Rock Your Mocs
What’s inside...
In this vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, celebrated yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck and artist Madelyn Goodnight highlight the joy and power of wearing moccasins. The book celebrates Native pride, showcasing children from various Native Nations who express their heritage through the art and tradition of moccasins. It includes an author’s note with more information about the importance of moccasins and Rock Your Mocs Day, which has been extended to a week in November to allow more children across the United States to participate and show pride in their heritage.
Discussion points
How do you think the characters feel when they wear their moccasins?
What traditions does our family have? How do they make you feel?
Why do you think it's important for people to celebrate their culture?
Can you think of a time when you learned something new about someone else's traditions?
How do the moccasins in the story help connect the characters to their community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading environment where questions and discussions about the book's themes are encouraged.
Share your own family traditions and stories as they relate to the themes of the book.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reinforcing that their perspective is valued.
Use the book’s illustrations to spark more in-depth conversations about the significance of cultural symbols like moccasins.
After reading, consider participating in a local cultural event or exploring more books about different cultures to deepen the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Respect
Explanation: Through the narrative of wearing moccasins, the book illustrates the importance of respecting and honoring Native American traditions and cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures within their community, understanding the significance of cultural symbols and practices.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Expression
Explanation: The protagonist expresses their identity and individuality through their choice of moccasins, showing children that self-expression is a valuable form of personal storytelling.
Real-World Application: This can encourage kids to explore and express their own identities through clothing, hobbies, and actions that make them feel unique and valued.
Example Lesson: Pride in One’s Heritage
Explanation: The characters in the book exhibit pride in their Native American heritage by wearing moccasins, a traditional form of footwear.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to discover and take pride in their own heritages, whether by participating in cultural practices, learning about their ancestors, or sharing their family's history with others.
Example Lesson: Community and Participation
Explanation: The story’s setting during a communal event where everyone wears moccasins underscores the importance of community participation and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of participating in community gatherings and events, understanding that such engagements strengthen communal ties and personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As characters interact, the book highlights the themes of empathy and understanding towards others’ customs and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children how to empathize with others who may have different lifestyles or views, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate approach to relationships.