Social Studies 8: Virtual Learning & Native American Cookbook Project

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Good Morning, 8th Graders! 🌞

Today, we are learning virtually! Although we are not together in our classroom, our learning continues. We will use today’s class to review our virtual learning routines and make progress toward completing our Navajo & Hopi Native American Cookbook Project.

Remember, virtual learning is still a regular school day. Your participation, effort, and completed assignments matter!

💻 Part 1: Virtual Learning Expectations

Let’s review a few important routines to help everyone have a successful virtual learning day.

1. Log in on time. Be ready to participate when our scheduled class begins.
2. Check Google Classroom. Read all announcements, directions, and assignment updates.
3. Come prepared. Have your Chromebook, charger, notebook, and other materials ready.
4. Stay focused. Find a quiet place to work and avoid unnecessary distractions.
5. Participate in class. Ask questions, respond when called upon, and contribute to discussions.
6. Use technology responsibly. Stay on assigned websites and use appropriate language when communicating online.
7. Complete your assignments. Virtual learning is not a day off! Your work counts toward your grade.

Remember: If you experience technical difficulties, communicate with your teacher as soon as possible.

📖 Part 2: Native American Cookbook Project

November is Native American Heritage Month!

Our cookbook project celebrates the food traditions, cultural knowledge, and history of the Navajo and Hopi peoples.

Food is more than something we eat. Traditional recipes can tell stories about families, communities, the environment, and the ways cultural knowledge is passed from one generation to the next.

Today, we will continue working in our shared Google Doc and Canva to prepare our cookbook for publication.

Today’s Tasks

Step 1: Open Our Shared Google Doc

• Locate your assigned recipe.
• Review your ingredients and cooking instructions.
• Check spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.
• Make sure your recipe is complete and easy for someone else to follow.
• Include any relevant cultural or historical information about your dish.

Step 2: Continue Designing in Canva

• Open our shared Canva cookbook project.
• Find your assigned recipe page.
• Transfer or update your recipe information.
• Add appropriate images or illustrations.
• Check that your page is neat, readable, and visually appealing.
• Keep your design consistent with the rest of our class cookbook.

Step 3: Review Your Work

Before finishing, ask yourself:

• Is my recipe complete?
• Are my cooking instructions clear and organized?
• Have I checked my spelling and grammar?
• Does my page respectfully represent Navajo or Hopi food traditions?
• Is my Canva page ready for our final review?

🎯 Today’s Learning Objectives

By the end of today’s lesson, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate responsible virtual learning habits.
• Explain how traditional foods help preserve cultural heritage.
• Organize and edit informational writing for a real audience.
• Collaborate using Google Docs and Canva.
• Prepare a polished recipe page for our class cookbook.

✍🏾 Exit Ticket: Food, Family & Culture

Email me with answers to the following question in 3–5 complete sentences:

Why is it important to preserve traditional recipes, and what can these recipes teach future generations about Navajo and Hopi culture?

Use specific examples or connections from our cookbook project to support your response.

📌 Important Reminders

• Continue working in our shared Google Doc and Canva project.
• Do not delete or change another student’s work.
• Check Google Classroom for updates and instructions.
• Complete your exit ticket before the end of class.
• Our goal is to have our cookbook ready for final review and printing!

🌟 A Note from Ms. Jones

We have been working hard on this project, and we are almost finished!

This cookbook is more than a class assignment. It is an opportunity to document and celebrate the traditions, knowledge, and experiences that make our communities special.

Take pride in your contribution. Your writing and creativity will become part of something our entire class can share.

Let’s make today productive, even from home!

— Ms. Jones 💚

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