RYNJ was thrilled to welcome Robert Aptaker from the artist collaborative, Young Audiences, came to RYNJ and gave an interactive presentation to the third grade girls and boys about the Lenape Indians. As part of the social studies curriculum, the students have been learning about the early New Jerseyans, or the Lenni Lenape. Dressed up in Native American garb, Aptaker explained how the Lenape used the natural resources around them to not only survive, but to build and design beautiful artifacts too. Seeing how sturdy string made from straw could be and learning how the Native Americans’ values influenced their song and dance were fascinating! RYNJ students were called up to touch artifacts and engage in demonstrations. To top it all off, Aptaker made sure students came away with some new words from the Lenape’s native tongue! What a fantastic way to make this social studies unit come alive!