We Are Grateful - Otsaliheliga

Book Title:  We are Grateful - Otsaliheliga

Book Author:  Traci Sroell

Book Illustrator:  Frané Lessac

This book addresses:  Cherokee culture

Potentially Tricky Vocabulary:  

Otsaliheliga - [oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah]

All Cherokee words have a pronunciation guide at the bottom of the page

Questions to ask the student before reading: 

• What are some things that you are grateful for?

• Do you know who the Cherokee people are?

Historical context to give before reading:  

The Cherokee people are an indigenous tribe that originally lived in what we now know as the southeastern United States. The Cherokee celebrate many festivals and special days, just like we do. They also have their own history. This book will share some of those traditions and it will teach us different Cherokee words, including how to say them and what they mean.

(The questions to ask the student and historical content above are interconnected. The historical context is typically going to be a supplement to what your student might not know. Some students may already be knowledgeable about a subject, others may not know much yet. Pay attention to what your student already knows and share the historical context accordingly.)

While reading: 

Each time a new Cherokee word is introduced, practice saying it with your student. It’s okay to go slow and take your time! When the Trail of Tears is mentioned, ask your student if they know what it is. If they don’t, you can provide the following information. In the early 1800’s, many indigenous peoples were forced off their lands so that non-indigenous Americans could have them instead. The Cherokee tribe was one of the tribes forced off their land and sent west to a reservation. Many of the Cherokee tribe didn’t make it west. The Cherokee people who live in the reservation today are part of a strong and resilient community. 

After reading: 

• What was your favorite new word that you learned?

• What are some things that you’re grateful for?

Follow up activity (time permitting):  

Have your student choose one of the new words that they learned today. They should write the word in Cherokee in the English alphabet and can also try writing it in the Cherokee alphabet if they want! They should then draw a picture to accompany the word that they chose.

OR

Have your student create a “I am grateful for…” caption and drawing. 

All definitions were adapted by Karina Connolly from the Merriam Webster online dictionary.