Well, Halloween is finally over! November is here and with it, the start of
major holidays through the end of the year.
So, with Thanksgiving around the corner, we are faced with
how to teach the myth of the first Thanksgiving while acknowledging the living
history and diverse cultures of Native Americans. Can it be done? In the New
York Times LEARNING BLOGS, many suggestions along with supports are offered
to help teachers walk that delicate line between fact and fiction in such a way
that the message of the holiday remains while also weaving in some of the facts
behind that “first Thanksgiving.”
For middle and high school students, there are several links
(along with graphic organizers) to review several links with each offering a
different political perspective (from Libertarians/Tea
Party members to Native
Americans). Students must visit the
sites on the post and carefully note the different viewpoints. What makes this an exciting assignment is
that the opinions of respected, well-known indigenous people are offering their
valuable insight for a change.
Use the holiday to address diversity in American
culture. Yes, we have definitely
stumbled along the way, but America continues to evolve in the hope that one
day all its members will be acknowledged and valued as truly equal.
On another happy note, it is only 6 weeks or so until we are
on winter break!
Denise, Marnie, and Cheryl
ELL TEACHER PROS
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