Classroom Happenings: Multi-Faceted Project Examines Native American Literature and Traditions

Upper Schoolers taught by English Teacher Marissa Shaw spent several weeks this fall reading Native American literature, including Joy Harjo’s “Remember,” and Rebecca Roanhorse’s “Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience.” As part of their studies, each student researched a Native American tribe (Cree, Cherokee, Arapaho, Ojibwe, or Navajo), focusing on the traditional games that are part of each tribe’s culture. 

Students then got to work in the Bryan Innovation Lab, where they recreated the games using recycled materials as well as foraged materials such as rocks and sticks found in the woods behind the Bryan Lab. Students presented their research and demonstrated their games in class. 

Blake Watkins ’29 researched the Arapaho tribe and its Hoop and Pole toy, which is traditionally played by throwing long poles or darts at a rolling or stationary ring. Using a hula hoop, rope, and branches, Blake created his own version of the game. He enjoyed participating in a non-traditional learning experience. 

“Being outside in nature, and then working in the Bryan Lab, was great,” he said. 

Other students crafted toys inspired by traditional Native American games such as Double Ball (similar to lacrosse) and Chunkey (played by rolling disc-shaped stones across the ground and throwing spears at them).

Ms. Shaw’s students then invited Lower Schoolers to the Bryan Lab to test out the games and toys they’d made. Christian Mulroe ’28, who researched the Cree tribe, created a Ring and Pin game. He loved sharing it with Lower Schoolers. 

“Having younger kids learn through us and see what it’s like to be an Upper School student was great … they know what they can look forward to!” he said.

Ms. Shaw’s students also researched traditional Native American foods such as potato cakes and corn cakes, which they cooked (and sampled!) in class. 

“My students loved this hands-on exploration,” said Ms. Shaw. “They enjoyed working in the Bryan Lab, foraging in the woods, and learning about Native American games and foods. Watching them interact with Lower Schoolers was a very Steward moment, seeing the ‘big kids’ connect with younger Spartans. I was impressed by my students’ enthusiasm for this project and appreciate the collaboration with Bryan Innovation Lab Program Specialist Amy Nobile and Upper School Bryan Lab Liaison Lexi Bach. I couldn't have done it without them!”

The multidimensional project exemplifies Steward’s core values of individuality, innovation, and inspiration. 

“Over the course of several weeks, my students sharpened their research and critical thinking skills,” noted Ms. Shaw. “They also thoroughly enjoyed cooking Native American foods, such as a berry sauce, which Blake cooked. This project was a great way for students to adapt to what was available in terms of foraged materials, create games that would appeal to Lower Schoolers, and stretch their imaginations.”