How to Teach Native American Students

Jun 20, 2021panativeamericansEducational Resources

The abilities of the Native American students are often overlooked by the teachers. In schools, these students face a lot of challenges and if these are not addressed properly then the students won’t learn anything.

The Native American students are different due to their cultural and political backgrounds. So, the teaching approaches must be built accordingly so that they can address their problems to the teachers and learn effectively. Here are some teaching styles that should be adopted in schools for Native American students.

culturally responsive teaching - How to Teach Native American Students

Culturally responsive teaching

There should be an indication of cultural awareness and responsiveness in the curriculums and teaching practices. Their culture must be addressed so that they don’t feel left out. This will also show that their culture is valued. They will also learn about the culture of other Americans and it will help them to adapt.

listen to the students 1 - How to Teach Native American Students

Listen to the students

You must listen to the Native American students. You should know their thoughts and perspectives. You should then incorporate those ideas into the school curriculum and teaching methods. This will help in developing trust and relationships.

support tribal language - How to Teach Native American Students

Support tribal language

The schools must offer dual-language programs so that the Native American students have the option to learn in their language as well. This will help them in understanding things better.

give them more time - How to Teach Native American Students

Give them more time

The teachers should take into consideration the fact that the Native American students have high rates of absenteeism due to reasons that are not in their control. So, more time should be given to them to learn. For example, if you are doing 6th grade math games in school, then you must allow some time so that they can learn the new concept.

A range of math games can also be given as homework or extra work to make-up for work missed.

The school curricula must be developed with the correct information. The cultural information about the Native Americans should be included so that all the students learn about it.

A Brief History of The Native American Boarding Schools

The Native American boarding schools were established in the early 19th and mid 20th centuries. The young people back then didn’t have any idea about modern American culture. As a result, they faced difficulty in getting jobs. These schools were meant to Americanize the Native American kids. These schools taught them about the new American culture by making them forget about their indigenous culture. The method of teaching was very harsh. They were forced to cut their hair in a certain way, they were not allowed to speak in their language and sometimes they were even separated from their families. They were forced to forget their Native American culture and identity and instead adopt the new American culture. Their names were even changed. The government insisted that the kids must forget their Native American culture and values. In these schools, various subjects like language, mathematics, history, and science were taught. The mathematics involved learning from practical experiences. 7th grade math games required knowledge the students gained by observing their surroundings. The teaching style was mainly observation and learning. The Native Americans didn’t’ like these boarding schools. A number of students dropped out of these schools. They later insisted on having community-based colleges instead so that their cultural values were not lost. Many Native Americans moved to the urban environments to learn the new culture and mix with people other than their tribe. This is how they adapted to the new culture. The Native American Boarding School was an unpleasant experience for the kids. The school’s teaching methods were harsh and the kids lost their original identity. Slowly, perceptions started to change and community schools were formed to meet the unique demands of the Native American kids.
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How to Teach Native American Students

The abilities of the Native American students are often overlooked by the teachers. In schools, these students face a lot of challenges and if these are not addressed properly then the students won’t learn anything. The Native American students are different due to their cultural and political backgrounds. So, the teaching approaches must be built accordingly so that they can address their problems to the teachers and learn effectively. Here are some teaching styles that should be adopted in schools for Native American students. Culturally responsive teaching There should be an indication of cultural awareness and responsiveness in the curriculums and teaching practices. Their culture must be addressed so that they don’t feel left out. This will also show that their culture is valued. They will also learn about the culture of other Americans and it will help them to adapt. Listen to the students You must listen to the Native American students. You should know their thoughts and perspectives. You should then incorporate those ideas into the school curriculum and teaching methods. This will help in developing trust and relationships. Support tribal language The schools must offer dual-language programs so that the Native American students have the option to learn in their language as well. This will help them in understanding things better. Give them more time The teachers should take into consideration the fact that the Native American students have high rates of absenteeism due to reasons that are not in their control. So, more time should be given to them to learn. For example, if you are doing 6th grade math games in school, then you must allow some time so that they can learn the new concept. A range of math games can also be given as homework or extra work to make-up for work missed. The school curricula must be developed with the correct information. The cultural information about the Native Americans should be included so that all the students learn about it.
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What Teachers Should Know About Native American Students

It is shocking how the school dropout rate of Native American students is so high. One of the main reasons is that the teachers fail to understand the Native American students are different. Their learning style is different and so the teaching style must be adapted accordingly. The learning and communication styles of the Native Americans are different. Part of the school curriculum can also be culturally irrelevant to them. The traditional classroom environment may not be ideal for Native American students to learn. To teach Native American students, the teachers have to understand the way these kids perceive their world. They also need to know about the Native American people and culture before teaching the kids at school. Today the kids are taught a trial-and-error method. That is, they are asked to solve a problem and if they can’t then they learn from the mistake. But the Native American kids learn from observation and demonstration. This is because this is the way they are taught at home by their parents and the elders. The mathematics class, for example, needs to have lots of visualization. The Native American students are also field-dependent. They like to work in groups. They look at the authoritative figure for guidance. They cannot perceive themselves as separate from the group. These students tend to be analytical, logical, and competitive. Generally, the Native American students will take more time to answer a question than the mainstream students. This is because the Native American students try to gather as much evidence as they can before answering the question. They also don’t answer unfamiliar questions as their parents teach them to answer a question correctly. The teachers must try to change their teaching styles in a way that the Native American students understand. If they introduce any new style, like riddles with answers, then it must be done slowly so that they understand. Brain-training games can be helpful for all
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Things Kids Should Know About the Native Americans

It is very interesting to learn about the Native Americans. The American kids must learn about their origin and know how things used to be before, which was quite different than it is now. Here are some things about the Native Americans that the kids should know from school. Basic needs The Native Americans had to work hard to meet their basic needs. This way they will know how the world has advanced and how meeting these basic needs are more convenient than it used to be. This way the kids will learn not to consider these basic needs so lightly. They will learn that you have to work hard to achieve things. Use maps The kids should know in which part of the globe the Native Americans lived by using a map. They will be able to locate the Native American tribes on the map. Similarities and differences The kids will learn how the Native Americans are different from the typical Americans. They will know that people’s views and ways of life can be different. This will help them to adapt to others who are different from them. Family traditions and customs The kids will find it very interesting to learn about the family traditions and customs of the Native Americans. All these may be something new and different for them. But knowing these things, the kids can learn more about the lives of the Native Americans. Adapting to specific locations The way the Native Americans lived and fulfilled their basic needs have much to do with the adaptation to their geographic location. The kids can get answers to questions like ‘why they didn’t make houses of clay?’ or ‘why did they eat certain things?’ Answers to these questions will teach the kids about adapting to a different location. They will learn how people’s lifestyles depend on where they live. In many schools in America, there are special classes to study about the Native Americans. The kids must get enrolled in those classes to learn more about the Native Americans.
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6 Interesting Historical Facts About Native Americans

The Native American people’s culture and education are quite different from that of the typical American culture. For this reason, people have a lot of interest to know about the historical facts about the Native Americans. Here are some interesting facts about them. Female warriors In movies, you watch men fight in battles. But the Native American women also fought along with the men. Buffalo Calf Road Woman, who is a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe fought several battles. There are examples of many Native American women who fought in battles. Diverse housing The Native Americans lived in different types of houses. They lived in teepees, longhouses, cliffs, pueblos, and other types of housing. Invention of popcorn Did you know that the Native Americans were the first people to realize that popcorn can be made from maize? They first domesticate the strain of maize that makes popcorn. Origin of hockey The Native American people played a game called ‘shinny’. In this game, a player used to hit the buckskin ball down the field with a curved stick. During the winter season, this game was played on ice. So, the origin of hockey came from the Native Americans. Native American artifacts Collecting a Native American artifact can be against the law as these artifacts are protected. These things belong to the museum and not in someone’s house. Olympic gold medal holder Jim Thorpe, a Native American, won Olympic gold medals in pentathlon and decathlon. He was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. Jim Thorpe was multitalented. He played football, basketball, and baseball in school and won a ballroom dance competition as well. He is considered to be one of the best athletes of all time. All these facts tell us a lot about the Native Americans. We get to know about interesting things that we were not aware of before.
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5 Ways to Recruit Native Americans

You can add diversity to your workplace by hiring Native Americans. They have a good view of their tribal culture and the American culture. So, they can bring new ideas to the workplace which will help your business to grow. However, they are different from the typical Americans, and here are some ways to recruit them. Educate them about the recruitment process The Native Americans are not used to the recruitment process. Their parents probably were not college graduates so they don’t know how it all works. They might not open up during the interview and talk about their skills. So, you have to play the active role and ask them questions so that you can know about their skills. You should explain to them the recruitment process so that they understand what it’s all about. Consider retention You must support the Native American culture in your organization to retain the employee. They must feel comfortable and welcome to work there. This can also improve your chance of recruiting more Native Americans in the future once people know that your organization supports the Native American culture. Pay for education Many Native American people struggle to pay for their education. You can give them scholarships so that they don’t have to pay the college fees. This will confirm their recruitment to your company. Approach the tribal leaders and educators You must create opportunities for the tribal leaders and educators to know more about your company. That way they can influence the Native American candidates to apply for the job. You can even invite them during the recruitment process as they will be able to understand the candidates better than you. Avoid the written exam Don’t have a written exam as part of your recruitment process. The Native Americans are not comfortable with it and may decide not to apply for the job post. If you follow these steps, then you can recruit a Native American in the job post. They can add great value to your company.
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