Before the words are spoken, a bright light shines from the eyes of second grade teacher Mr. Aguilar. "I do not teach poetry," he says, "poetic language is everywhere. It is a kind of movement, a wind." While poetry is typically characterized by its flexible form and accessibility, for Mr. Aguilar, now in his tenth year of…

When Shirley Chisholm (in 1972) and then Hillary Clinton (in 2008, and again in 2016) ran for president, there was great excitement. Indeed, electing the "first woman" to the Office of the President would be an important milestone. Yet, Indigenous women have long held positions of leadership, including the position of President,…

Geography Action Week 2000 was fast approaching and the author was trying to decide on a way for her fourth grade class to actively participate in the theme for the year. The theme "Here Today--Here Tomorrow: A Geographic Focus on Conservation" centered on sustainable use, preservation, and restoration of our natural and cultural…

In this article, the authors discuss children's books which they believe can help elementary school teachers present the complexity of Native American points of view and offer students a fuller understanding of the long-term impact of the Columbian exchange on Native Peoples. The first set of books explores encounters between Native Peoples and…

Educators face many challenges in figuring out how and what to teach about Native American cultures. One critical element to remember is that Indian cultures and people are still living and thriving in today's world, including at the National Museum of the American Indian. Furthermore, this paper presents three inaugural exhibitions that were…

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…

A Talking Circle incorporates traditions from various Native American tribes and represents the practice of gathering as a community to solve problems, and the practice of respectful listening. This article describes the benefits of introducing students to a Talking Circle as a way of creating community in the classroom. Having a weekly class…

In this article, the author describes some of the teaching methods she uses to teach how different American Indian groups lived in different regions of the North American continent. Her lessons include a number of projects: (1) Practicing symbolic writing; (2) Creating a personal timeline; (3) Studying winter counts and creating a personalized…

A common criticism of American history curricula is that the content mostly relates the activities and accomplishments of Anglo males. The stories and contributions of women and people of color are frequently missing from history textbooks. While authors and publishers have worked in recent times to rectify these omissions, the voice of Native…

Argues that teachers should teach about contemporary American Indians as well as their history. Suggests that good topics would be American Indian children of today and American Indiana leaders of today. Presents a lesson plan and recommended instructional materials. (CFR)

Describes the use of drama to give meaning and understanding to a unit on Native Americans. Students worked in small groups or "tribes" to research cultural attributes, and then acted out tribal rituals and created costumes and artifacts. The group work and the active roleplaying helped students to develop a new understanding of…

Argues for recognition that teaching about the voyages of Columbus is presented from a European perspective. Reminds teachers to take a multidimensional approach that recognizes the Native American and African-American points of view. Examines the long-range demographic, cultural, political, economic, dietary, and labor redividing consequences of…

Offers tips for teaching about the lives and cultures of Native Americans. Argues that teachers themselves should study and read about, consult with, seek to understand, and participate in the cultural events of Native Americans. Suggests opportunities for teaching about native peoples. Provides an illustrative lesson plan for use in grades two…

States that textile arts enables students to explore the history and culture of Native Americans. Provides information on Native Americans, specifically on four Wisconsin tribes. Addresses changes in bead and ribbonwork. Discusses different classroom resources and offers a bibliography of children's literature and teacher resources. (CMK)

Provides activities for primary and intermediate grades which will encourage an appreciation of diversity. Primary activities are concerned with the Native American's respect for nature and Japanese culture. Intermediate activities focus upon the African American celebration of Kwanzaa and the creation of Chinese words to describe technology. (KO)