I'm thrilled to finally share a project I've been collaborating on with McGraw Hill that holds a special place in my heart. As a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, I’ve always been passionate about initiatives that deepen students’ connections with Native American tribes. During the planning phase, I proposed incorporating Stickball, a game rich in cultural significance, as a central theme for the project. I was excited to hear that the McGraw Hill AR team was moving forward with this idea. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, not just for the opportunity to contribute ideas, but also for my role in creating the explainer portion of an augmented reality (AR) experience. It’s been amazing to see technology blend with tradition in a way that educates and engages.
The release of the Stickball lesson adds to the many immersive lessons that make the McGraw Hill AR app an incredible classroom resource. Did you know Stickball is one of the oldest games in North America? The Stickball lesson begins by explaining the game's cultural significance and how it impacted tribes across the country. Students then select the play they want to run and are challenged to throw the ball to the right player, at the right time.
What excites me the most about this release, is the chance to share this achievement with my mom. She has always been the biggest advocate for our tribe, inspiring us to preserve and celebrate our history for future generations. I hope that through this project, we can continue celebrating our heritage and spark students' curiosity about the rich cultures of Native American tribes.
Step 1: Open the McGraw Hill AR app or Web Experience
Step 2: Select Social Studies and then select the Stickball lesson
Step 3: Listen to the background and impact of Stickball
Step 4: Select between plays 1-6 to determine if your team will score
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