Summary
In World War II, the U.S. Marines had a secret weapon: an unbreakable code that allowed instant, secure communication in the midst of battle. Was it some cutting-edge code machine? Early computer technology? Magic? No—it was the language skills, creativity, and memories of 29 Navajo recruits, who became known as the Navajo Code Talkers. As children, most of the code talkers had been sent to Indian Boarding Schools, where they were forced to adopt American culture, and punished for speaking Navajo. But it didn't work. They held on to their culture, and their language. Press "play" to learn how the Navajo Code Talkers helped the Allies win the war!
Viewer safety
Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.
Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Navajo Code Talkers:
- What is one new thing you learned about navajo code talkers?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining navajo code talkers.
- Draw or give one example of your own.