Native Crafts: Inspired by North America’s First Peoples (Kids Can Do It)
#7 in Kids Can Do It Series
What’s inside...
This book explores the traditions of Native nations in North America, teaching children to craft items inspired by nature using simple materials. It provides detailed, step-by-step instructions, photos, and diagrams for making various crafts such as seed and bead jewelry, clay pinch pots, totem poles, moccasins, hoop drums, and corncob and cornhusk dolls. Additionally, the book offers insights into the many Native peoples of North America and their history of using natural materials for everyday and ceremonial items.
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to learn about the crafts and culture of North America’s First Peoples?
Which craft in the book would you like to try making, and what does it symbolize in its native culture?
How do the materials used in the crafts reflect the environment and lifestyle of North America’s First Peoples?
What similarities and differences do you see between your culture and the cultures discussed in the book?
How do you think the tradition of crafting has helped preserve the history and stories of North America’s First Peoples?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage curiosity by asking your child to pick a craft from the book and explore its cultural significance together. Use reflective listening to echo their thoughts, showing you value their views. Create a space where your child feels comfortable expressing their interpretations and connections to the book’s themes. You might even consider planning a crafting day to create one of the projects together, enhancing the learning experience through hands-on activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book educates children on the diverse crafts and traditions of North America's First Peoples, enhancing respect and admiration for different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this appreciation by recognizing and respecting cultural differences among peers, promoting inclusivity in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-expression
Explanation: By engaging with various native crafts, children explore creative avenues to express themselves uniquely and authentically.
Real-World Application: Kids can use their creativity to personalize projects and express their feelings and ideas in school assignments and other creative endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of History and Heritage
Explanation: The book highlights the historical significance of each craft, encouraging an understanding and appreciation of history.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their own heritage and the heritage of others, fostering a deeper connection to their past and a more comprehensive worldview.
Example Lesson: Skill Development
Explanation: Through hands-on activities, children develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: These skills are essential in academic settings and everyday tasks, helping children achieve tasks with dexterity and logic.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: Crafting detailed pieces requires patience and persistence, qualities that are emphasized through the crafting activities in the book.
Real-World Application: By learning to work diligently towards completing a craft, children can apply this patience and perseverance to schoolwork and personal goals.