[ad_1]
OWASSO, Okla. — She’s identified for her classroom decorations and enjoyable persona: Mrs. Wendy Stokes teaches sixth and seventh-grade Native American Literature in Owasso.
“It is ever-changing,” Stokes stated. “I am nonetheless engaged on it yearly to attempt to make it higher.”
It is an elective class that mixes literature-type coursework with studying comprehension and writing expertise with cultural research.
“They be taught all the things from native languages to native cultures with numerous actions,” stated Matt Roberts, the Sixth Grade Heart Principal.
Roberts says it is a class individuals will not discover at many different faculty districts. There is no set curriculum and college students say there aren’t any checks.
“We do not have checks,” stated Audrey Terry, a sixth-grade scholar. “We simply do like enjoyable little video games to assist us actually bear in mind.”
As a substitute, Miss Stokes brings in audio system, just about and in individual, and contains numerous enjoyable actions.
“Stickball, Cherokee marbles, you identify it, they do it,” stated Roberts.
“Like making memes in regards to the guide that we learn,” stated Terry. “It actually helps us to narrate to the guide.”
Miss Stokes is Cherokee and has been educating Native American Literature for about six years. She was simply acknowledged as a nationwide award-winning trainer for her work inspiring college students to be taught.
“That is what drives me,” Stokes stated. “I found the scholars love studying the Cherokee language. They’re going to greet me within the hallways in Cherokee, say hey to me, and ask me how I’m in Cherokee.”
Her purpose, she says, is to show her college students that Native People are totally different tribes, totally different individuals, and totally different languages — and all have one thing to supply.
“I would like them to consider Native People as at this time, they usually’re surviving and thriving, not only a previous tense thought,” she stated.
Want positive news in your email every Friday? SIGN UP for our Positively Oklahoma newsletter.
[ad_2]
Source link
0 Comments