Now that the holidays are ending and January is here, we are getting back into familiar routines and thinking about winter fun with our kids.

That includes Navajo language fun here!

If you need some ideas and resources for making Navajo language fun this winter, be sure to read this post.

Teachers: Even if you have already planned for January, I'm sure there's something you can add or fit into your Navajo language activities and lessons.

Families: There's many resources this winter and ways to get your child to learn Navajo vocabulary through stories and games. Get some ideas down and make a plan to do them with the family.

In case you're new here, I like to help provide resources for teachers and parents who are teaching their child/student Navajo.

*Many of the activities and resources are culturally based so be sure to only engage in winter stories and string games during the winter season. Ahéhee’

Navajo Vocabulary

Jacket............................................Ée’ tsoh

Gloves...........................................Lájish

Hats...............................................Ch’ah

*Sweater.........................................Ée’ naatsoodi

Winter............................................Hai

Windy............................................Níyol

Cold..............................................Deesk’aaz

Warm............................................Honeezili

*Fire..............................................Ko’ 

*Star..............................................So’

Snow.............................................Yas/Zas

Ice.................................................Yistin

Tea.................................................Dééh

Hot chocolate.................................Ahwééh Hashtłishí

Snowman......................................Yas Hastiin

Stories...........................................Bahané’

String Games................................Na’atł’o’

*Stories Bahané

Winter is very special time for our tribe. We like to tell stories. We're big on traditional stories like those of Coyote and stories of how things came to be.

Here is a whole playlist on Navajo coyote winter stories.

Here are more stories read in Navajo here.

In addition to hearing stories, here's a few ideas for extended learning:

For Teachers:

• Have your students ask a family member to tell a story of their childhood. Have them write down the story and draw a picture. Have them write familiar words or phrases in Navajo for their story.

• Have your student write their own Coyote tale or a story about anything! Have them write familiar words or phrases in Navajo for their story.

• Split students into several groups and make a play about the stories they have heard. Have them add familiar phrases or words in Navajo as they act out their story.

For Families:

• Tell your child a story of your childhood or their grandparents. Be sure say familiar words or phrases in Navajo in your story.

• Find books at your local library about indigenous culture and stories. Look for bilingual books and practice reading in Navajo or with a fluent family member.

String Games

String games are so much fun! They're also reserved only for Winter. And many of the string games can be paired with stories or tell a story.

String games are usually passed down from previous generations and taught person to person. But you can look for instruction videos on string games. A great resource for string games can be found here.

Navajo Shoe Game

The Navajo Shoe game is based on the story of how night and day became to be.

Play the Navajo shoe game!

You can find a member of the community to help you carry our the game for your classroom. One year at my former youth group, a parent brought all the authentic materials and played the game with the kids. They really enjoyed it!

If you don't have a member of the community to help, try a simplified version for home or your classroom with whatever materials you have at hand.

Have kids collect sticks to represent yucca stems and use a rock or other object to represent the yucca ball. Have kids use their own shoes to play.

Also keep an eye out in your community. Many communities hold a Navajo shoe game event every season.

Games

Kids love games and it's a great way to learn Navajo vocabulary.

Here's some winter game ideas to try!

Navajo Slap Game Variation

Make snowflakes and add Navajo vocabulary to each snowflake. Tape them on the wall and play the Navajo Slap Game.

Get Learning!

I hope this post gives you a good starting point for planning your Navajo lessons and activities for winter.

*Remember to only engage in winter stories and string games during the winter season. Ahéhee’