8 ways students can build their cultural identity

(Family Characteristics) Classroom days often focus on language, reading, math, science, and other traditional curricula, but there are important lessons that students may learn without realizing it. There is one more subject. it is yourself. Understanding your own family background and culture may seem like a daunting task for school-aged children, but it can actually be an easy (and fun) opportunity to discover. .

LaRayne Woster is Chief of Native American Studies and Cultural Specialist at St. Joseph’s Indian School. St. Joseph’s Indian School is a small, non-profit Native American school dedicated to preserving the culture and heritage of its students. As a cultural expert, Woster developed her own projects with her students, helping them discover who they were and where they came from.

By developing fun and informative activities, such as learning their creative stories. Learn traditional arts, crafts and dance. prepare a traditional meal. And by understanding religious traditions, she challenged her students to connect with their ancestors.

While the initiative focuses on Native American children, Woster works with parents to help children connect with their heritage, from Hispanic and African cultures to French, Irish, and more. Teachers are encouraged to use this exercise to share ideas. Schools like St. Joseph’s are dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families with a mission to educate minds, bodies, minds and spirits, so that students can develop these connections. It provides an ideal environment to build.

Consider these ways you can foster cultural connections.

1. Bonds with people who know the culture. One of the easiest ways for students to introduce their history is by talking to relatives, friends or neighbors who can share their wisdom and knowledge. These mentors can provide direction and educational opportunities while participating in games, dance, storytelling, and other cultural traditions.
2. Learn and share traditional gamesThroughout history, people of all cultures have played games and participated in activities that inspired creative freedom and provided relief from everyday stressors. Learning and participating in one of these games offers children a fun, hands-on way to connect with their heritage.
3. make traditional dishes. Family reunions and holidays are often filled with loved ones’ favorite meals, but the foods of your ancestors may differ dramatically from today’s classics. It’s as easy as researching, going to the store for ingredients, or spending quality time together in the kitchen.
4. Perform traditional dance. Folk dances around the world that have been passed down from generation to generation. Native American grass dancing, Lakota dancing, and rain dancing are popular examples that offer lively and fun ways to connect with the past.
5. Learn oral tradition and learn how to tell stories. Whether your culture goes back hundreds or thousands of years, there are stories to be told. From creation and ancient history to modern folklore, learn some of your ancestors’ most influential stories and retell them to friends and family.
6. Read the works of early authors. Get a glimpse into the past by studying your culture’s most famous authors, fiction or non-fiction. Even fictional works provide a gateway to the thoughts, traditions and beliefs of our predecessors.
7. Learn traditional languages. For students whose ancestors spoke a different language or communicated differently than people today, learning that language provides a direct connection to the culture. In fact, learning a language can be an exciting experience for communicating with fluently speaking community elders.
8. Know and respect your family. History and its traditions may seem a long time ago, but our closest connection to that past is the loved ones we see every day. Sharing newfound knowledge of our common heritage is a great opportunity to get closer, connect with your background, and celebrate those who came before you.

Visit stjo.org to find more fun, student-friendly ways to discover and preserve the past.

Photo credit: Getty Images (Family Cooking)

Photo courtesy St. Joseph Indian School (Woman dressing her child in traditional feathers)