This week, first grade students have been learning about the Navajo of the Southwest. In addition to reading and writing about key aspects of Navajo culture, students participated in each of the following.
The Goat in The Rug
Student enjoyed the shared read aloud, The Goat in the Rug. In the story, Geraldine, the goat, tells how Glenmae, a Navajo weaver creates a rug. First, Geraldine is clipped, and then her wool is spun into yarn. Carefully, the yarn is dyed, dried, and woven on a loom to make a beautiful rug. Students made connections to previous learning discussing the story as a “how to” and noting the importance of natural resources. After reading, students practiced comprehension skills by sequencing the steps taken to make the rug. Discussing components of Navajo rugs, specifically their bold colors and geometric designs, first grade students were eager to create their own rugs using a water color resist technique.
Navajo Necklaces
First grade students have discovered the Navajo are known as great silversmiths. As such, today they have set out to create our own “silver” Navajo-style necklaces. Students worked together mixing alcohol and food coloring to dye the noodles. Tracing Navajo like designs onto foil and stringing our dyed pasta, students created their own necklaces.
Annie and the Old One
Today, students shared in a read aloud of Annie and the Old One, learning about a 
contemporary Navajo family. Through the book we incorporated many aspects of language and communication including reading, writing, listening, observing, and illustrating. While reading the book we discussed the setting of the story, identifying physical features and introducing new vocabulary terms such as mesa.
After reading, students engaged in several related activities. First, students began creating a “Me” Collage. Connecting the text to their personal experiences, students examined the following: their home, how they get to school, a chore they do, their family, their animals or pets, something they are learning to do, and a time when they did something they shouldn’t have done. Then, these experiences were compared with the experiences of Annie, the main character.
