Main Street School fourth graders – who had been studying Native American cultures – were treated to an engaging visit from award-winning storyteller Dovie Thomason on Dec. 5. The wise, boisterous teaching tales of her Lakota and Plains Apache relatives came to life in the young listeners’ imaginations as Thomason shared her culture with understanding, sly humor and astonishing vocal transformations.
Her visit was aimed to provide the students with a deeper understanding of Native American cultures. Thomason – a First Nations storyteller who is of Lakota/Kiowa Apache and Scot traveler ancestry – shared stories from her own life and her people’s experience to create a contemporary vision of the rich cultures of the First Nations of America.
“Told with elegance, wit and passion, her stories inspired delight in the spoken word and taught respect for values passed on through generations,” K-5 literacy instructional coach Nancy Deakin said.
The enriching experience was made possible through the generous support of the Irvington Education Foundation. It aligned with the district’s Portrait of a Graduate, which aims to create courageous learners, effective communicators, engaged citizens and self-aware individuals.
“Dovie inspired our students to be engaged citizens by fostering understanding and respect for the values and traditions of the First Nations of North America,” Principal Joyce Chapnick said. “Her elegant and passionate storytelling sparked curiosity and joy, reminding students of the power of the spoken word – essential for effective communicators. As she shared her own life experiences and those of her people, Dovie also challenged our young listeners to reflect on their own identities, building their skills as self-aware individuals.”
Chapnick emphasized that the memorable visit was an example of how educators nurture courageous learners and connect students to the rich, diverse tapestry of human experience.
