Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, but did you know that November is also National Native American Heritage month? During this time, be intentional about using terms that value and respect all people and avoid stereotyping by planning lessons and using materials that celebrate Native American heritage and traditions. For example, steer away from creating “Indian headbands” as this is often viewed as offensive due to the special meaning and significance behind headdresses being given to warriors and chiefs. Having children create and wear these headbands ignores their sacred meaning to Native American people. Instead, consider reading books like Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and then reenacting the story and either making, or pretending to make, fry bread (see last week’s post Pretending Can Build Literacy Skills for information on how literacy skills are developed during dramatic play). Use this special time of year as an opportunity to enrich children’s understanding of Native American culture.
The Very First Americans , a story by Cara Ashrose, describes how Native Americans are the nation’s first people and explains where the term “Indian” originated.
Thanksgiving lessons often include those on gratitude and the traditional foods served during this holiday. Here are some diverse books on gratitude:
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As you discuss traditional Thanksgiving dishes, consider having a larger conversation about foods common to other cultures and have children share about foods they enjoy in their culture.
Here are some books that celebrate foods around the world:
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Lynne Hall is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability & Community’s Early Childhood Center. She holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist). She formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction and inclusive preschool classroom practices. Email her at hallma@iu.edu
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