I have been reading a fascinating book lately, made even more pertinent by the passing this week of Columbus Day (did you notice? It was last Monday). 1492 - The Year The World Began -  by Felipe Fernandez Armesto details the myriad ways in which the world was changed by the voyage of Columbus and the European discovery of “the New World” It is a great book and one I highly recommend. Great stuff about all the changes the world experienced because of that voyage, many of which you might never have imagined. However, there is one area of change we all know a little about and that is the change wrought on the native population of North America by the arrival of Europeans.

In our schools we challenge our students to learn their state histories while (usually) in the 4th or 5th grades. In the Midwest states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky, at least, much of that local history revolves around Native Americans and their culture, way of life, and how these things changed as a result of their interactions with European explorers and settlers.

This year Mobile Ed has introduced a new way to assist this process, and it is already winning rave reviews from client schools.

Piankeshaw Trails is a school assembly program specifically geared to telling the story of the Native American Woodland Indian Tribes of the Ohio Valley. And it does so in a remarkably fun and entertaining but also highly educational manner.

Sheryl Hartman is a trained anthropologist, who was married to a Native American and speaks several different Native American languages. She is incredibly knowledgeable about all matters pertaining to native American culture, way of life and history of interactions with Europeans. She is also bubbly and fun and very engaging! In either a 45 minute or 90 minute school assembly program, each heavily laced with audience participation and hands-on interaction, Sheryl guides students through a wonderful world of Native culture and history perfectly suited to supporting the curriculum they are already studying.

On particularly awesome aspect of this program is Sheryl's ability to adapt to the local area and bring to your program information local events and about the specific tribes that lived in the local area of your school.

Familiar to audiences in Indiana already, Piankeshaw Trails, through Mobile Ed Productions, is now available in adjoining states and has begun to knock the socks off of principals, teachers and kids in several states. Here is a recent review from a school in Ohio:

“This was by far the most interactive program we have had in many years. The presenter was fantastic and shared a wealth of knowledge! Strongly recommend! All 10’s”

Tim St. Claire - Principal - Melridge Elementary - Concord, Ohio

All the reviews we have gotten on this program are the same. Sheryl is a marvel and Piankeshaw Trails is a great addition to the schedule of any Midwest school.

So pick up a copy of 1492, and schedule a visit from Piankeshaw Trails. You will be the wiser and happier for doing both!