The Important Symbol and Significance of Hopi Corn to the Hopi Way of Life

Abstract

Having and growing corn is essential to the Hopi way of life on the reservation. The men are the ones who are to show the young men how, when, what planting tools to use, and the responsibility they would have to have for their cornfield. Knowing the stages of when the corn grows and when the corn has grown to its maturity, the staff and students will see the different colors of the corn. The Hopi Head Start has different nationalities enrolled within the program. Teaching this topic would take all the staff to teach due to some students being Hopi, Navajo, and some students are hearing impaired. This would have to be taught in English, Hopi, and sign language. All students will benefit from learning taught in the three languages. From the three languages being comprehended, the students will carry that on to the Elementary School. Each tribe has its own unique way of planting crops. Harvesting time is a time for families to gather together to harvest and is a great time to teach young children the importance of having corn for their families. The many uses during the year. Making the children aware of the difference between organic and store-bought corn will be discussed. Knowing that it can be cooked in many different ways and the other uses, it can be used during ceremonies. Stories and songs can also be implemented from the Hopi and the English version. Going on field trips to the local farmer’s field would be educational for all students. Being outdoors and using our senses on local field trips and noticing the different environments from the city. Emotional, Social Development, Communication Skills, and Language will all be going on during field trip days. Having the
nutritionist cook the corn in different ways gives the students a taste and idea of how corn is eaten.