TEACHER'S GUIDE

Secondary Yup'ik Language and Culture Program for the Lower Kuskokwim School District

LEVEL I

Developed by the Lower Kuskokwim School District Bilingual / Bicultural Department

Chase Hensel and Phyllis Morrow Bilingual Materials Developers/Teacher Trainers

Design & Layout by Penny Panlener

copyright 1987

Lower Kuskokwim School District
Bilingual / Bicultural Department

Introduction to the Teacher's Guide,

LEVEL I - Secondary Yup'ik Language and Culture Program

OVERVIEW

The Yup'ik Language and Culture Curriculum is the first secondary program to be offered to students entirely in the Yup'ik language. As such, it represents a landmark in bilingual education in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This program is presented with optimism, and with a sense of faith in the young adults of the region, that they will assure the survival of the Yup'ik language and traditions for the future.
Throughout the program, a number of themes reappear. These themes are centered around the idea that, although language and culture change over time, they change in patterned and understandable ways. This means that people can, and do, adapt traditions, values, and words to meet their present needs, so that times of change do not necessarily mean times of cultural destruction. It is a major aim of this program to help students discover ways to apply the strengths of their ancestors to the unique situations in which they may find themselves. As old methods of problem-solving are applied to new problems, so methods of effective communication endure through time, even though the subjects about which people communicate, change.
The program involves students in a series of projects and activities, during the course of the school year, that require real-life skills and community-based decisions. The activities involve reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the Yup'ik language in a variety of contexts. Activities are designed to challenge students' creativity, increase their motivation, and develop positive attitudes about themselves, their communities, and their language.
Evaluation of student progress is stressed as an integral part of each project. Pacing and instructional methods are flexible and culturally appropriate, to allow for individual needs and variations among classes in different villages. Ample supplemental materials, and suggestions for expansion of projects, are provided to challenge highly motivated students.

Cost: $25.

Information about the resource can be found at:

ANKN Clearinghouse P.O. Box 756730 Fairbanks, AK 99775-6730 Tel: (907) 474-5897 or email: ANKN Clearinghouse

Charles Kashatok Yup'ik Curriculum Specialist P.O.Box 305 Bethel, Alaska 99559 Tel: (907) 543-4853 or email: Charles_Kashatok@fc.lksd-do.org

Native-produced

» Culturally-Based Curriculum Resources