Celebrating Heritage
By Corinne Warnshuis, Educational Programs and Services Intern, WHYY
Caption: A Northern Cheyenne Indian, applauds Southern Cheyenne Indian, during American Indian Heritage Month celebration. Credit: W. Richard West Jr. (© AP Images)
In November, we celebrate change - in more ways than one! We're already halfway through the fall season, and we still see and feel many changes: it begins to get just a little bit colder, almost every leaf has fallen to the ground, and everyone is anticipating the first snowfall. One thing that never changes throughout the year is the fun and excitement that learning brings! November is National American Indian Heritage Month. This month we remember all the changes this land and its people have been through. Take this opportunity to learn and teach your children about the extremely rich and varied history of the first settlers of this land! Come Thanksgiving dinner, your children will be educating the whole family on the holiday's history!
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"Ready? Arms in! Super Readers to the rescue!" Just as the seasons transform our surroundings, Super Why's Alpha Pig, Wonder Red, Princess Presto, and Super Why transform into super-powered readers! What saves the day better than a "super story" that your children can learn from, love and always remember? This month, learn from the many folktales and stories of the Native American Indian people. Transform an ordinary day into a super day, every weekday morning at 9am with the reading proficiency favorite, Super Why.
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The Delaware Valley was once predominately settled by the Lenape (sometimes Lenapi) people. Did you know that many rivers and towns in the area were named by the Lenape? Children are easily engaged when they can see history with their own eyes. Fortunately, our area is rich in Native culture; visit these museums to learn more!
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology:
Their new exhibit, "Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape in Pennsylvania" features never before displayed objects from the private collections of Lenape people in Pennsylvania. Ancient masks, dolls, jewelry, and other traditional arts are featured, as well as family heirlooms dating from the early 19th century. The dolls and masks will delight your child's imagination.
Museum of Indian Culture
Located in a stone farmhouse, this Allentown museum has been educating the public on the culture of our ancestors since 1980. This year, they celebrate their 29th Annual Thanksgiving Feast. Visit Friday-Sunday 12-4pm.
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On those particularly blustery days, stay inside, bundle up with some hot butternut squash soup and read some of these Native American themed stories:
Grandmother's Pigeon
by Louise Erdrich
Nanabosho Steals Fire
by Joseph McLellan
This Land Is My Land
by George Littlechild
The Great Ball Game: a Muskogee Story
by Joseph Bruchac
The People Shall Continue
by Simon J. Ortiz
The Lenape or Delaware Indians
by Herbert C. Kraft
Did you know that the WHYY is your place for family events and broadcasting in the Delaware Valley?
Please join us on Saturday, November 14th for the Y12K Run and WHYY Kids Family Fit Zone. This event has something for the entire family! A 12K run, 3K run, and various activities to get the kids moving and active. Meet Sid the Science Kid and other great PBS characters as well. For more information about the Y12K Run and WHYY Kids Family Fit Zone, go to whyy.org/y12k.
Can't wait to see you there!
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