In their work with young learners, the authors found that "We Are Water Protectors," written by Carole Lindstrom, of the Anishinabe/ Métis and Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians, and illustrated by Michaela Goade, of Tlingit descent, was a powerful entry point for recognizing the ways in which Indigenous communities continue to…

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…

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…

Fourth grade students "know about" Pocahontas, but is this knowledge based on historical fact, or on information from the media, specifically the Disney movies "Pocahontas" and "Pocahontas II"? To address this question within the context of the New York State Social Studies curriculum and the New York State English…

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)

Children can learn a lot about social studies by "reconstructing a culture" in the classroom. To reconstruct a culture, students can make use of prior knowledge to build a hierarchy of concepts about culture as well as learn social science subject knowledge appropriate to their grade level. In addition, they can have the tactile…

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)

Encourages educators to rethink approaches to teaching about Columbus'"discovery" of the Americas. Recommends that teachers examine textbooks for balance of presentation about Columbus. Suggests using children's literature and primary sources in addressing the topic. Underscores the need to present a balanced, multicultural explanation…

This article describes a story of two fourth-grade teachers' journey to create lessons that would be developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and historically accurate in teaching children about Columbus's encounter with Native Americans. The aim of this four-week unit of study was to have fourth-grade students look at multiple…

Presents learning activities concerning Christopher Columbus and his voyages. Includes lessons requiring students to (1) write a pledge of allegiance to the world; (2) examine the Americas before Columbus; (3) prepare a newscast on Columbus' arrival in the Americas; (4) imagine being a Native American encountering Columbus; and (5) explore what…

Provides an annotated bibliography of materials that can be used to teach children about the Columbian quincentennial. Lists books, filmstrips, films, and videocassettes about the explorer and his impact on the Americas and world history. (SG)

Offers the National Council for the Social Studies' official position on Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas. Acknowledges the roles of Native Americans, Africans, and Asians in the Age of Discovery. Recognizes the effects of Columbus' contacts with the other cultures of the Americas. Explores the contemporary relevance of 1492. (SG)

Offers a list of books for teachers and children about Christopher Columbus and the consequences of 1492. Suggests that teachers need to relearn the Columbus story to avoid the myths and biased texts of the past. Includes the American Indian perspective of the discoveries, original materials, and biological and cultural consequences. (DK)

Provides suggestions for creating thematic units for teaching about the voyages of Columbus. Explains that, to promote critical thinking, the activities are organized into the levels of (1) comprehension and conceptualization; (2) causality; (3) validity; and (4) creative extension. Argues that goals should include understanding European and North…