Who came first to America?

 

It’s hard to beat 30,000 years ago; that is the latest calculation as to when humans arrived in the Western Hemisphere. Indigenous People’s Day, celebrated in the United States on October 11, honors the rich heritage and contributions of Native Americans. By doing the following activities, you too can appreciate these varied peoples throughout the year.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn the history of Indigenous People’s Day by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nET5LBB_wLE.
• Discover 10 Native American inventions commonly used today at https://www.history.com/news/native-american-inventions
• Explore Alaska Native history and culture by watching “Grandpa's Drum” from “Molly of Denali”: https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mod19-soc-grandpasdrum/grandpas-drum-molly-of-denali/ . “Molly of Denali” was created by Alaska Native writers and advisers. It’s also one of the first children’s television programs to have a Native American lead.
• Watch pow wows at https://youtu.be/jQ-9QCDp9Ho. You can find more details at https://www.powwows.com/what-is-a-pow-wow/

 

CREATE:

• Try some of the ways that kids can observe Indigenous People’s Day: https://www.rebekahgienapp.com/indigenous-peoples-day/
• Sing a Native American lullaby at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB9W5PntH3s
• Hungry to know about native life and food? Chew on this information: https://www.historyforkids.net/native-american-food.html You may already have tried some of their native food!

 

CARE

• Enjoy with your family the video read aloud We Are Water Protectors read by the author, Carole Lindstrom: https://youtu.be/2YHaRmj9wLU  What are ways that you can help water become clean again?
• A lovely, earth-conscious way to honor indigenous culture and to “give back” is to plant some Native American plants as a family. Some native plants to consider are milkweed plants and pawpaw trees. You can consult the U.S. Forest Service website (https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/) to learn more about native plants and how to plant and care for them.
• How are Black-Indigenous youth working to advance social justice? This Indigenous Peoples’ Day program highlights youth of blended Black and Native heritage who use art, activism, and policy to advance Black and Indigenous solidarity and affect positive change in their communities: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/student-programs/distance-learning/#indigenous-peoples-day

 

CAREERS:

Indigenous people often encounter barriers to employment. Understanding these obstacles can lead to thinking about ways that you can become more culturally aware and competent, which can help all people to find meaningful work: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/8-basic-barriers-to-indigenous-employment

 

Are you trying to trick me?

 

The television series “Loki” focuses on a magical trickster. He comes from a long line of tricksters in folk tales. You may learn a trick or two by exploring the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• What has been so special about tricksters? Watch and see at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jELsxA28CgM
• Get kid-friendly facts about Loki at https://kids.kiddle.co/Loki

• Native Americans have DOZENS of tricksters from various tribes. Find out about them and read some of their stories at http://www.native-languages.org/trickster.htm
• Foxes hold a special place in Japanese culture, including as tricksters; watch some stories at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2T2Q0NVRcM
• Tricksters are found in many cultures; sample them at https://kidworldcitizen.org/trickster-tales-around-world/

CREATE:

• Act out the trickster tale of the baby turtle, found at https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/have-you-ever-heard-a-trickster-tale
• Discover tricksters from different cultures and try a quiz about them at https://kevpass.weebly.com/quiz.html
• Extend your experience with Anansi the spider with these activities: https://classroom.synonym.com/activities-anansi-spider-12041731.html

 

CARE:

• Want to experience being a junior historian? Read this newsletter about coyote stories and do some of the activities: https://history.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/coyote.pdf
• Write a trickster tale to amuse your friends by following these tips: https://amymacdonald.com/educators/writing-tip-trickster-tales-in-7-steps/
• Draw Lego Trickster for a friend who loves Legos (https://www.drawingtutorials101.com/how-to-draw-lego-trickster)  – or create your own idea of a trickster.

 

CAREERS:

It’s probably not wise to be a trickster at work – unless you’re a storyteller, or a magician. Or you could share information about tricksters as a historian, a teacher, or a filmmaker.

• https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-career-paths-for-people-who-love-telling-stories
• https://www.apu.edu/articles/i-love-telling-stories-what-majors-are-best-for-launching-storytelling-careers/
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Magician/What-Is-How-to-Become

Make It Your Mission

Make It Your Mission

Spanish missions are distinctive features of South and Southwestern United States. Easter time is a good time to discover these historic structures.

CONNECT:

• Read about the role of Spanish missions in US history at https://www.history.com/topics/religion/california-missions
• See how Spanish missions were built: http://www.designing-america.com/contenido/the-spanish-missions-in-the-united-states/?lang=en
• Read about the cultures of Texas missions at https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
• Remember the Alamo! At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTCcnbzSMc8

CREATE:

• Sing about missions with these songs set to familiar songs: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/songs.htm
• Use games to teach about missionaries: https://oureverydaylife.com/childrens-games-to-teach-about-missionaries-12083036.html
• Use a map to virtually walk on the California Missions Trail: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/feature/california-missions
• Try living in a mission with these activities: https://education.texashistory.unt.edu/lessons/notebook/SpanishMission/docs/Mission_PlacardC_J.pdf

CARE:

• You can use crafts to remind the family about missionary work and caring for others at https://www.ehow.com/info_8170549_missionary-crafts-kids.html
• How were people cared for in mission times? It depends on whom you ask. Here is an indigenous perspective: https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
• Read how the National Park Service is trying to preserve historic Spanish Colonial missions: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelspanishmissions/architecture-and-preservation.htm
• Many missions were made of adobe clay; here is how to maintain it: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/5-adobe-buildings.htm

CAREERS:

Want to make it your mission to work on missions? You can be an historian, a preservationist, an archeologist, an anthropologist, a park ranger, an architect, a photographer or artist, a landscaper, a writer, or even a religious member. Get inspired from the possibilities.

https://www.drkit.org/historic-preservationist/

https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/preservation-planner

https://today.uconn.edu/2011/08/the-impact-of-anthropology-on-native-american-culture/#

https://www.saa.org/about-archaeology/archaeology-as-a-career

Their Native Land

The first immigrants to North America probably walked across the Bering Strait and sailed across the Pacific Ocean. And many of their descendants continue to live on this continent. What are their stories and other contributions? Find out by trying these activities below.

CONNECT:

• Explore the diversity of the Native people of the Americas at the National Museum of the American Indian.
• Learn about World War II Navajo Code Talkers.
• Listen to the Pledge of Allegiance in Tewa, Navajo, Zuni, Choctaw and Blackfeet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1HmUm2AOdw
• Watch Native American dancing styles and meanings at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MONgmqIpaW8

CREATE:

• On whose land do you live? Go to the map on https://native-land.ca/ to find out the original residents.
• Make your own Native American food, from flapjacks to snow candy, by following these recipes: https://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/recipes.html
• Recreate Native American games, based on https://www.wnit.org/outdoorelements/pdf/408nativeamerican_ga.pdf
• Try your hand at making some simple Native American crafts: https://socalfieldtrips.com/13-easy-native-american-crafts-for-kids/

CARE:

• How can you help Native Americans? Here are some real, practical and meaningful ways that you can give support to indigenous people in your community and around the country: https://www.powwows.com/can-help-native-americans/
• Several Native American organizations welcome your help; explore them at https://www.diversitybestpractices.com/news-articles/top-native-american-organizations-to-know
• The National Tribal Preservation Program helps Indian tribes protect resources and traditions important to them.
• Help preserve Native American words by learning some of them: http://www.native-languages.org/vocabulary.htm.  You probably already new some of those words, such as skunk, squash and hickory; see a short list of them and their history at https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/native-american-words/bayou

CAREERS:

Native American will face job discrimination, as this radio program relates: https://www.npr.org/series/559149737/you-me-and-them-experiencing-discrimination-in-america

You can help Native Americans and have a fruitful career, as these websites show:

https://cla.umn.edu/wcidwami/american-indian-studies

https://www.bia.gov/jobs

https://www.ihs.gov/careeropps/

I Get Around

How do you know where you are? It’s hard to get to where you want to go if you don’t know where you are and where your desired end location is. Find your way with these activities.

CONTACT:

• ·         Every place on earth can be designated by a unique set of numbers that indicate longitude and latitude.  Find out how those numbers are generated at http://www.mrdowling.com/601-grid.html
• ·         How do GPS systems work? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoRQiNFzT0k
• ·         Nature provides you with a variety of ways of finding directions. Even when a map and compass are available, knowing how to interpret the signs of nature become a great help. Read how at http://www.wilderness-survival-skills.com/finding-direction.html
• ·         How do you read a topographic map – and what is it?  Find out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoRQiNFzT0k

CREATE:

• ·         Orient yourself to the land by using a compass. http://www.us.orienteering.org/youth-leaders/materials/o-young has instructions on the family-fun activity of orienteering.
• ·         Compass roses were used for sailors draw the angles at which they wished to sail--northeast, north by northeast, south, and so on--on a map. Get inspired by historical designs (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~feegi/compass.html), and make your own compass rose.
• ·         By using a GPS system, or know your longitude and latitude in other ways, you can make your own sky map at http://www.fourmilab.ch/yoursky/
• ·         Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIKkZcTkhuw) to make your own compass.
• ·         Read and create your own trail signs; can you think of urban equivalents? https://www.nwf.org/kids/family-fun/outdoor-activities/trail-marking.aspx

CARE:

• ·         Here are 14 ways to be prepared for anything while traveling: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/14-ways-to-be-prepared-for-anything-while-traveling/
• ·         Vacations and trips are fun. Don’t spoil your time because of accidents or other problems. http://www.bestwestern.com/travel-planning/tips/family-safety.asp gives tips for safe family travel.
• ·         What do you do if you get lost? Plan ahead for this kind of situation by watching this video: https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/getting-lost/
• ·         Make a travel first aid kit by following the directions at https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/health/topics/how-to-make-a-top-notch-travel-first-aid-kit

CAREERS:

Like to travel – and help other people do that? Every step of the way is a career: transportation, information services, translating, travel agents, food services, even travel clothing and equipment.

• ·         Here are 45 jobs you can do while traveling: http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-tips/45-great-jobs-you-can-do-while-traveling-the-world-and-how-to-get-them/
• ·         Find out how to become a travel agent: http://www.asta.org/Education/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1681
• ·         What is the outlook for translators and interpreters? Find out at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm

Spring into Summer

It’s now officially summer. What does that entail? What’s special about this time of the year? And how do you make the most of summer days? Find out with these Internet-based activities.

CONNECT:

• Why are the days so long in the summer? Get the inside angle about the summer solstice at http://www.factmonster.com/spot/solsticeforkids.html
• On June 21 you might have seen a strawberry moon. If not, you can see this rare phenomenon (and learn the background of this special moon view) at http://www.space.com/33240-delicious-strawberry-full-moon-wows-stargazers.html
• Step into the Way Back Machine to see what summer camp and family car trips were like years ago: http://kids.pbskids.org/wayback/summer/features.html
• Imagine dancing for 16 days! Discover the Native American Sun Dance ceremony: http://www.brownielocks.com/sundance.html

CREATE:

• June 6 was National Yo-Yo Day. Watch this video to see how to make a yo-yo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uoldaHVt0s.  Then watch how to play with one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDiioSreoPc
• Now that school is out, you have lots of time for summer crafts: https://www.care.com/a/62-summer-crafts-for-kids-1307010525
• Try some of these creative car games for summer road trips: http://www.pbs.org/parents/summer/road-trip-games-for-kids/
• Gear up for the summer Olympics by finding out its history, symbols, and competitions: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collection/gear-summer-olympics.  Hold your own summer olympic games.

CARE:

• Need a special day to show you care? Go to https://www.checkiday.com/06/01/2016. Just on June 1 alone you can observe Heimlich Maneuver Day, Global Day of Parents, Say for Children, and Say Something Nice Day!  
• Take care of your summer skin. Here are natural sunscreen alternatives as well as natural sunburn treatments: https://sunwarrior.com/healthhub/natural-sunscreen-alternatives
• Got bitten by an insect or spider? Here are some home treatments that doctors suggest: http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/insect-bites-and-stings-and-spider-bites-home-treatment
• Did you know that a lemonade stand can help fight cancer? Check it out at http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/kids-corner.  You can help too.

CAREERS:

• Is there a teen in your family? This website provides a great collection of summer seasonal jobs and tips: https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/summer-job-sites
• What about working abroad this summer? Here are some good short-term jobs abroad: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/shortterm/summer_jobs_abroad.shtml
• College Board provides tips on how to find a great summer job – and why: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/outside-the-classroom/how-to-find-a-great-summer-job

This Land is Your Land; This Park is Our Park

The U.S. National Parks belong to all of us. They are public lands set aside for conservation purposes.  Check out how your tax dollars are being spent – and how you can enjoy that investment.

CONNECT:

• Join Sesame Street at they visit national parks: http://www.nationalparks.org/connect/npf-kids
• How does land become a national park? Find out the process at http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/history.htm
• Discover the Power of Parks; check out National Geographic Society’s free guides or download their free app and start exploring! http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/
• The Mapping the National Parks collection documents the history, cultural aspects and geological formations of areas that eventually became National Parks. The collection consists of approximately 200 maps dating from the 17th century to the present, reflecting early mapping of the areas that would become four National Parks, as well as the parks themselves. https://www.loc.gov/collection/national-parks-maps/about-this-collection/ See if you can tell from the maps that the area would make a good park.

CREATE:

• Take a quiz about U.S. national parks at http://blog.elmonterv.com/index.php/rv-camping-quizzes/u-s-national-parks-quiz/
• The National Park Services has thousands of facts and figures: http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/factsfigures.htm.  Make your own trivia game using those data.
• Wonderland is in the US: at the first national park: Yellowstone. Explore its resources and treasures on this eTrip: http://www.windowsintowonderland.org/
• Are you a fourth-grade (or 9-year old home schooler)? This is your lucky year: you and your family can receive an Every Kid in a Park pass that will give you free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year. Get your pass at http://www.nps.gov/kids/features/2015/everyKid.cfm
• Not close to a national park? Become a webranger by taking part in activities similar to what might be provided in on-site Park Ranger programs. http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/entry_gate.cfm

CARE:

• Foxes on islands? Yes, Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of Southern California, is the home of the island fox. But those foxes are increasingly rare.. Learn about factors contributing to their decline, and about what is being done to recover this rare and unique species. And find out what you can do to help: http://home.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/island-fox.htm
• Foxes aren’t the only endangered species in national parks. Find out how the National Park Service’s Biological Resources Division provides scientific expertise and technological assistance to support the sound management, protection, conservation and preservation of biological resources and related ecosystem processes in our national parks: http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/
• Just recently this Alaskan national park was renamed: from Whitney to Denali. Find out the history of that naming, and why it is so important: http://www.livescience.com/52056-mount-mckinley-renamed-denali.html
• Learn how you can take charge to help protect our national parks for future generations by visiting the National Park Conservation Association: http://www.npca.org

CAREERS:

Did you know that national parks employ more than 28,000 people? Think of all the jobs that are needed to maintain a park: rangers, scientistis, landscapers, architects, facilities staff, security, firefighters, educators, communications specialists, food staff, sales people, technicians. http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm

Like the great outdoors? Consider becoming a park ranger: http://www.parkrangeredu.org/