OWASSO, Okla. – She is known for her classroom decor and fun personality: Mrs. Wendy Stokes teaches Native American literature to sixth and seventh graders in Owaso.
“It’s always changing,” Stokes said. “I’m still working on it every year to try to make it better.”
This is an elective class that combines cultural studies with literature-type research with reading comprehension and writing skills.
“They learn everything from native languages to native cultures with lots of activities,” said Matt Roberts, principal of the sixth grade center.
Roberts says it’s a class that people won’t find in many other school districts. There is no prescribed syllabus and students say there are no tests.
“We don’t have tests,” said sixth grade student Audrey Terry. “We really like fun little games to help us remember.”
Instead, Miss Stokes brings the speakers virtually and in person, and there are lots of fun activities involved.
“Stickball, Cherokee Marbles, you name it, they do it,” Roberts said.
“Like making memes about the book we read,” Terry said. “It really helps us relate to the book.”
Miss Stokes is Cherokee and has been teaching Native American literature for nearly six years. He was recognized as a National Award winning teacher for his work inspiring students to learn.
“That’s what inspires me,” Stokes said. “I found that students love learning the Cherokee language. They’ll welcome me in the hallways in Cherokee, say hello to me, and ask me how I’m in Cherokee.”
Her goal, she says, is to teach her students that Native Americans are different tribes, different peoples, and different languages—and they all have something in common.
“I want them to think of the Native Americans today, and that they are living and thriving, and not just the idea of a past tense,” she said.
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