I would use this opportunity to talk about the difference between Native Americans and Indians since there is a difference--Native Americans are the indigenous people of the United States and Indians are people who identify their country of origin as India. I would also make sure to talk to students about stereotyping and misrepresentation. Just like you may not want to be referred to a certain way, they might feel the same way.

I would use this as an opportunity to explain the Native American culture. It is important to confirm that the Native Americans did in fact helped the white settlers, but when stating this confirmation, say, "Yes, the Native Americans helped the European immigrants because in their culture it is important to be giving." From there, you can go into specific practices and beliefs of different tribes (even if it's not in their standards) in order to make the lesson more multicultural by providing more background as to why the Native Americans would have wanted to help the new settlers.

You just need to re-direct their choice of words and this can be difficult. Students come with the pre-knowledge of such slang words, and it is's hard to break them of what they hear at home. Just try and teach them to be sensitive to all people and we all help each other no matter the color of skin!

I would use this opportunity to talk about the difference between Native Americans and Indians since there is a difference--Native Americans are the indigenous people of the United States and Indians are people who identify their country of origin as India. I would also make sure to talk to students about stereotyping and misrepresentation. Just like you may not want to be referred to a certain way, they might feel the same way.

First, you should explain the difference between Native Americans and Indians and how they are not the same. Then teach the lesson on what is racially correct to say and what actually happened. Explain that what the student said was not racially or historically correct.

i would just address the correct way to address the group of people being discussed

I would educate the student on everything factual within that history. If the student makes inappropriate comments after you addressing it, send them to admin.

In essence, the student would be correct. And, I would tell them so. However, I would make sure to outline the history of how the native Americans inhabited this land prior to the arrival of the settlers. Additionally, it is important to study and understand Native American culture and not just in the context of its contribution to early American colonial culture.

This sounds like a perfect teaching opportunity. Most students say these things just because they do not know the difference between the names.

Talk about the differences in the terms.

This can be hard to think about