SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Children to Learn About Indian Life
Elementary school children will learn about American Indian music, housing, food and clothing under a new, pilot program in the Capistrano Unified School District.
In a survey of parents, district officials found that more than 1,000 children enrolled in Capistrano schools have American Indian ancestry. That qualified the district to receive a $104,000 federal grant for the program.
The money will allow the district to train teachers and pay for new materials, said Bill Eller, an assistant superintendent. The program is intended to make students more aware of their Indian heritage and to instill pride in their cultural identity, he said.
The district previously had what Eller called a “road show,” in which artifacts, pottery, examples of weaving, weapons and clothes were packed in boxes and moved from school to school. Classes at each school were allowed to view the materials for a week or two.
Beginning this year, teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade will have their own materials, Eller said.
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