So it has been so long since I have posted. There is really no excuse EXCEPT for the fact that I have been feeling sorry for myself. You see, I posted a very simple Thanksgiving project to a website. It was so cute and very, very simple. It was just a little Pilgrim and an Indian. The comments were . . . .well, ummmmm . . . oh heck, they were just plain nasty! First, it seems that I offended some people by "stereo-typing" the Indian. Then came the lovely BLAST about how our project was nothing but "cookie cutter art". I will admit that I did cut out the pieces and the children glued every thing down. They also picked the beads and feathers from a large selection, making sure to pick out "their favorite colors". It was simple, not the usual "detailed" work that we normal do. BUT, it was a very nice way to end our VERY BUSY week before Thanksgiving. AND it gave each and every child a wonderful sense of accomplish. Well, here it is, you be the judge!
Now that I've got that off my chest, here is a few of the other activities that enjoyed before our Thanksgiving holiday. We used our handprints to make some Incredible Indians -
We also used our shapes to make the most wonderful turkey -
Can you see the different shapes?
Our class also was lucky enough to borrow a teepee from one of our families. It was SO MUCH FUN to use as our very special reading nook. We even used it as a background in our Indian pictures.
All in all our Thanksgiving activities were pretty wonderful. Be prepared . . . here comes our Christmas fun!
Have a happy comment:)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say thanks for all your ideas you post. I teach Kindergarten, but I've been using some of your art projects and my kids are really enjoying them. I found your blog this summer and I think I have looked at every post now.
Karen- First, I want to apologize if my comments hurt you. I never meant them to (yes, I mentioned, I was offended by the way the people were portrayed). I appreciate many of the things you do with young children (and have your blog on my blogroll, by the way :) I often cut shapes and pieces for my children (who are not yet able to cut) to glue. So, for me, that wasn't a huge deal. I'm sure not everything I do with the children, you would chose to do or would want to do...or would even agree with! That's the beauty of the internet- we can share multiple viewpoints and ideas and activities...and some people may try them out...others may not! That's ok! So, from me to you, I may have simply been a bit oversensitive about the topic matter! I can't say I would personally chose to do this activity. But that's ok! Definitely keep blogging- and, of course, I'll keep reading! You have so many wonderful ideas to share! And, again, I apologize for the way my comments came across. Pam
ReplyDeleteWelcome Back! I have missed your wonderful activities that simply inspire me! Do not let the other comments stop one thing you do b/c you are seem truly fantastic!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel, I recently got two parent surveys back that where harsh and said that basically all we do in my 3-4 year old classroom is arts and crafts and play. I was very upset for about two weeks then got to thinking these people don't understand and now I try to enlighten them. It is always hard to be criticized and I hope that you get to feeling better soon because I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry when people choose to be offended--it just shows how small they are. Keep doing what you do b/c you're awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is awesome! And I like your pilgrims and indians! So there! Keep up the great work! I just found you and I LOVE what I see!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the snarky comments. It's probably mostly jealousy anyway. It's not easy to maintain a blog and keep your head up, despite all of the comments that may be thrown at you. Believe in what you do! There is room for simple and fancy projects alike, I think.
I recently have been on the receiving end of quite a few evil minded comments myself regarding my own blog. That happens when you are successful, I think.
Keep on keeping on!
Anon
Karen, you are by far the most creative and energetic preschool teacher I have ever known! People have no idea of what it takes to be a great teacher - the amount of time spent searching for fun things to do with the children that actually has a purpose, to help them learn while having fun! You don't need to change one thing that you do!!! You. are. the. best. EVER!!! Susan
ReplyDeleteWow! I have been in Public school pre-k for 17 years and I always enjoyed it, but how I would love to work with you!! I just found you on interest and I can't wait to share your blog with the teacher I worked with.....I loved everything you did!!! Keep having fun....Wish I were there!
ReplyDeleteI found you on *Pinterest that is. Silly auto-correct.
ReplyDeleteYou do a great job. I'd be happy and thankful to have my child in a class with someone like you. Hater's gonna hate! Let them hate. You do a great job!
ReplyDeleteI am not a hater I am a Native American, I am from the nations of Caddo, Creek, Delaware, Chickashaw and Pawnee. I am a product of the Indian territory (OKLAHOMA)I am also a preschool teacher. I am not related to Disney's Pocahontas. I am a real life native. For years i have heard the phrase, "I didn't mean anything by it " " it was just cute" Disney did it first. I am sure you have heard the phrase just because everyone is doing it does not make it right. when I was first learning to be a teacher i was taught to follow the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct the first one that i learned was —Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall
ReplyDeletenot participate in practices that are emotionally damaging,
physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading,
dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children.
This principle has precedence over all others in
this Code. I just wanted to tell you that this project was hurtful to me. If you could please just teach about the real Natives. please don't make fun of my heritage. I realize that you feel like I am jumping on you for no reason, But that is how i feel when i see cartoons and crafts such as this that make me look like i am not a real person.
I honestly hope that you do NOT teach this to children. It is actions, and people like you, that continue to teach hate through stereotypes. Why won't you remove this hate? It would help for you to learn the true history of Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteTake a look at how you are portraying that culture, what hidden stereotypes do you possess that may cause students to be silenced or excluded unwittingly? What can you do to include openness and inclusivity in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised you still use the term "Indian." Christopher Columbus actually thought he was in India, and was actually completely wrong. The group he labeled incorrectly likes to be referred to as "Native Americans."
By simply giving your students an offensive recipe to follow isn't letting any of your students the ability to express what 'Thanksgiving' really means to them.