Pearl Harbor Day

On December 7, 1941, the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor was attacked, and the next day on the radio President Roosevelt announced the start of World War II. During that time, my grandfather was in the service. A burst appendix kept him confined to his ship off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands on the day of the bombing  One of my favorite stories that he told was about his time in Hawaii. Days after the bombs, fires, and smoke cleared, the black and white pictures of him in his armed service suit with arms around fellow soldiers and native islanders, and with a big grin spread across his face, said it all! 

I remember the faraway look in his eyes as he spoke of an island rich in beauty and steeped in culture--until the bombing. Since history is not politically correct, what remains important is that we have learned from past mistakes, such as the atrocities of World War II, and we have rebuilt friendships and mended burned bridges. The end of World War II brought democracy and peace to many European nations. Yet, in today's politically correct society, Pearl Harbor Day is often overlooked. However, it's a day that we should say "Thank you" to our World War II veterans. 


To learn more about Pearl Harbor, the Pacific National Monument, and to view videos of survivors' stories of the day that changed history, visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial National Park Service website. 

See Pearl Harbor Day Activities!

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November is Native American Month--Help Save the Reservation Schools

The United States has "183 Bureau of Indian Education Schools", and "one-third of them are in desperate need of repairs or replacement" according to a June, 2014, article by David Henry . Furthermore, the National Indian Education Report shows drop-out rates for Native American Indian (NAI) students are double that of their Caucasian classmates. Numerous research studies, such as those completed by the American Psychological Association and the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, link drop-out rates and low academic performances to poor school conditions. Government officials have neglected to help preserve and save America's most precious resources--our Native American students and their rights to equal educations.  

As citizens, what can be done to help Native American schools, students, and

teachers? What supplies are needed? Where can donations be made? What professional development can be offered to teachers? What emotional intelligence strategies can be implemented into schools' curriculum? How can these students be motivated to graduate from high school and continue on to colleges and trade schools? How can Americans save Bureau of Indian Education Schools and its students? There are many questions, and answers and suggestions are needed and welcomed. It's November, Native American Month, so honor our American culture and heritage by reaching out to help save reservation schools and their students! 

Celebrate Native American Indian Month with FREE Resources from Educator Helper!

Websites with Extra Activities, Documents, History, and more...
Alaska Native Heritage Center Teacher Resources

American Indian College Fund Native American Heritage Resources
Bureau of Indian Affairs Native American Heritage Month 

Chickasaw Nation Teacher Resources
Cherokee Nation Teacher Resources
Florida State Department Seminole History
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Resources
National Education Association of Native American & Alaska Native Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month Government 
North Dakota State Government Sioux Teacher Resources

Smithsonian Education Institute American Indian Heritage Month

FREE NAI Fun Activities from Educator Helper!
For more resources, such as a build a diorama with images to decorate, click here.