The Unbreakable Code
Time: Approximately one hour.
Grade Level(s): 4th grade and up.
Objectives: Students will learn about the Navajo Code Talkers
and their contribution in helping win WWII. They will also learn how
to use the codes that were used in the war.
Teacher Materials: The book, The Unbreakable Code ,
a world map, a GI Joe doll (Navajo Code Talker version), code worksheet
and words.
Student Materials: Drawing paper, paper, crayons, and pencils
Teaching Activity:
I. OVERVIEW (10 minutes)
A. Give a brief overview on WWII.
B. Show where the Navajo Reservation is located on the map.
C. Give basic facts about the Navajo culture, language, population,
and more.
II. READ (15 minutes)
A. Arrange students in a semi-circle formation so they have a view
of the book.
B. Read The Unbreakable Code.
III. DISCUSSION (5 minutes)
A. Answer any questions or thoughts students may have on the story.
B. Have students pass around the GI Joe doll.
IV. INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY (15 minutes)
A. Let students return to their desks.
B. Give papers and art supplies to students and have them draw their
favorite part of the story.
V. GROUP OR PARTNER ACTIVITY (15 minutes)
A. Put students in groups or partners.
B. Distribute code worksheet and code words.
C. Recite Navajo words and their translations.
D. Explain activity rules. - Only one side of the table or student
should possess a code word. - Do not show other students the code
word. Example: The code word is "fun". Fox, Ute, Nut are the code
Navajo words you need to put into translation from Navajo to English.