|
Tribal Customs Play Role in Way Indian Kids Learn Cultural differences in values Drawing on his years of teaching on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, Robert Rhodes
made a list of the differences between Native American values and Anglo values — differences that have a direct
impact on how children learn.
BySusan Whitney Deseret
News special writer
In that culture, Rhodes says, children are initiated into knowledge at various stages in their lives, with ceremonies.
Some knowledge is restricted. Death, kachinas, skinwalkers are not discussed with children.
School |
Native American home |
Inquisitiveness is good | You will find out when it is time |
Accept new information | Accept known information |
Competition is good | Cooperation is good |
History and facts are vital | Mythology is as important as history |
Independence is good | The group is good |
Time is linear | Time is circular |
Work is 8-5, office | Work is any time, any place |
Money is good | Helping is good |
Offer advice | Don't tell other people what to do |
Don't just sit there/Do | Wait until you understand something |
School/work is paramount | Family is paramount |
Learn from books | Learn from people |
Control children | Allow children to learn on their own |
Talk first | Keep silent |
Make your point | Avoid confrontation |
Brag | Play down your abilities |
Only adults can care for children | Older children can care for younger |
Be future-oriented | Deny planning |
Vote to decide | Decide by group consensus |
|
Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107. |
Canku Ota is a copyright of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry. |
|