Our Blog: November 5, 2026
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November is Native American Heritage Month—an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the diverse histories, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
For young children, exploring different cultures helps build curiosity, empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Families can honor the occasion by sharing stories, trying traditional foods, learning about local tribes, and engaging in meaningful conversations about community, family, and respect for nature. Try these ideas with your children to learn and celebrate together:
- Read stories that celebrate Indigenous voices and experiences
- Create a nature weaving inspired by Native American heritage
- Make Three Sisters Soup and learn about agricultural traditions
Traditional Storytelling
Storytelling across generations has long been an important way for many Indigenous communities to share history, culture, values, and traditions. Native American Heritage Month inspires us to explore those themes through books. Reading together helps children develop language skills, strengthen family connections, discover new perspectives, and build an appreciation for cultural diversity. Visit your local library and check out these books:
Infants (Birth to 12 months)
Baby's First Cherokee Numbers by Beth Anderson and Brad Wagnon
A simple introduction to numbers and cultural images through English and Cherokee words to support early language development.
Toddlers (1 to 2 years)
Little You by Richard Van Camp
A warm and loving board book celebrating the joy, wonder, and potential of every child.
Early Preschool (2 to 3 years)
My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
A gentle story that encourages children to notice everyday moments that bring comfort, gratitude, and happiness.
Preschool (3 to 4 years)
We All Play by Julie Flett
Children are invited to observe animals, movement, and play while learning words in both English and Cree.
Pre-K (4 to 5 years)
Berry Song by Michaela Goade
A beautifully illustrated story about family connections, nature, gratitude, and seasonal traditions in Alaska.
School-Age (5 to 12 years)
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
This award-winning book celebrates Native American family traditions, community, and identity through the story of fry bread.
Nature Weaving
Many Native American communities have traditions of creating useful and beautiful items from natural materials found in their environments. This simple weaving activity encourages children to craft something unique using items they collect outdoors.
Begin by taking a nature walk together. Look for leaves, flowers, grass, pine needles, feathers (if permitted), small twigs, or other items. Talk about colors, textures, shapes, and patterns as you go.
You’ll need:
- A sturdy paper plate or piece of cardboard
- Yarn or string
- Child-safe scissors
- Collected natural materials
To create a nature weaving:
- Help your child cut several evenly spaced notches around the edge of a paper plate or piece of cardboard.
- Tie one end of the yarn to a notch and wrap it back and forth between the notches to make a simple web or grid pattern across the front.
- Invite your child to weave their nature treasures through the yarn web. There is no right or wrong way to arrange the materials.
- As they work, ask simple questions to promote observation and reflection:
- Which materials feel smooth or rough?
- What colors do you notice?
- Which items are easiest to weave?
- How are the materials alike or different?
Display your nature weaving near a window or in a favorite family space. Extend the experience by learning which Native American tribes have ties to your region.
Seasonal Harvest: Three Sisters Soup
For generations, many Indigenous communities have used agricultural practices that work in harmony with the land. One well-known example is the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash. Together, they become one cohesive food system. Corn gives beans a stalk to climb, beans add nutrients to the soil, and squash shades the ground to keep it moist.
All three are in Three Sisters Soup. Whether you use fresh ingredients or pantry staples, this recipe provides a nourishing meal for the whole family. Children can help by rinsing the beans and corn or measuring the spices.
Ingredients:
- 1½ Tbsp. vegetable oil
- ¾ cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups squash, diced (fresh or frozen)
- One 15 oz. can of corn, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups fresh)
- One 15 oz. can of beans, any type, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
- One 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes (or 1½ cups fresh)
- 3½ cups low-sodium broth
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. pepper
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrot and onion. Cook until the onion begins to brown (8 to 10 minutes).
- Add garlic, squash, and corn. Stir for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add beans, tomatoes, broth, cumin, and pepper.
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until all vegetables are tender (15 to 30 minutes).
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Recipe adapted from Food Hero.
Native American Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate cultures that continue to shape our communities today. Whether you're reading stories, making a craft, cooking together, or learning about local tribes, small experiences can spark big conversations and help children develop respect for the traditions that enrich the places we call home.
About the Author
Amber Clark, Education Specialist
Amber Clark is passionate about helping young children and families thrive. She holds a master's degree in Educational Business Administration and is part of the Learning Care Education Team. Throughout her career, Amber has worked closely with teachers, school leaders, and families across a variety of early learning settings, including Montessori programs and schools serving children of military families. She is committed to creating high-quality, nurturing environments where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.
