The students were eager to try some hands-on experiences to further their learning. They have been divided into 6 small groups, each named for a tribe/nation from a different region. Each of the groups will visit six different learning stations over the course of several days and collaborate on a task that reflects an aspect of historic Native American life.
Our literacy based station challenges the kids to take a Native American legend we have read and present it to the larger group as a play. So far, we have seen performances of The Legend of the Lady Slipper and Brave Bear and the Ghosts. Kids are learning how to take on a character and bring it to life, how to project their voices, how to remember both lines and cues, and how to use dramatic gestures and dialogue to impart the story to the audience effectively.
Our kinesthetic station tasks groups to create a dance. After watching some traditional Native American dances, groups collaborate on choreographing a dance of their own with some moves inspired by what they have seen. The dances are done in a circle with one student (or Mrs. A.) beating a steady rhythm on a Native American made hand drum. Each group chooses an animal as the theme of their dance which also guides the moves they create. An important aspect of the choreography is to make sure their bodies move through all three levels of space (high, medium, low) as they move through their steps. Our first group dances have been a buffalo dance and a bunny dance.
Our musical station invites students to create their own instrument. Having shown the kids some examples of Native American instruments (drums, rattles/shakers, flutes), kids use the resources we have available to us (namely, recycling and scrounge materials) to craft an instrument of their own. Each child also creates a rhythm or song using their instrument to perform in front of the group. Traditional Native American drum beats include a strong, steady beat as well as a heart-beat.
Drums have been very popular choices so far!
Our interpersonal station includes traditional Native American games for the kids to try out. In this first round of stations, many of the games involve tossing stones or craft sticks and counting points for how many come up with a design-side up. Players collect points for having advantageous configurations of stones or sticks sides. In another game, players must stand four feet away from a hoop and, with their back to the hoop, throw three craft sticks over their shoulder and (hopefully) into the hoop! Kids are learning that luck is one element of success in these games and have so far handled bad luck rounds with humor and good spirits.
Our artistic station gives children the opportunity to try their hand at patterning, in the style of Native American beading and design. Using mosaic style paper color squares, kids create a patterned bracelet. Afterwards, they create a gauntlet style cuff using colors to create a pattern in the designs. A final patterning activity is included at that station for students to try their hand at continuing patterns and then starting one of their own for a friend to complete.
Our mathematical station is focused on weaving. Native Americans wove baskets, blankets, rugs and many other necessities. The kids' first go at weaving is making a pot holder on a small square loom using cotton loops. It is challenging to remember the over-under pattern on one line of weaving must then be switched to an under-over pattern on the next line for the weave to hold together. Often, a little extra adult help is needed with this station and we are thankful for kids who have pot holder weaving experience!
All in all, it is an exciting approach to learning that has all the kids asking when our next station will happen. We are glad to see such enthusiasm and engagement in learning. Check out pictures below from one station's work this week.
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