Teaching Ideas
Explore jumping-off points that deepen discussions, inspire reading interest, and support connections to books and authors. Easily share and include in your instructional plans, newsletters, and social media.
Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026
Indigenous Peoples' Day - October 12th
Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. Here are a few ideas you can bring into your lessons to learn about and recognize Indigenous people, any day of the year.
Find inspiration with these new lists of Indigenous titles and resources:
- Indigenous Representations for Teachers and Learners (Grades K-2)
- Indigenous Representations for Teachers and Learners (Grades 3-5)
- Indigenous Representations for Teachers and Learners (Grades 6-8)
- Indigenous Representations for Teachers and Learners (Grades 9-12)
- #IndigenousReads by Indigenous Writers: A Children’s Reading List
- 25 Picture Books, Graphic Novels, and More with Indigenous Protagonists for Young Readers Of All Ages
- WOW Dozen: A Dozen Strong Indigenous Voices in YA and Picturebooks
Hear author Traci Sorrell talk about the survival, sovereignty, and strength of Native nations in this Meet-the-Author Recording for We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know, then find discussion questions and learning activities in this lesson kit from the publisher.
Get to know Kaylin Melia George, the author of Aloha Everything , by listening to her Audio Name Pronunciation. Then, seek and find in these I-Spy Worksheets.
Listen to this Meet-the-Author Recording with Belen Medina to learn about Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez.
Share this Meet-the-Author Recording for Indigenous Peoples' Day by Katrina M. Phillips to hear why the author wanted to write this book and what went into it. Ask students to consider what they know or have been taught about Indigenous Peoples, and why this day is important.
Ponder together the interconnectedness of all inhabitants of earth after watching this complete video reading of Remember. Use the educator's guide for inspiration to discuss themes like family, nature, and heritage.
- Listen to the Meet-the-Author Recording for An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States to learn about the authors’ approach to U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective. Then, visit this site to prompt student reflection about the land where you reside.
