Discusses strategies for teaching controversial topics through an examination of the cultural and political geographic concept of iconography using as an example the recent debates over flying the Confederate flag this decade in the American South. Conveys that there is not a conclusive model or solution to teaching controversial topics. (CMK)

This article outlines a lesson plan which contains four activities based on the cultural content of quilts. It includes activities for teaching vocabulary and grammar, speaking, writing, and a dicto-comp activity (in which there is both dictation and composition).

This guide presents a brief history of the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest, their traditions, and their art. Focus is on painting, a traditional art form that continues to be practiced, and on ceremonies and beliefs that are important elements of contemporary Pueblo society. The guide is designed for students of ages 10 through 14, but can be…

This Amana (Iowa) Folklife Curriculum has been planned as an easily-implemented sequence of activities comparing community and family folklife traditions with current practices. The K-5 activities are planned to coincide with holidays in the regular school calendar whenever possible. All activities compare and contrast present-day practices with…

Rural Folklife Days is an annual celebration of customs and crafts that have been practiced every fall by generations of people in rural areas of north Florida. This packet is designed to help teachers prepare elementary students for Rural Folklife Days and to introduce them to traditional crafts and arts that are still practiced in parts of north…

Provides a conceptual framework and concrete guidance for Navajo language teaching that follows an immersion approach. Explains key theoretical starting points for immersion instruction and program development; then describes in step-by-step fashion how to go about implementing immersion language teaching in various classroom contexts. (Author/TD)

Nanagusja is a Tsuut'ina (Sarcee) language development program designed to complement the Tsuut'ina community's endeavors to revive and maintain the Tsuut'ina language. It is also anticipated that Nanagusja will have a positive effect on the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor development of the Tsuut'ina youth who are exposed to this resource.…

Describes four approaches to utilizing and addressing cultural differences in the classroom: multicultural education, anti-bias curriculum, global education, and international education. Presents diversity education techniques in terms of direct communication (explicit), indirect communication (implicit), cultural information resources available…

Documents and examines the Puerto Rican experience in New York City. Outlines a lesson plan that includes background material, major ideas, and discussion questions. Includes three long excerpts from Puerto Rican women immigrants reminiscing about their early experiences in New York. (MJP)

Decades of research document the powerful academic and socio-affective benefits of a strong home language base and affirmation of home language and culture as a valuable resource. This article explores the implicit challenges, daily realities, opportunities, and practical implications of incorporating language and culture into classrooms as they…

This booklet provides resources for teaching about pre-statehood Alaska history and the role of Alaska Native women. The six women leaders featured come from different backgrounds, languages, and cultures. They include an oral historian, a civil rights activist, a bilingual teacher, a traditional storyteller, a healer, and a tradition bearer. The…

Nanagusja is a Tsuut'ina (Sarcee) language development program composed of 10 video programs, a teacher's guide, and a unit plan book. The unit plan book, presented here, includes 10 units with 12 to 15 lessons each. Each unit begins with notes to the teacher and a Unit Overview Chart to be used to plan activities for each class. The teacher must…

This resource packet includes: a teacher's guide; reproducible student worksheets; student activity cards; a simulation game; and a picture book, "The Gifts of 'Kaila.'" The materials are organized in three parts. Part one aims to help students understand something of the beauty and magnificence of the Arctic. Introductory activities…

This study guide accompanies a poster series and documentary video about 12 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian "women of hope." The women vary by age, education, profession, and geographic locale, but they share an unwavering commitment and dedication to their people's struggle to survive and flourish as distinct…

Investigates the situations surrounding, and events involved in, the United States's massive western land acquisition from Mexico in 1845 and 1848. Presents a challenging, thorough, and insightful lesson plan that includes numerous background materials, learning activities, maps, and handouts. (MJP)