My child read the book the Indian school by Gloria Whelan

History

• The child learned about the Indian boarding school system and its impact on Native American children.
• They gained insight into the cultural assimilation efforts made by the government during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The child developed an understanding of the challenges faced by Native American students in adapting to a new environment and losing their cultural identity.

For continued development related to the activity, encourage the child to explore other books and resources that delve deeper into the history of Native American boarding schools. They can also research and discuss the current relationship between Native American communities and the education system.

Book Recommendations

• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac: This book follows the story of a young Navajo boy who becomes a code talker during World War II, highlighting the valor and contributions of Native Americans in the war effort.
• When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson: This picture book explores the intergenerational impact of residential schools on Indigenous families and the healing power of preserving cultural traditions.
• The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich: Set in the 19th century, this novel tells the story of an Ojibwe girl named Omakayas and her family, providing a rich depiction of Native American culture and the challenges they faced with the arrival of European settlers.