5 Activities for a Native American Heritage Study
November is a great time to do Native American studies. Regardless of your children’s ages, I think a few of these projects would easily lend themselves to a fun homeschool afternoon!

November is also Native American Heritage Month in the United States. So it is the perfect time to explore and honor the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans.
5 Activities for a Native American Heritage Study
1. Read a Book Aloud Together
Reading together can be a powerful way to engage with Native American history. Using great books as the backbone for a unit study is super easy. Here are some highly recommended books that provide insight into different aspects of Native American history and culture, suited for various ages and interests:
- North American Indians. For a Historical Overview: this book by Marie and Douglas Gorsline provides a broad look at Native American history, offering foundational knowledge about the different tribes, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout North America.
- The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush. For Beautiful Artwork and Folklore: The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola is a picture book that combines stunning illustrations with a retelling of a Native American legend. It’s a fantastic choice for younger readers and a lovely way to introduce children to the storytelling traditions and artistic heritage of Native cultures.
- Squanto: Friend of the Pilgrims For a Thanksgiving-Themed Story: Squanto: Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla is an accessible, early chapter book that offers a closer look at Squanto’s life and his role in early American history. Clyde Robert Bulla also has several other wonderful titles to explore more aspects of history together.
- Walk the World’s Rim. For a More In-Depth Read-Aloud on the 1500s: Walk the World’s Rim by Betty Baker is a compelling novel set in the 16th century. Following the story of a young Native boy who encounters Spanish explorers, this book delves into themes of cultural exchange and identity. While ideal for middle school readers, it also works beautifully as a family read-aloud and can be enjoyed by upper-elementary students, offering a thought-provoking look at a complex historical period.
2. Explore Native American Heritage in Music and Dance
Integrating music and dance into your study of Native American history can bring a rich sensory experience to learning, allowing children to connect with history in a vibrant, memorable way. This approach helps students understand that Native American cultures are not just elements of the past but are thriving and evolving today, with music and dance remaining integral to cultural expression, storytelling, and community gatherings. One very popular collaboration is Ah Nee Mah. They have multiple CDs available.
Here are some ideas to make this part of your unit study engaging and meaningful:
- Watch Traditional Performances: If you have access to a nearby tribal organization or cultural center, attending a live performance can be an incredible experience. Many Native American tribes hold events where the public can observe or participate in traditional dance, drumming, and music. When I took a group of families to New Mexico on a Homeschool Travel Adventure, we were blessed to be able to visit multiple areas where dances were performed. If an in-person event isn’t available, there are excellent videos online of powwows and traditional performances. You can find videos of dances like the Jingle Dance, Hoop Dance, and Grass Dance, each with its own history, symbolism, and unique style. Watching these can help students see the artistry and dedication in each performance, and they’ll gain respect for the cultural heritage these traditions uphold.
- Learn About Different Instruments: Native American music often features unique instruments, such as drums, flutes, and rattles. Each instrument has special significance, with drums symbolizing the heartbeat of the Earth, and flutes often used for storytelling and ceremonial purposes. You can find Native American flute music online and listen together as a family or class, discussing how the music makes you feel and what stories it might be telling. You can make simple versions of these instruments, such as a rattle made from natural materials or a drum from a sturdy container, to experiment with making music inspired by what they’ve learned. You can even make a flute! And we have a tutorial on how to make a rainstick. Here is a project teens would probably enjoy!
- Incorporate Movement and Dance: Children often learn best through movement, and Native American dances offer a chance to explore self-expression and physical coordination. The Powwow dance is one of the most popular. Here is a tutorial for children to learn the Powwow Dance and a little about regalia. After watching a video of a particular dance, invite students to create their own movements inspired by what they saw. They can also create their own regalia, such as cloth sashes, beads, or feathers (as long as it’s done respectfully and thoughtfully). Remember, the regalia is unique to each person and it reflects your personality. For older students, you might encourage them to research the significance of specific dance forms and then try to create a dance that tells a story or conveys an emotion.
- Learn about the Cultural Significance of Dance: Native American dances aren’t just artistic performances; they carry deep cultural, spiritual, and social significance. For many tribes, dances are a form of storytelling or a way to honor their ancestors, celebrate a successful harvest, or give thanks.
- Imaginative Play and Storytelling: Create a space for children to share what they’ve learned through imaginative play. They can take on roles and act out a day in the life of a young Native American or create a short play incorporating dance and music, honoring what they’ve discovered about the people and the period they’re studying. This allows for creativity and personal connection to the material, making it a part of their own story.
- Make it a Family or Community Event: Consider holding a mini powwow or Native American culture night where students can showcase what they’ve learned. They might share a short presentation about a tribe, perform a dance, play a Native American-inspired song, or present an instrument they made. This not only solidifies their learning but allows them to appreciate and teach others about the vibrant diversity of Native American cultures.
By exploring Native American history through music and dance, students will gain a greater appreciation for the cultural depth and creativity of Native American communities. This sensory, participatory learning makes history come alive and fosters a deep respect for the enduring traditions that Native Americans continue to pass down today.
3. Study Native American Heritage through Food
Making food that goes with your study is the perfect way to add culture and lifestyle for the period you are studying. When we took our Native American trip out to New Mexico we learn there is a whole discussion around pre-contact foods and diet. I had never really thought about how their diet must have changed dramatically after introduction to the European settlers. You can learn more about that here. An easy recipe is to make corn pancakes by just following the directions on the cornmeal bag or box. My son really liked cooking them himself, and it added emphasis to the part of our study on what the Powhatan Indians ate. Maybe you could have Nasaump for breakfast or Turkey Sobaheg for dinner!
4. Take a Trip to a Native American Heritage Museum
Field trips are an amazing way to learn. Most every state has a wonderful museum or two that feature Native Americans in some way. The National Museum of the American Indian is a great place to start. There may be some virtual possibilities to explore as well. Perhaps make a Scrapbook Visit.
5. Explore Native American Heritage Through Arts and Crafts
Explore Native American history by learning about and possibly creating some Native American arts and crafts. There is such a rich history preserved in Native American Art. We have always had a great time making crafts inspired by the culture. For example, you could make a dreamcatcher together. Or try crafting a simple rain stick in your homeschool class.
Another possibility is to study a famous figure such as Olympian Jim Thorpe.
Topics Related to Thanksgiving and the Native American Heritage:
35 Thanksgiving Activities to Use in Your Homeschool
The Math Catcher stories , free on the Simon Fraser University site, are a great combination of math and Native American culture http://mathcatcher.irmacs.sfu.ca/stories The stories make kids think about math, and show Native Americans (or Canadian natives) as whole people – that is, just going through life, figuring things out – and not only as historical figures.
Thank you for posting this. The Native American Crafts links are very helpful. I used to live in El Paso, Texas, which also houses Ft. Bliss. Near there is Hueco Tanks State Park, which has ancient sacred Native American pictographs. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/hueco-tanks
Great post, thank you! We live in what used to be the Cherokee Nation. We have spent time researching the culture, and going on field trips in our area.
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Thanks so much for sharing!