about Learning trunks
Ojibwe Learning Trunk
Dakota Learning Trunk
Art Trunk
The Learning Trunks were created to provide teachers and students with hands-on materials to enhance our Ojibwe and Dakota curriculum. These are learning tools to see things from an American Indian perspective.
The items in the trunks are not for “show and tell” rather each one has a purpose and is an integral part of the curriculum.
Can you teach the curriculum without the trunks? Yes, however it will not be as much fun.
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Games
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Containers
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Seasons
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Extras
The items in the trunks are not for “show and tell” rather each one has a purpose and is an integral part of the curriculum.
Can you teach the curriculum without the trunks? Yes, however it will not be as much fun.
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Games
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Containers
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Seasons
Elementary Learning Trunk Inventory Video - Extras
| elementary_learning_trunk_inventory.pdf |
| k-1st_grade_bin_inventory.pdf |
| learning_trunk_resources.pdf |
See above for a list of our Learning Trunks to help get you started. Please note that this is what worked for our school district. The Learning Trunks you decide to create may look very different.
We have included a vendor list, people that have helped us gather most of the items we needed.
So how do you build Learning Trunks?
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
1. Who is your audience, who will be using the trunk?
Will they be elementary school, middle school? Mostly Native or Non-Native students?
2. Which items should I include in my trunk?
The items in your trunk need to correspond with your curriculum.
3. Decide how much money you have to dedicate to trunk building.
Will you be able to put together all the things you need or just get started and build as you have money in your budget?
4. Who will be in charge of your trunk? How will they track the comings and goings of the items in your trunk?
This is important. If not done properly you will soon find yourself with a Learning Trunk with nothing in it. Many school districts bar-code the items just like library books.
5. How will you support the teachers who will be using the trunk?
Do not expect teachers to know or be comfortable using the Learning Trunk without a Teacher-In-service or some guidance.
6. Always check with Elders and Indian Educators in your community about what you put in your trunk.
Each community has thoughts about what teachings are appropriate for their community.
7. Where do I find all the items I want to put into my Learning Trunk? Always check with artists and traditional people within your community first. Building a Learning Trunk could help you strengthen and connect with your community.
8. How much will a completed Learning Trunk cost?
This really depends on what you decide to put into your trunk. I have put trunks together for as little as $1,500 or as much as $5,000 per trunk.
We have included a vendor list, people that have helped us gather most of the items we needed.
So how do you build Learning Trunks?
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
1. Who is your audience, who will be using the trunk?
Will they be elementary school, middle school? Mostly Native or Non-Native students?
2. Which items should I include in my trunk?
The items in your trunk need to correspond with your curriculum.
3. Decide how much money you have to dedicate to trunk building.
Will you be able to put together all the things you need or just get started and build as you have money in your budget?
4. Who will be in charge of your trunk? How will they track the comings and goings of the items in your trunk?
This is important. If not done properly you will soon find yourself with a Learning Trunk with nothing in it. Many school districts bar-code the items just like library books.
5. How will you support the teachers who will be using the trunk?
Do not expect teachers to know or be comfortable using the Learning Trunk without a Teacher-In-service or some guidance.
6. Always check with Elders and Indian Educators in your community about what you put in your trunk.
Each community has thoughts about what teachings are appropriate for their community.
7. Where do I find all the items I want to put into my Learning Trunk? Always check with artists and traditional people within your community first. Building a Learning Trunk could help you strengthen and connect with your community.
8. How much will a completed Learning Trunk cost?
This really depends on what you decide to put into your trunk. I have put trunks together for as little as $1,500 or as much as $5,000 per trunk.