Eloquence

Introduction

Kayenta is a gateway to the western part of the Dine Nation in the northeastern part of Arizona. Not only is Kayenta the gateway to western section of the Dine Nation but also the gateway to a natural, monumental site, Monument Valley. Monument Valley is considered one of the Nation's wonders of the world. The famous sandstone rock formation that scientist and geologist call "art". Children from this area and the other five surrounding communities within a 60 miles radius, call Kayenta their place of learning. This school district is a place of learning because of the beautiful campus and its side of the three schools. Many of the children in our elementary setting have neither read nor heard of the word eloquence much less the documents and events from The Treaty of 1868. I have taught many grade levels; however teaching fourth graders from five different communities will be more motivating this year. The wonderful minds of children entice me to broaden their knowledge of their native history and how words help us in education. Although our school services a 99% Native American Indian population (most of Navajo descendent), they are diverse in thinking. Economically, Kayenta and surrounding communities' main source of revenue is generated from the mine on Black Mesa Plateau and jobs related to school. It is amazing that the schools have survived the partial "shut down" of Peabody Coal Company. So, Kayenta is a place that families and visitors from all parts of the world like to visit or call home.

What does a typical school setting look like at the Kayenta Elementary School where I teach? The elementary school is comprised of four grade levels, from kindergarten to fourth grade. Since our school is in the process of change, and Arizona Department of Education is requiring change is welcome, the transition of leadership and curriculum will allow our students to grasp this unit and challenge our fourth graders' reasoning skills. Not only will this unit increase the student's interest, but the initiative will also help our local leaders see this unit on leadership and eloquence as much needed. It is a good start for our student's future of understanding leadership and speaking skills.

At Kayenta Elementary School the daily schedule allots 90 minutes for reading, 60 minutes for alternating subject of science and social studies during the week and 30 minutes for reading intervention. Within these allotted times, the school district calculated that teaching delivery is estimated at 20 minutes. By using "10 – 2" discussion strategy, it can allow time for students and teachers to explore the content to at deeper level. By giving more time it allows the student to share his/her own ideas and develop additional questions to further their knowledge. Teachers become the facilitator of the learning. This method requires a teacher to be well read on the content and the common core state standards that Arizona calls Arizona College and Career Ready Standards.