Owasso teacher creates unique Native American Literature experience for students
OWASSO, Okla. — She’s recognized for her classroom decorations and enjoyable character: 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 study 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 folks will not discover at many different faculty districts. There isn’t any set curriculum and college students say there aren’t any checks.
“We do not have checks,” stated Audrey Terry, a sixth-grade pupil. “We simply do like enjoyable little video games to assist us actually keep in mind.”
As an alternative, Miss Stokes brings in audio system, nearly and in particular person, and contains numerous enjoyable actions.
“Stickball, Cherokee marbles, you title it, they do it,” stated Roberts.
“Like making memes concerning the ebook that we learn,” stated Terry. “It actually helps us to narrate to the ebook.”
Miss Stokes is Cherokee and has been instructing Native American Literature for about six years. She was simply acknowledged as a nationwide award-winning instructor for her work inspiring college students to study.
“That is what drives me,” Stokes stated. “I found the scholars love studying the Cherokee language. They will greet me within the hallways in Cherokee, say howdy to me, and ask me how I’m in Cherokee.”
Her purpose, she says, is to show her college students that Native Individuals are completely different tribes, completely different folks, and completely different languages — and all have one thing to supply.
“I need them to think about Native Individuals as at present, they usually’re surviving and thriving, not only a previous tense thought,” she stated.
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