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 Navajo Language Curriculum
Joan D. Thompson
Ganado Primary School
Ganado, Arizona
March 5, 1999
 

The Navajo Language and Culture Curriculum encompasses the teachings of the values, way of life, respect, and the attempt to keep the balance of harmony In every Navajo's mental and physical well being. To accomplish this way of thought one needs to practice the Navajo Philosophy of life, spirituality and education. The Navajo language and culture are interrelated. The language is relevant to the daily way of life.

The Navajo studies should be kinship, clans, food, clothing, shelters, written history, oral history, government, celebrations, ceremonies, economics, environment, and language.

Joan D. Thompson
Navajo Language and Culture
K, 1, 2 Grades
 
Topic: Fire (energy)
Objectives
Cognitive
  • To research and report
  • To be able to take part in a large group
  • To become familiar with the stories of fire and how it relates to the Navajo way of life
  • To develop an awareness of fire
Affective
  • To develop a sensitivity to fire
  • To develop an understanding for the use of fire
Interactive
  • To work in an effective and constructive way individually or in a small group
  • To develop group skills
  • To learn how to interact cooperatively
Activities to achieve objectives
Verbal-linguistic
  • KWL- Brainstorm
  • Presentation
  • Reacting
  • Discussions- significance of fire
  • Navajo vocab relating to fire
  • Venn Diagram comparison
  • Webbing
  • Prediction abilities
Logical-Mathematical
  • Graphing
  • Charting
  • Comparing
  • Problem solving
Intrapersonal
  • Journal writing
  • Problem solving
  • Write poems
  • Make a booklet of stories
Interpersonal
  • Small groups
  • Work with partners for experiments
  • Brainstorming and mapping of uses, methods and reasons to clarify
Visual-spatial
  • Make class murals
  • Art-painting
  • Creak Diarama
Imagination activity
  • Puppet show
Bodily-kinesthetic
  • Act out story of fire, safe use of fire "dancing" skit
Musical-rhythmic
  • Sing songs
  • Choral rdg.
  • Art materials
  • Manipulatives
  • Visuals
  • Library books
  • Props/costumes
  • Science materials
  • Tape/CD player
  • Music tape/CD
  • TV/VCR
  • Videotape
  • Overhead
Preparation
 
  • Science experiments
  • Art activities
  • Overhead transparencies
Assessment

In Class: 
Observations 
Class discussions 
Presentations 

Outside of Class
Field trips 
Picnic

Presentation
 
Anticipatory set
  • Introduce unit: Do the KWL chart
Procedure:
  • Large group presentation
  • Cooperative groups
  • Journal writing activities
  • Imagination activities
  • Research
  • Speakers-consultants
  • Field trip
  • Science experiments and projects, demonstrations