Dear Berkshire County Educators,
Over the past few years there has been significant work done to elevate local, indigenous history and culture in curriculum in Berkshire County. Please join me in a new arts integration project that aligns curriculum and learning with Indigenous Peoples' Day. We welcome teachers from any content area; our goal is to have contributions from every school in Berkshire County. Who: Open to all teachers and students in Berkshire County and beyond. What: The Hexagon Project platform offers us the format to assemble a mural of student artwork. When: August 30th, 3:00: Q & A via zoom. September 9th: Deadline to confirm participation September 12-30: project implementation October 2: Deadline. I need all work by this date. October 7th, 1:00 - 3:00: Opening reception, *refreshments Where: All work will be laminated and installed by the gazebo in Great Barrington. This is the starting place of the Main Street ceremonial walk on Indigenous Peoples' Day. We are especially grateful and honored to welcome a delegation from the Stockbridge Munsee Community this year.
Why: The 'parts' of the lesson were inspired by the Standard Model for Indigenous Learning, developed by Sandra Barton from the Stockbridge Munsee Community. Teaching Indigenous history and culture with an Indigenous approach only makes sense. The project continues our learning and sharing thanks to the work and support of Jolene Bowman, Education Director, Shawn Stevens, and many other citizens of Mohican Nation, scholars, teachers, and local historians.
How: This arts integration project is all about relationships and connections. There are five parts from which teachers can pick and choose to utilize in their classroom. The framework for the project is attached as a pdf. Teachers are welcome to use the framework as a guideline for their lesson. The project website is linked below-- Hexagon Project #2! https://stephgraham.wixsite.com/mohicancurriculum/copy-of-the-hexagon-project
*I can provide the project template for each student, which will be a piece of cardstock with some printed instruction. Otherwise, the template is attached. You can use any 2-d materials you choose, as long as the final project is flat enough to be laminated. Q&A: On August 30th at 3:00, I will be available to meet via zoom to walk through the Mohican Curriculum website and discuss the project further. I will send a link to anyone who expresses interest. Please direct any questions to me via email. I understand we are all busy and the timeline is rushed, but I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to provide meaningful collaboration and learning! I look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards, Steph Graham
