Native American projects

2^nd grade was assigned an at-home project.  Each child was to choose what which replica they wanted to make.  They could make one of the following: pottery, a drum, a tomahawk, a dream catcher, or a rain stick.  Check out these wonderful creations!

Native American crafts and games

Our class has continued the study of Native Americans.  We have constructed a few items to further reinforce the Native American culture.  One activity was creating beads.  We painted xeroxed paper which had long acute triangles printed on it. 

 Afterward, we cut over the black lines and rolled each triangle from the base to the tip.  We glued down the tip creating a “bead.”  Finally we strung our beads on natural fiber thread.

Another activity we made was a "dart and hoop."  This was a popular game among Native American children.  The toy was constructed of a stick connected to a small hoop by a long string (both the hoop and the string were usually leather).  The object of the game is to swing the hoop up in the air and jab the stick through the hoop. We made our hoop and darts using a stick, natural fiber thread, and cardboard.  The kids had a lot of fun  playing this game of coordination!

Native American Dress-up

Our class has worked very hard creating headbands and beads for necklaces.  We added "tatoos" before going to lunch.  Other classes dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans as well to reinact the first Thanksgiving.

Field Trip to Museum of Discovery

2nd grade went on a field trip to the Museum of Discovery to further enrich our unit about Native Americans.  The first presentation we visited was "Animal Tales." Dave and Kevin entertained the class with many Native American legends.  Additionally, we learned more about animals and how they shape the Native American culture.

                                                     Dave shows the class the skin of a
                                                   Western Diamondback rattle snake

                                             Kevin shows the class "Zack" the painted turtle

Dave showed the class "Brownie" the brown tarantula, which is native to Arkansas.  With Dave's permission, some of us were brave enough to touch its abdomen!  We learned that brown tarantula's bites are no more harmful than the sting of a wasp and they only bite when provoked.

The second presentation was given by the Dancing Eagles.  The Pahsetopah Family is from Oklahoma and performs Native American dances.  We were invited to do some of the easier dances with them.

Red Hat Winner!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! One of our very own 2nd graders won the Red Hat contest for Red Ribbon Day!