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.

Halloween Hodgepodge Freebies

Happy Halloween! 
A treat for all
Perfect night for a
Party in fall...
Y'all ready to trick or treat?

Here's the teachers
All dressed awry
Lookin' for goblins
Listenin' for cries... 
Oh, my! 
Which way did they go? 
Empty, dark  
Eerily too quiet, but 
Not one ghost in the hall tonight!

Click here for a complete list of Halloween products!

No tricks, no treats! The Educator Helper wishes all a Happy Halloween 

and enjoy some fun, free, engaging holiday activities!

Friday Night Lights

The excitement is contagious! Throw on your hometown pride, football t-shirt and get ready to cheer to for your team because it's time for Friday night lights! Then, half-way through the high school football season comes one of the most important holidays of the school year--homecoming! 

Back during the day (for me that would be the 1970s), we built real, ol' fashioned floats: the kind that had chicken wire stapled onto wooden floored, iron framed trailers. They required detailed planning and lots of man hours and were true works of art.

First, someone, an adult but I'm not sure who, chose a theme for the parade. For example, fairy tales, western movies, historical time periods, etc... Then, during grade level, class meeting times, we brainstormed and voted on choices, such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for a fairy tale theme. Next, each grade level formed small committees to come up with designs. These were sketched and material lists were made as items were gathered. Finally, it was time to beg local business owners, farmers, friends, and relatives for secret float building locations. 

Once the hidden locations were chosen, it was time to start building the greatest float that ever graced the streets of Maysville, Oklahoma! Hours and hours were spent stuffing chicken wire holes with colored toilet paper during homecoming week. Getting the paper meant trips to the opposing team's town, if close enough, to loot public restrooms for toilet paper. We folded and taped streamers and made props from cardboard, duck tape, and sheetrock. All students' talents were needed to concoct the perfect float that would win first place in the parade!

On Homecoming Day, our excitement peaked as the police car's shrill siren meant the parade was beginning. The band marched to the fight song and

candy was tossed from floats that overflowed with student actors, cheerleaders, and football players. The streets were more crowded on Homecoming Day than any other time of the year! 

Homecoming Day was special, especially in our rural town where Friday night lights meant a uniting of our community and school. We cheered for a common goal--a home team win. 

To help your students make lifetime homecoming memories, here are some fun, free activities to incorporate learning into homecoming week:

For more, visit: Homecoming Activities Packet