Celebrating Native American Heritage Month Through Learning And Play

Each November, we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month—a time dedicated to honoring the profound impact of Native American culture on our national fabric. This celebration is not only an acknowledgment of history but a tribute to the vibrant traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. At Nature of Early Play, we are privileged to offer Native American-themed playground equipment that helps children all over the nation gain a deeper appreciation of this rich cultural legacy.

Understanding Tribal Sovereignty

This year's theme, "Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity," underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the autonomy of Tribal Nations. Tribal sovereignty ensures that decisions affecting Tribes, their lands, and citizens are made with their active participation and consent. This principle is central to maintaining the rights and dignity of Native communities and is vital for educators to understand and convey.

Incorporating Native American Heritage into Educational Playgrounds

Whether you operate a school, daycare, or park, your play space can be a venue for cultural exploration with our Native American Playground Equipment. This engaging setup is a gateway to a deeper understanding of our nation’s history through imaginative play.

Tipi and Cover

Traditional Tipi & Cover

The Tipi & Cover is a remarkable playhouse that mirrors the authentic dwellings of Native Americans from the Great Plains. Educators and park departments can use this playhouse as a starting point to discuss the ingenuity and adaptability of Native American architecture.

Playground Canoe

Paddle Adventures in the Canoe

Children can climb inside our realistic canoe and paddle on imaginary river adventures. This feature provides a playful glimpse into the lives of Indigenous peoples, encouraging children to learn about the importance of waterways in Native American culture. 

Linguistics Playground Weather Panel Cherokee

Linguistic Panels for Cultural Immersion

Our customizable bilingual linguistic panels offer a unique opportunity to learn indigenous languages. Featuring weather, colors, and numbers, these panels complement outdoor classroom equipment, making them ideal for integrating language learning into play. Educators can incorporate these panels into lesson plans to enhance language skills and cultural understanding.

FISHIN CABIN - 2024 - 2

The Gone Fishin’ Cabin Experience

The Gone Fishin’ Cabin offers a realistic structure with benches and windows, inviting them to imagine the harmonious relationship Indigenous cultures shared with nature. This cabin can act as a backdrop for lessons on environmental stewardship and the significance of sustainability.

Free Lesson Plan Download

Lesson Plans for Cultural Exploration

Tailored for Educators

Our Native American-themed equipment comes with FREE downloadable lesson plans that seamlessly integrate into educational curricula. These plans meet learning objectives across social studies, English Language Arts (ELA), and art for age groups ranging from Pre-K to upper elementary.

To get your lesson plans, visit the above product pages and click the Free Lesson Plans tab. Then select your preferred age group.

Join Nature of Early Play In Celebrating Our Native Neighbors

Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month offers an invaluable opportunity for educators, park departments, and daycare centers to enrich their communities with the diverse histories and traditions of Native cultures. By incorporating culturally significant play equipment and lesson plans, we can inspire children to appreciate and respect the rich tapestry of our nation's history. Let's celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month together, fostering a generation that values this country's beautiful diversity.

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