Teaching Native American Cultures: Thanksgiving and Beyond

Teaching Native American cultures at Thanksgiving and during Native American Heritage Month starts with recognizing Native people as part of life today. Lenape educator Carla Messinger shares ways teachers and librarians can challenge stereotypes and connect children’s literature with classroom learning. Using her picture book When the Shadbush Blooms, Carla explores Lenape family life across generations. She and Katie Potter, senior literacy manager at Lee & Low Books, discuss activities connecting the book to seasonal changes, students’ family traditions and environmental studies. WATCH ON SHARE MY LESSON Access the webinar and presentation: https://sharemylesson.com/webinars/th... For a certificate documenting one hour of professional development, complete the webinar requirements on Share My Lesson. Watching on YouTube alone does not earn PD credit. Submit your certificate for your school’s or district’s approval. The conversation also covers choosing books that identify specific Native cultures, considering students’ experiences when discussing Thanksgiving and incorporating contemporary Indigenous literature throughout the school year. Presented by the AFT, Share My Lesson and Lee & Low Books. Originally broadcast Oct. 21, 2026. MORE TEACHING RESOURCES Indigenous Peoples lesson plans and resources: https://sharemylesson.com/collections... Thanksgiving lesson plans and resources: https://sharemylesson.com/collections... Explore the webinar on Share My Lesson for supporting materials, and subscribe to the Share My Lesson YouTube channel. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #IndigenousEducation #TeachingThanksgiving