Miwok Day was a day of celebration and discovery for our third grade class gathered in SD’s Garden of Hope. As part of the social studies curriculum, students took a deep learning dive into the history of the Coastal Miwok peoples and Marin County’s place in that history. Two educators from the Graton Rancheria, Robin and Matthew, who are both Miwok, came to speak to students about their land and its wonderful resources. Afterwards, the students moved around the garden between project-based learning stations, building redwood bark kotchas (indigenous dwellings), making tule rope, smashing acorns, and enjoying acorn pancakes. Tule expert Charles Kennard taught the students and parents how the Miwok people used tule reeds to make boats, rope, and even a vest! 

This hands-on day in the garden complimented classroom learning about Miwok traditions through storytelling, reading books, articles, and online discovery. 

Enjoy the slideshow!