Becoming Miss Navajo Lesson Plan (Grades 4–6)

Becoming Miss Navajo Lesson Plan (Grades 4–6)

Cover of Becoming Miss Navajo by Jolyana Begay-Kroupa
Cover of Becoming Miss Navajo (Begay-Kroupa, 2023)

Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, originally from Ts’iłdiilyesiitah (Rabbitbrush) near Fort Defiance, AZ, served as the 50th Miss Navajo Nation (2001–2002). She is Táchii’nii (Red Running into the Water People), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Today, she directs language and culture revitalization programs at the Phoenix Indian Center and teaches Diné Bizaad at Arizona State University and Stanford University.

Becoming Miss Navajo (Begay-Kroupa, 2021) shares her journey from childhood dreams to the responsibilities of Miss Navajo Nation. The pageant is not a beauty contest—it showcases Diné Bizaad fluency, cultural knowledge, and traditional skills such as sheep butchering, breadmaking, and ceremonial song. For Navajo language teachers, her story highlights how language and culture are inseparable, showing students that fluency grows from family, elders, and immersion in Diné traditions.


Lesson Plan: Becoming Miss Navajo

Grade Level: 4th–6th Grade
Duration: 2–3 class periods (45–60 minutes each)
Theme: Diné Bizaad, cultural knowledge, and the Miss Navajo Pageant

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn and practice key Navajo vocabulary related to Miss Navajo, pageantry, and traditional skills.
  2. Demonstrate comprehension of Jolyana Begay-Kroupa’s journey through guided questions.
  3. Participate in hands-on activities mirroring aspects of the Miss Navajo Pageant, reinforcing language through cultural practice.
  4. Build pride in Diné Bizaad and its connection to identity and leadership.

Vocabulary (Diné Bizaad / English)

  • Diné Bizaad – Navajo language
  • K’é – kinship, relationships
  • Ts’áá’ – Navajo basket
  • Nanéeskaadí – tortilla
  • Chilí – bead/jewelry
  • Ké Ntsaaí – buckskin moccasins
  • Shimá – my mother
  • Shimásání – my grandmother
  • Yáʼátʼééh – it is good / hello

Comprehension Questions

  1. Who is Jolyana Begay-Kroupa and what title did she win?
  2. Why is Asdzáán Naatʼáanii important for the Diné people?
  3. What kinds of skills do contestants need to know in the pageant?
  4. How did Shimásání Lucy help Jolyana prepare?
  5. Why is speaking Diné Bizaad important for becoming Miss Navajo Nation?

Activities

Day 1

  • Read aloud short passages from Becoming Miss Navajo.
  • Vocabulary practice with flashcards or a word wall.

Day 2: Mini-Pageant Stations

  • Public Speaking: Introduce yourself in Diné Bizaad using your clans.
  • Cultural Skills: Describe making Nanéeskaadí (tortillas) or weave a paper Ts’áá’ (basket).
  • Song: Learn and sing a short Navajo song.

Day 3: Creative Extension

  • Create an Asdzáán Naatʼáanii poster using at least 3 Navajo words.
  • Perform short skits in Diné Bizaad (introductions, answering questions, or talent).

Assessment

  • Oral/written vocabulary quiz.
  • Participation in pageant stations.
  • Reflection journal: Students write 3–5 sentences about why Diné Bizaad is important for leaders.

Connection to the 2025 Miss Navajo Contest

  • The 2025 Miss Navajo Pageant will be held in September 2025 at the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, AZ.
  • Encourage students to follow the event, watch contestant introductions, and listen for Diné Bizaad use.
  • If possible, invite a former Miss Navajo or contestant to speak about language and culture.
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