Teaching Native Children Ideas to keep in mind…

1. Promoting a safe classroom environment by… Help students feel comfortable to show their true identity and share experiences. Get involved in their home life Be sensitive to differences in culture, traditions, and beliefs. This may mean researching in order to understand cultural background. Provide a comfortable, warm, caring environment so the student feels accepted and free to share ideas and make mistakes. Show interest and concern, be warm and inviting, promote effective, relaxed communication. Ask questions and show genuine interest; show that you care. Teaching Methods: Allow time for the student to respond to questions, and complete assignments and tasks. Accept their silence at times, don’t make them feel pressured Be sensitive to non-verbal cues the student may be giving off Vary your instructional methods to meet their needs Provide opportunities for group work, assigning the groups so they aren’t culturally based Demand excellence, just as you would with any other student. Use Native examples in your teaching, where possible Encourage cooperation, not competition Teaching Native ChildrenIdeas to keep in mind…