This five-part playbook was created to provide practical, proven methods to improve the reading outcomes of all learners in Alaska. It defines and provides clear, step-by-step evidence-based strategies for five elements of reading instruction: (1) phonological awareness; (2) phonics; (3) fluency; (4) vocabulary; and (5) comprehension. When…

Cultures need to accurately record dates and times for various societal purposes, ranging from knowing when to plant crops to planning travel. In ancient times, the sun and moon were used as measurement devices because of the scientific understanding of the physical world at that time. Ancient timekeepers monitored celestial events and either used…

Globalization is blurring the lines between once clearly defined groups of people, making cultural sensitivity more important than ever. Culturally sensitive art education can cultivate the ability for students to empathize with and care about others, but until now, few guidelines have existed to help art educators bring together those from…

Teaching about diversity and respect for others is a challenging task for today's educators--especially at the middle school level. This article describes successful attempts to do so at the sixth-grade level. These real-life experiences enhanced classroom learning and reached out to the community. The author hopes that other educators will…

Hands-on projects such as creating a three-dimensional diorama are among the most memorable of positive elementary school experiences, yet they are generally uncommon because these complex projects are daunting to undertake. Therefore, it is important to prepare preservice teachers with the skills to lead children in creating these types of…

Presents a poem based on a captivity account by French born Pierre Radisson, who was captured in 1652 by the Mohawk Indians near his home in New France and inducted into the tribe. Includes a list of study questions. (Author/AEM)

The underlying foundations for all elements of this "Cree Language and Culture 12-year Program Guide to Implementation (Kindergarten to Grade 3)" are Cree values--those viewpoints and ways of being that characterize the Cree way of life. They are as important today in educating students in the Cree language and culture as they have ever…

Teachers have a unique opportunity to influence education by the materials they select to use in their classrooms. However, many lack the research or life experience that is useful to teach about a living culture that is different from their own in an accurate, respectful manner. This article presents four categories to consider when selecting…

This guide will provide the reader with the tools needed to plan a successful Cree language experience in the classroom. As a teacher, you will choose appropriate activities with your students from the Sample Teaching and Learning Activities. The activities and assessment strategies are samples you can add to and adapt to fit your classroom…

Discusses the American Indian concepts of taking only from nature what you need and practicing the disciplines of silence and using your senses. Suggests activities for elementary school children to develop the concepts. (11 resources) (MDH)

The Indian flute can be used by teachers to supplement classroom study of Indian culture. Indians used it as a personal instrument. Describes how an Indian flute can be made, and suggests improvising bird calls and melodies on it. (CS)

Explains the significance of the main animal symbols incorporated into the social, cultural, artistic, and spiritual fabric of the Hodenosaunee (the People of the Longhouse) also known as the Six Nations Iroquois: the eagle, turtle, bear, wolf, hawk, heron, snipe, eel, deer, beaver, moose, snake, and serpent. (NEC)

Describes ways (used in the author's third-grade classroom) of connecting traditional stories with contemporary science. Argues that traditional Native ways of knowing have much to offer student scientists as they come to understand the natural world, and that Native stories help make the facts of science relevant to students' everyday lives. (SR)

Proposes using Abenaki American Indian tales to teach children the lessons needed to maintain a balance between people and nature. Describes the Abenaki people of New England, and provides a story to teach four lessons for survival: silence, respect, sharing, and circles. (MDH)

Discusses the integration of art and academics in a fifth-grade instructional unit on Native American culture. Describes how students studied Native American pictographs, designed their own pictographs, made their own tools, and created rock paintings of their pictographs using these tools. Provides a list of references on Native American…