How do you celebrate Native American Heritage Month with elementary students? Do you avoid it altogether because you’re unsure how to proceed? Many teachers looking for Native American Heritage Month activities for elementary students want to honor the month in respectful, age-appropriate ways, but worry about getting it wrong.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three simple ways to introduce Native American Heritage Month in your classroom!
Why Teach Native American Heritage Month in Elementary School?
Native American Heritage Month is observed in November but can be recognized year-round. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of notable Native people of the past and today, and to learn more about their rich culture and heritage.
As we’re all citizens of a diverse world, we need to better educate ourselves (AND our students) about the cultures that exist beyond our own. Read on for four ways to make this possible.
#1: Let Them Do the Talking
Ok, before you think, ‘How on Earth is this supposed to be easy if I agree to let my students do the talking?! They talk too much as it is!’ hear me out.
You and I both know that elementary students have a million and one thoughts, some of which we know and most of which we don’t. But what if you allowed them to tell you everything they may otherwise feel uncomfortable discussing?
Give them a chance to tell you what they’re thinking. You could ask, “What do you know about Native American Heritage Month?” Let them be raw and honest with you.
Use these unfiltered thoughts to help guide your discussion; this way, you can answer to the best of your ability or admit that you do not know.
Show them that you’re human! Do the work. Research together (more on that in a bit). Squash misconceptions.
Set a timer if you worry that students will start talking too long. I suggest using a morning meeting or afternoon meeting time to discuss this topic solely.
Give each student a chance to speak. Don’t withhold any conversation because of your fear.
Simple discussion starters:
- What do you already know about Native American Heritage Month?
- What questions do you have?
- Why is it important to learn about different cultures and communities?
- What would you like to learn this month?
#2: Native American Heritage Month Bulletin Board Activities – Make It Real
One of the easiest ways to incorporate authentic learning is to provide real-world experiences in your teaching.
For example, a common misconception among my second-grade students was that Native Americans don’t exist anymore or that they’re ancient if they do exist.
Knowing this couldn’t be further from the truth, I decided to make the learning objective for them by showing them present-day, modern Native American heroes.
I created Native American Heritage Month posters as a month-long, interactive bulletin board for my students to refer to. I’d introduce a modern Native person, a well-known one, and a lesser-known one daily. When I incorporated modernness into my teaching, it became more real for my students.
Students often connect more when they see Native leaders, athletes, artists, authors, scientists, and activists who are making an impact today.
Highlighting present-day Native people helps students understand that Native communities are living cultures, not just part of history lessons.
#3: Do a (mini) Deep Dive
You can take it a step further by doing a mini deep dive to make the learning more real. Instead of showing the surface-level of each person, you can show videos about their lives, analyze quotes they’ve said, and initiate meaningful conversations about each Native person.
I utilized a daily slideshow during Native American Heritage Month that included all the above components. Depending on our schedule, I chose only one person each day (or every few days). I sprinkled the rest of the slides in during our social studies block or throughout the year.
#4: Create a Native American Heritage Month Bulletin Board
One of the easiest Native American Heritage Month activities for elementary students is creating a bulletin board that stays up throughout November.
Instead of focusing only on historical figures, include contemporary Native Americans from a variety of fields. Add photos, short biographies, quotes, and discussion questions students can revisit throughout the month.
You can also invite students to record something they learned and add it to the display. This keeps the bulletin board interactive while helping students build new understanding over time.
A bulletin board also works well as a reference point during Morning Meeting discussions, writing activities, and social studies lessons.
Looking for more Native American Heritage Month bulletin board ideas? Check out these additional bulletin board ideas for teachers.
A Word of Caution
Above all, I want you to know that Native American Heritage Month in the elementary classroom doesn’t have to be scary. I learned to put my fears aside and get down to doing the work.
Do your research before your discussion with students. I know it can be daunting. But the more research you do, the more you’ll have prepared.
When researching Native American Heritage Month, look for resources created by Native authors, organizations, tribes, and communities whenever possible. Native cultures are incredibly diverse, and learning directly from Native voices helps students receive more accurate information and perspectives.
Here’s a website that includes common myths about Native Americans, including those from the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, to get you started.
Get Started with Native American Heritage Month Activities
I hope this post encouraged you to… start. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Instead of trying to plan an entire month of Native American Heritage Month activities for elementary students at once, start with one conversation, one biography, or one bulletin board display.
Teaching Native American Heritage Month doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, consistent opportunities to learn about Native cultures and contemporary Native leaders can help students build understanding throughout the month.
If you’re looking for an easy place to begin, check out these Native American Heritage Month posters featuring contemporary Native Americans from a variety of backgrounds.
They’re designed to help students learn about Native leaders while creating a bulletin board that students can revisit all month long.
Want to go deeper? Pair the posters with the Native American Heritage Month Person of the Day slides for daily biographies, discussion questions, and classroom conversations.
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