for the pilot's safe return, showcasing resilience and love within the close-knit family.
The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz is a powerful book narrating the history of Native Americans. It celebrates the endurance and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing their resilience and ongoing presence despite historical challenges and injustices.
They Dance in the Sky: Native American Star Myths by Jean Guard Monroe and Ray A. Williamson is a collection of Native American celestial tales explaining the origins of stars and constellations. It features stories from various tribes, showcasing unique interpretations of celestial phenomena.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard is a heartwarming picture book celebrating the tradition of making fry bread. It highlights how fry bread symbolizes unity, family, and heritage within diverse Native American communities, emphasizing shared traditions and the joy derived from making and sharing this beloved food.
Native American MUSIC for the Upper Elementary Classroom
Integrating music into the classroom presents a fantastic opportunity to immerse students in the rich tapestry of Native American culture. The Smithsonian's Native American Music archive website stands as an excellent gateway to this journey, providing a diverse collection of videos showcasing Indigenous individuals performing an extensive range of both traditional and modern songs. As students delve into these musical pieces, they have the chance to explore the emotions and cultural significance within each melody. Encouraging discussions on the sentiments evoked by the music and the potential inspirations behind the compositions can enhance their understanding of the cultural context and the significance of music within Native American communities. By engaging with the nuances of the songs, students can appreciate the profound connections between music, heritage, and emotions, fostering a deeper appreciation for Native American culture.
Native American Research for the Upper Elementary Classroom
North America hosts a diverse array of Indigenous or Native American groups, each possessing unique cultures, languages, and histories, with their exact numbers fluctuating due to various factors like classifications, subgroups, and evolving identities.
With over 570 federally recognized tribes in the United States and numerous First Nations groups in Canada, including well-known tribes like the Cherokee, Navajo, and Lakota, these communities vary widely in size and recognition.
The incredibly diverse Indigenous groups in North America exhibit distinct customs, languages, and cultural practices passed down through generations, showcasing the rich tapestry of these nations.
For educators seeking to introduce their students to this rich cultural heritage, LINKtivity Learning offers a guided research learning experience. We have created a LINKtivity series highlighting Native American Peoples from all regions of the North American continent. Through each LINKtivity in the series, students can explore a Native American group from across the continent, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage.
Through video, audio, photographs, and more, students can tap into a multimedia learning exploration for Native American groups such as:
The Apache (coming soon!)
The Coast Salish (coming soon!)
Snag our FREE graphic organizer to use with our LINKtivity series, or ANY research exploration on Native American groups!
LINKtivity Learning’s series on Native American Groups is perfect to use during Native American Heritage Month. The series can be used in a variety of ways:
Morning Meetings: Start your day by discussing a different Native American group each week, promoting cultural awareness and diversity appreciation.
Research Projects: Assign students to dive deeper into one group, enabling them to present their findings and share insights with the class.
Fast-Finishers: Make these Native American LINKtivities available for students who finish classroom tasks early and need an activity to keep them engaged.