Lower Elementary Discusses Lenape Tribe History

Hudson Montessori School selects an immersive, school-wide theme of study each year for all classes, ages 3 through 6th grade. The theme is interdisciplinary, permeating math, grammar, creative writing, geography, cultural studies, science, and more. This year we are exploring the history and cultures of indigenous people from many regions across the globe.

Our Lower Elementary students recently met with Michael Dennis of Traditional Earth Skills, who gave a presentation on the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of New Jersey.

Traditional Earth Skills offers programs that educate children and adults about New Jersey history and the impact of climate change through wilderness workshops and living history presentations.

Dennis covered many aspects of Lenape culture, including food, traditional dress, shelter, and tools. He presented artifacts and lifesize displays, detailed each item’s significance, and explained the Lenape processes used to create them.

Students also learned a brief history of New Jersey’s plants and animals dating back to the Ice Age and discussed the woolly mammoth, short faced bear, and megalodon.

To learn more about our unique theme-based learning approach, the Montessori philosophy and methodology, or how Hudson Montessori School fosters the love of learning for children age 2 to sixth grade, sign up for an open house tour most Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

A handcrafted Lenape wigwam replica from Traditional Earth Skills