Looking for ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with your tots? Check out our list of books and activities to introduce or expand upon prior learning of indigenous peoples!
Do your prep work now so that you’ll be ready on November 1!
While we will also be celebrating Thanksgiving this month, it is important to honor and recognize the people here before the Pilgrims. Kids learn best through stories, songs, and activities, and these are some of my favorites!
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Books about Native Americans:
Books for Babies and Toddlers:
Loving Me
This sweet book features colorful photographs of a modern, multi-generation Native American family as they care for and love on a new baby. If your babies are like mine, they especially enjoy books with photographs and this one delivers! I like how this book talks about Native Americans in present tense.
Cradle Me
Another board book with real-life photographs, this book features a different tribe on each page and shows their traditional cradle board. A great way to introduce differences between us while also emphasizing what makes us similar! I love that this title is also available in Navajo!
Little You
Written by a Canadian First Nations author, this book has simple illustrations with sweet, poetic narration that always makes me a bit tearful! I like that it is also available in English and Cree!
Mama, Do You Love Me?
A modern classic, this book discusses the depths of the boundless love a parent has for their children. Filled with beautiful illustrations, this sweet story of an Inuit mother and her daughter will delight your littles.
Books for Preschoolers:
We Are Water Protectors
This 2021 Caldecott winner was inspired by the many real-life Indigenous-led rallies to protect water as a precious natural resource. Great illustrations and lyrical text will appeal to your little ones!
Fry Bread
Another multiple award winner, Fry Bread is written by a member of the Seminole Nation and shows a modern Native American family in a celebration of tradition and culturally important foods.
Johnny’s Pheasant
A surprise ending will enthrall your little listener as you read aloud this story that emphasizes patience, kindness, and respect for nature. Written by a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
I Sang You Down from the Stars
Written by a Cree author living in Treaty 1 territory, Manitoba, this book is beautifully written with magical illustrations. The story follows an expectant mother as she prepares to welcome her child with traditional culturally significant gifts.
Books for Elementary-aged Readers:
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Tomie dePaola was one of my favorite author-illustrators growing up, and this book was always one I loved to flip through. The story retells traditional Plains explanations of the vivid colors of nature. There is a companion title, The Legend of the Bluebonnet, with a female main character.
We Are Still Here!
This book covers modern Native American history and some of the more contemporary issues they are facing. This is great for introducing more mature topics to the elementary set, while still in the approachable format of a picture book.
This is a companion title to We Are Grateful.
Molly of Denali “I Can Read” set
The PBS series of the same name employs Indigenous peoples at all levels of production to ensure authenticity and provide employment. This five-book set will have your budding independent reader following Molly as she adventures through Alaska!
Who Was Sacagewea?
The Who/What Was..? series helps put approachable historical text in the hands of elementary readers. It’s a great way to encourage independent research! The series also features titles about Sitting Bull, The First Thanksgiving, and Navajo Code Talkers.
Hands-on Activities:
Native American heritage-themed sensory bin:
I love a good sensory bin. Truly, I do. I have a whole post singing the praises of sensory activities!
Our Native American Heritage Month sensory bin has a base of popcorn kernels and dried lima beans. The “Three Sisters” of corn, beans, and squash are traditionally and culturally significant for Native Americans. Not only are they staples to their diet, but they are grown together to create symbiosis in which all three plants flourish!
As we approach Thanksgiving, I will add a bag of whole cranberries to keep things fresh and interesting. Cranberries were not only eaten as food, but used to dye clothing and rugs, as well as used medicinally!
For manipulatives, in addition to the normal scoops and what not, I will include a squash to round out “the Three Sisters” and maybe an ear of Flint corn or a mini pumpkin.
You can tailor your explanation of the bin’s contents’ symbolism to your child’s understanding!
Cooking traditional Native American foods:
Older children might like helping make some traditional Native American foods like fry bread or Three Sisters stew. Or cook them both up together for a Native American Heritage night! Nourishing foods are very important in Native American culture. Over your meal, you can discuss their cultural significance of living off the land and where the food on your table comes from!
However you choose to celebrate, teach your children about Native American heritage this month! Will you be using any of my recommendations? Let me know in the comments below! If you found this content useful, be sure to Pin it to Pinterest!
Maggie says
Hello I teach 3rd grade and we are learning about Early Native American tribes and regions. I love all these resources thank you for sharing.
Caroline says
Thank you, Maggie!
Charlene says
Love the Tomie dePaola book! He also has a similar one called the Legend of Bluebonnet!
Caroline says
Thanks for sharing, Charlene!
Chelsea says
Wow. I love this list! I haven’t heard of most of these either. Growing up in Arizona, I felt way more connected to the history of local tribes than I do now that I’ve moved. I can’t wait to share some of these books with my kids. I’m pinning this post for later!
Caroline says
Thanks for sharing, Chelsea! I’m so glad to be able to help bring some new ideas to your family.
Mari says
These ideas are wonderful! I will have to incorporate some of them into my homeschool. We have a few books by Tomie dePaola and we particularly enjoy the colourful illustrations. Thanks for sharing.
Caroline says
Thank you, Mari! He is one of my favorites, too!