Mascots, Meaning, and Misrepresentation

Grade Level: 5-8

Time: 1-2 class periods (45-60 minutes per session)

Essential Question

How does Mascot help us understand the importance of respectful representation of Native American/Indigenous peoples, identities, and histories?

About This Lesson

In this lesson, students will explore identity, cultural respect, and representation by reading excerpts from Mascot, a novel-in-verse by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell. This story follows a group of middle school students as they confront the controversy over their school’s Native-themed mascot. Students will engage in a discussion about symbols, allyship, and how to advocate for respectful representation of Native and Indigenous communities.