Hi Teachers!
As the leaves change colors and a chill fills the air, November brings with it a special opportunity to celebrate and learn about Native American Heritage Month in our classrooms.
This is a great time to engage students in activities that promote cultural awareness, understanding, and respect for the rich heritage of Native American communities.
Here are 25 fun and educational activities to make Native American Heritage Month memorable for your young learners:
1. Storytelling Circle
Invite a local Native American storyteller or share age-appropriate Native American folktales. Afterward, encourage students to create their own stories inspired by the tradition.
2. Read Books by Native Authors
Read stories by indigenous authors to expand your students’ understanding of Native American history and cultures. Here are a few suggestions to start with:
3. Native American Artifact Exploration
Set up a “museum” with replicas or images of Native American artifacts. Allow students to examine and discuss the purpose and significance of each item.
4. Traditional Native American Games
Teach children games like the hoop-and-pole game or stickball to give them a hands-on experience of traditional Native American activities.
5. Indigenous Tribes Research Project
Assign each student a different Native American tribe to research. Have them create a poster or presentation to share with the class. You can also use worksheets like these as an assessment tool:
6. Nature Walk and Observation
Connect with the outdoors by taking a nature walk and observing plants and animals that were historically significant to Native American communities.
Learn more about the meanings of animals and creatures in Native American cultures, with these Pacific Northwest-inspired crafts, coloring pages, writing projects, and activities!
7. Address Native American Stereotypes
Many images presented to children though books, movies, and other media do not accurately represent Native Americans. Have honest discussions about how to recognize stereotypes and teach about the diversity of Native American cultures.
8. Decorate Your Classroom
Honor Native American culture by respectfully displaying appropriate crafts, informational posters, and student projects.
9. Indigenous Language Lesson
Learn a few basic words and phrases from Native American languages, and explore the importance of language preservation. You may choose to teach a few signs of First Nation Sign Language:
10. Try Native American Foods
Sample recipes made with traditional Native American foods like, squash, salmon, corn, or wild rice. Discuss the importance of these traditional foods in Native American culture.
11. Cultural Crafts
Choose culturally appropriate crafts that give students a hands-on learning experience and celebrate Native American culture. Find more crafts here!
12. Virtual Field Trip
Take a virtual tour of a Native American museum or cultural center. Discuss the exhibits and what students have learned.
13. Legends and Myths Writing
Encourage students to write their own legends or myths inspired by Native American storytelling traditions.
14. Native American Heroes
Introduce students to influential past and present Native American figures and discuss their contributions to history and culture.
15. Native American Beadwork
Explore the art of beadwork and guide students in creating their own beaded jewelry or designs.
16. Traditional Music Appreciation
Listen to traditional Native American music and discuss the instruments and cultural significance.
17. Reading Comprehension
Students can learn about or review what they’ve learned about Native American heritage while practicing important reading skills. Find more reading comprehension activities here!
18. Community Guest Speaker
Invite a member of the local Native American community to speak to the class about their culture and experiences.
19. Comparing Cultures
Explore the similarities and differences between Native American cultures and those of other regions around the world.
20. Coloring Activities
Present students with informational coloring pages. You can use them as morning work, bulletin board displays, or as review. Find even more coloring activities here!
21. Cultural Map Project
Create a map displaying the locations of various Native American tribes. Discuss how geography influenced their lifestyles.
22. Totem Pole Art
Discuss the significance of totem poles and guide students in creating paper totem poles. Extend the learning by having students write about the meaning behind the totems they chose to use.
If you want to learn how to make this totem pole craft, read more here!
23. Nature-Inspired Art
Encourage students to create art inspired by nature, mirroring the importance of the environment in Native American cultures.
24. Educational Worksheets
Use educational worksheets to learn about, practice, and review concepts learned about Native American culture.
25. Reflection Journals
Ask students to keep reflection journals throughout the month, where they can record their thoughts, feelings, and new understandings about Native American heritage.
By incorporating these activities into your classroom, you not only celebrate Native American Heritage Month but also create a foundation for a more inclusive and understanding learning environment.
I hope you’ll try out a few of these ideas to celebrate Native American Heritage Month! If you do, please tag me on Instagram! I would love to see!
And if you need some quality activities to support your learners, but don’t have time to make them yourself, check out this discounted bundle for ready-made resources at a great price!
Wishing you a happy November!
Until next time,
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