This week, I am talking about the importance of words, not just the written word, which we all know I appreciate, but rather the tradition of the spoken word. Seen predominately in Native American culture, used as a means to preserve precious stories, ceremonies, and allegories. Native American literature gives us a look into the importance of spoken language and storytelling as it intertwines with the spirit of nature and life.
In the classroom, I would start by playing this video of “The Night Chant” and ask your students to write down what the music evokes from them. After this, I would read the translation of “The Night Chant” before even letting the students see the text, I would again ask them to write down their experiences and feelings associated with the recital. Finally, after this, you could pass back the text and analyze it as a piece of literature. As a piece of literature, we can see the elements of nature tied into the sacredness of the chant. Ask the students what difference it makes when it is spoken or heard with the music, with just the voice, or just the text. This can lead into a great conversation about the importance of storytelling as well as why it was important to Natives as it was a means to preserve and share their culture.
Other resources that go great along with this are “Yellow Woman” by Leslie Marmon Silko and this article about storytelling. This is a great way to bring many cultures into the conversation, as you can ask your class to share about the importance of storytelling in their own lives. I know that in my life, I have grown to see the importance of storytelling and its effects on culture, history, genealogy, family connectedness, and tradition. Native American literature displays a great intro into why we tell stories, and ultimately, why we study English.
thelittleyellowclassroom.com 