Kindgardners Learn

[Andre Cramblit]

 "Kindergartners get lessons in ancestors' lost language"

By JENNY BURNS


LOST CITY, Okla. (AP) - "The kindergarten teacher speaks to her class in
Cherokee, telling the children to pull out their mats for nap time. Using
their Cherokee names, she instructs "Yo-na," or Bear, to place his mat away

from "A-wi," or Deer. Soft Cherokee music lulls them to sleep.

Thesee youngsters' parents were mocked for speaking Cherokee. Their
grandparents were punished. But Cherokee is the only language these
children
will speak in their public school classroom."

Complete at:
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/cctimes/news/6818556.htm