IJP Teachers Address Important Features of the Thanksgiving Holiday

A preschool reenactment of the 1st Thanksgiving brought youngsters to the times of Plymouth Rock while Jon Jordan, of Spirit of the Eagle Presentations informed 5th grade students of the rich cultural identity of Native Americans. Both lessons immersed students of in learning which went beyond the classroom and into the essence of experience.

Pre-School students enjoyed a themed snack on Monday, Nov. 21. They ate popcorn, apple slices and naturally whipped butter along-side their teacher Ms. Sue Tardy and aide, Ms. Sherry Norris. The lesson was a reminder of the pilgrim’s landing upon Plymouth Rock and the sharing of the 1st Thanksgiving celebration. 

Native American presenter reminds IJP 5th Graders of Rich Culture and Important Customs

Jon Jordan, of Spirit of the Eagle Presentations stated, “Native Americans believed that we were all related, that everything was connected.”

Jordan’s presentation included story-telling, identification of clothing design themes and authentic Native American relics. The presenter shared the story of Star Boy, a Native American folk story character, who transcended space and time and lived among the stars. The presentation was held at Infant Jesus of Prague Church Hall on Thursday, November 17, 2011. It was tied to a unit of study. Lessons were guided by 5th grade teachers, Ms. Dorothy Petrik-Simon and Ms. Renee Rajkovich. Students created traditional Native American masks and miniature teepees as they built knowledge and synthesized important information.