Week One Reflections: Music and the Bitterroot

   I found this week's resources highlighting the Navajo, Zuni and Salish tribes very enlightening and informative. The music and stories were not only calming to me but made me personally feel empowered. They reminded me to stop and realize how connected we are to nature and how believing in something bigger than yourself gives you the power and the strength to fight  for what you believe in.
     I am planning to incorporate The Gift of the Bitterroots (retold by Johnny Arlee) into my class study of Montana. The Bitterroot is our state flower, it would be remiss of me not to read the story to the students and have them explore it. 
   I was enthralled by the history of the Native American flute and the spirituality/traditions behind the songs. I only wish more of the song lyrics were translated. I also purchased a Native American style flute for my kindergarten class. My plans are to have each student try to play it and see if they have their own song within themselves. I play the flute myself  and am eager to try this style of flute myself. Maybe there is a song within me waiting to come out!

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