Writing About Nature

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 23.02.07

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. School Description and Location
  3. Duality
  4. Learning Objectives
  5. Content Objectives
  6. Teaching Strategies
  7. Classroom Activities
  8. Resources and Bibliography
  9. Appendix on Implementing District Standards
  10. Notes

Through the Eyes of a Navajo: Nature Writing

Cheryl Singer

Published September 2023

Tools for this Unit:

Resources and Bibliography

Student Resources

John, Roberta. 2003. Red is Beautiful. Salina Bookshelf, Inc.

Maryboy, Nancy C., and David Begay. 2010. Sharing the Skies: Navajo Astronomy. Rio Nuevo Publishers.

Mayes, Vernon O. 1989. Nanise’: A Navajo Herbal. Navajo Community College Press.

Momaday, Scott N. Earth Keeper. Harper Collins Publisher, 2020.

Schwarz, Maureen T. 1997. Molded in the Image of Changing Woman. The University of Arizona Press.

Tapahonso, Luci.  1987.  A Breeze Swept Through. West End Press.

Tapahonso, Luci.  1998. The Women Are Singing.  The University of Arizona Press.

Tapahonso, Luci.  2017. Radiant Curve. The University of Arizona Press.

The Dine Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature, ed. Esther G. Belin, Jeff Berglund, Connie A. Jacobs, and Anthony K. Webster. 2021. University of Arizona Press.

Yazzie, Seraphine G. 2011. Beauty Beside Me, Stories of My Grandmother’s Skirts. Salina Bookshelf, Inc.

Teacher Resources

Benally, Herbert. “Navajo Philosophy of Learning and Pedagogy.” Journal of Navajo Education XII, no. 1 (1994): 25.

Caduto, Michael J., and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing, 1997.

Caduto, Michael J., and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing, 1997.

Reyhner, Jon., et al. Honoring Our Children. Northern Arizona University, 2013. Eder, Donna.  “Bringing Navajo Storytelling Practices into Schools: The Importance of Maintaining Cultural Integrity.”  Anthropology & Education Quarterly 38, no. 3 (2007): 280.  Accessed July 15, 2023.

Franklin, Devin.  Put On Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses & Discover Nature’s Secrets. Storey Publishing, 2019.

Lee, Lloyd L. Dine Perspectives: Revitalizing and Reclaiming Navajo Thought. The University of Arizona Press, 2014.

“Lowell Observatory Native American Astronomy Outreach Program.” Lowell Observatory, 1 May 2022, Flagstaff.  Lecture and Teacher STEM workshop.

Manookin, K. L. (2018). “The benefits of nature-based writing for English language learners.” Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 8(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0801.03

Holly, Sharroky.  Culturally and Linguistically: Responsive Teaching and Learning. 2nd ed., Shell Education, 2018

Bibliography

Callister, Ellen G. The Journey of the Dine. Ellen G. Callister, 2020.

Densmore, Frances.  How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts. Dover Publications, 2021.

Hollie, Sharroky.  Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning. 2nd ed., Shell Education, 2018.

Hurst, Kathryn.  Navajo Clan Coloring Book. San Juan School District Media Center, 2008.

Linford, Lawrence. Navajo Places. University of Utah Press, 2000.

Lockard, Louise. Cultural Component of Bilingual ESL Instruction. Coyote Printing Company, 1999.

Lynch, Regina H. A History of Navajo Clans. Navajo Curriculum Center, 1987.

Mayes, Vernon O., and Barbara B. Lacy. Nanise’ – A Navajo Herbal. 2nd ed., Navajo Community College Press, 1989.

Niethammer, Carolyn. Daughters of the Earth: The Lives and Legends of American Indian Women. Collier MacMillan Publishers, 1977.

Organick, Avrum. Blessings. Red Lake Press. 1999.

Schwarz, Maureen T. Molded in the Image of Changing Woman.  The University of Arizona Press, 1997.

Story of the Stars. NASA Ames Research Center and the Division of Dine Education.

Snow, Marguerite A., and Donna M. Brinton.  The Content-Based Classroom:  Perspectives on Integrating Language and Content. Longman, 1997.

Wall, Leon, and Morgan, William.  Navajo-English Dictionary. Hippocrene Books, Inc., 2002.

Yazzie, Ethelou.  Navajo History. Rough Rock Press, 1971.

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