Language Arts
Students engaged in activities during our Natural History Museum field trip. Students learned about the Indigenous Peoples of Santa Cruz, known today as the Ohlone. Through hands on activities, games, myths, and story telling, students explore the Ohlone culture. They learned how the Ohlone used natural resources and lived in balance with nature for over 10,000 years in Santa Cruz County.
The Iroquois believe corn, beans and squash are precious gifts from the Great Spirit, each watched over by one of three sisters spirits, called the De-o-ha-ko, or Our Sustainers. Students learned about the Legend of the Three Sisters and the benefits of companion planting.
Giving Thanks - A Native American Good Morning Message. Students learned about how indigenous peoples live in balance with nature, embracing a deep respect for Mother Earth and all living things. Students reflect upon and write about what they are thankful for.
Stone Soup - After reading and discussing the moral of the story Stone Soup. Students prepare for and reenact the book.
Holidays Around The World - Students learned about how people around the world celebrate their beliefs and culture through legends and traditions. A few are highlighted below.
Hanukah - We read the story of Hanukah and enjoyed learning and dancing The Horah, a Jewish celebration dance.
We read The little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel, by Caryn Yacowitz and illustrated by David Slonim. This book includes art parodies of famous works of art throughout history that celebrate the human experience and our culture.
We read The Legend of The Poinsettia, by Tomei de Paola. This is the story of Lucida a young village from Mexico and how she discovered that gifts are special because you give them ~ there is magic in the act of giving. Students created their own crayon -resist Poinsettias and cinquain poems about the Mexican wild flower ~ flor de fuego, flor de Navidad, and flor de la Nochebuena.
Students read many versions of The Gingerbread Man folktale including, The Gingerbread Girl, The Gingerbread Cowboy and The Musubi Man… to name a few. Students discussed their favorite version, compared and contrasted stories, discussed character traits, and shared their opinions. Students enjoyed decorating and eating Gingerbread Cookies!
