Classroom Ideas for Native American Day

The fourth Friday in September is known as Native American Day. Plan classroom activities which help children develop an appreciation for Native American culture.

Native American Symbols and Meanings

Show students samples of Native American symbols and discuss their meanings. Native Americans often carved symbols into the walls of caves. Allow students to carve the symbols into clay. Then, divide students into groups and instruct them to develop their own set of “modern day” symbols.

Contributions to American Culture

Divide older students into groups and instruct them to research ways in which Native Americans have contributed to American Culture. Ask them to consider how early Native Americans contributed to American agricultural knowledge. Instruct them to find out how Native Americans have influenced American religions and government. Instruct each group to design a poster board display and prepare a presentation highlighting their research findings.

Native American Clothing

Show students several photographs of Native American clothing. Discuss reasons why Native Americans dressed in such attire. Students should consider factors such as climate, religion, and work responsibilities. Ask students to determine which clothing articles symbolized a particular status within a tribe.

Crafts and Food

Obtain Native American recipes. Ask parents to prepare Native American dishes and bring them into the classroom to share. Older students might enjoy preparing simple recipes at school.

Use brown paper bags to create Native American clothing. Allow students to be creative and add feathers and beads.

Invite another class to a “Native American Restaurant.” Students can wear their “Native American Outfits” while serving Native American dishes to their student guests.