This year marks the tenth anniversary of National American Indian Heritage Month. How did this month of recognition of our country's native peoples get started? A brief time line illustrates some of the key events on the way to that designation:
This week, Education World offers a dozen activities to help teachers celebrate and study Native American traditions and cultures! A brief description of each activity is provided below. Click any headline for a complete teaching resource!
By the Numbers
Students learn about the populations of Native Americans in different states and practice reading a table. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)
Native American Recipes
Help students follow recipes to prepare foods that are popular in some Native American cultures. (Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
What's in a Name?
Students learn the origins of the names of U.S. states, focusing on names that were derived from Native American words. (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Code Talkers
Students learn about the Navajo code talkers and have fun using a Navajo code talkers' dictionary to create and decode secret messages! (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Native American Misconceptions
Highlight American Indian stereotypes in students' drawings of an Indian child at home. (Grades Pre-K, K-2, 3-5)
Ball and Triangle Game
Students create a modern-day version of a game that was popular among some Indian
children. (Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8)
Native American Glossary
Help students create a glossary of words used in the English language that have Native American origins. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)
Oral Histories
Students interview local Native Americans to learn about their history, culture,
and contributions to the region. (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Native American Word Search
Students search this puzzle for the names of 20 of the most populous Native American groups in the United States today. (Grades 3-5, 6-8)