Creating Cultural Connections At Daniel Street

LINDENHURST, NY - Daniel Street Elementary School fourth-graders explored the culture of the Eastern Woodland Indians with the assistance of the “Journeys into American Indian Territory” program.

The unique and interactive presentation lead by guest presenters Maddie Cheers and Chuck Gosline allowed students to learn about the daily life of Eastern Woodland boys and girls through hands-on activities, games, role play and a traveling museum of authentic artifacts and artwork.

Throughout the day, students explored the traditional gender roles of the boys and girls in the tribe and learned about the skills they would have acquired such as hunting, gathering and weaving.

They shared traditional stories and played Native American games, that taught respect and teamwork, important principals in the Native American culture.

Additionally, fourth-graders made their very own clay pots, pounded corn into flour and took part in a governing exercise that demonstrated to students the way the Native Americans viewed laws and leadership roles.

Photo courtesy of the Lindenhurst School District