Describes a Jewish teacher's presentation on Hanukkah for a group of Gentile elementary students. The presentation covers the history of the holiday as well as activities involving toys, food, and memorabilia. Includes a list of resources for teaching about Hanukkah. (MJP)

The book furthers cultural awareness with first person narratives describing the lives of five elementary school children who represent Native American tribes or a mix of Native American tribes with another culture. In a simple style, the children describe their activities, families, foods, recreational activities, and values, and explain their…

Italian-Americans such as industrialist Lee Iacocca, architect Robert Venturi, film-maker Brian De Palma, and writer Gay Talese have contributed to the emergence of ethnic groups as a major force in the cultural and business life of the United States. What is not widely appreciated, however, is the cultural, religious, craft, and family base which…

This 3-week teaching unit on Japan is designed to promote inspiration and motivation for teaching about Japanese culture to elementary students. The booklet contains course objectives, teacher instructions, a list of instructional materials and films, and a daily outline consisting of class activities and teacher guidance instructions. The first…

Students are introduced to the Haida language as well as to traditional Haida foods in this booklet, one in a series of curriculum materials on Southeast Alaska Natives. Ten selections written in simple language describe a Haida barbecue, Indian bread, sea cucumbers, black sea weed, the edible pulp sap of Hemlock, Indian ice cream made from soap…

Profiles this year's winners of the Charles Frankel Prize, awarded to individuals who have stimulated and expanded public understanding of the humanities. The recipients are Rita Dove (poet), Doris Kearns Goodwin (historian/author), Daniel Kemmis (mayor/author), Arturo Madrid (professor), and Bill Moyers (television producer). (MJP)

This elementary-level thematic unit on India was designed to serve as a stepping stone toward the goal of mutual respect among children of different backgrounds. This unit may take one to four weeks depending on the class time. To expand children's awareness of the Indian culture, many hands-on activities are included. This unit was developed with…

Students learn Tlingit survival practices and lore in this booklet of stories and learning activities. Five readings discuss fire making methods, edible wild foods, weather conditions, and shelter; information is related to the resources of Southeast Alaska and to typical survival situations; e.g., storms at sea and dense fogs. Narratives relate…

Presents an impassioned and cogent plea for supporting the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Corrects and answers many of the misconceptions concerning the NEH and effectively refutes the most repeated criticisms. Briefly describes some of the NEH's most popular and successful projects. (MJP)

This resource book features the cultural heritage of Hispanics living within the United States and includes ideas, materials, and activities to be used with students in the intermediate grades and middle school. This book explores the definition of the term "Hispanic Americans" and suggests a multilayered population with a variety of cultural…

Written from the Indian's point of view, these resource materials for primary grade social studies curriculum tell the story of the Suquamish Indians and their most important leader, Chief Sealth (after whom the city of Seattle was named). Focusing on the life of the Suquamish in the 1800's, the narrative text and full page line drawings in the…

Egbema, one of six Ijo groups in Nigeria, is an obscure group in danger of becoming dominated by the culture of its neighbors. The Ijo people appear to be socially, politically, and spiritually lost, and their dialects are disappearing. In the Ijo society physical appearance is important, and men and women wear specified dress. Performing…

Maintains that the entire field of adult music instruction outside of traditional education largely has been ignored by education researchers. Argues that this field is particularly productive in transmitting musical culture within ethnic communities. Identifies some of the organizations available: church choirs, community bands, singing groups,…

Investigated how Mexican-American student teachers expressed their cultural knowledge in lesson planning and implementation. Semistructured interviews with Mexican-American student teachers working in elementary Professional Development Schools revealed little ethnic expression, even when teaching Mexican-American children. They were never invited…

As this nation's settlers and immigrants built homes, railroads, and plowed the fields, they told their story through songs and ballads. Transmitting this cultural heritage is the goal of this volume containing songs, bibliographies, teaching ideas, and record and book reviews. These three issues focus on the songs of the railroads, the farmers,…