Native American Projects For Kids
Each nation or tribe brings a unique artistic vision to America. By bringing culturally sensitive and tribal specific ideas into your home/school/center, you can create cultural bridges and build a better understanding of Indigenous America. Many of my resources focus on Native authored-illustrated picture books. These projects are ideal to bring first person voices via engaging literature to your students. Here you will find many meaningful Native American art projects related to these inspiring picture books. All ages love picture books!
My lessons are labors of love to honor by my Native American students! I hope you find a lesson that is meaningful and shines a light on indigenous people and cultures.
Scroll down & check out the tabs for lots of FREE ideas!!
**Complete Lessons below are digital downloads you can purchase from this website (**under construction**).
You can also find them in my TPT store!
Native American Art Project: Birch Tree Symbolism
This Native American project is always a highly successful!! The results are beautiful and inclusive! Learn about an Ojibwe story that explains the meaning behind the unique marks found on the bark of Birch trees.
Lesson includes:
- link to the Ojibwa legend
- photographs of Birch Trees
- an art planner
- step-by-step procedure
- a rubric/art reflection hand out
- a woodland pattern sheet
- list of Art Common Core Standards.
This lesson can be modified and used with various grade levels. (** omit the tape tearing for younger students)
Native American Art Project: Rainbow Crow a Lenape Legend
This Native American art project is inspired by the Lenape Legend about Rainbow Crow. It teaches children about bravery, giving, humility and sacrifice. This project will enhance the lesson and be a visual reminder of how bravery can lead to great honor! The materials are simple: Crayons and a pointy stick! The results are limitless. I will list a variety of options to provide student choice.
Included
- links to the legend and a link to watch a 2018 video
- discussion questions
- material list
- templates
- complete directions with photos to guide the process
*The art cover of this lesson is visually geared towards older students. This lesson is easily adapted to any age level! Have fun creating!
Radial Design inspired by Dream Catchers and Your Name!
This Native American project uses radial design in a simple art lesson. It is inspired by Dream Catchers. Recommended for Native American studies, math and art!
- Learn the history of Dream Catchers.
- Use this easy and engaging art and math activity as a part of Social Studies unit
- a beautiful Native American Heritage Month activity
- students use their name or initials to create a unique design
- simple supplies found in most classrooms, easy to modify
- This a highly successful lesson and students are always proud of the engaging beautiful art
Lesson includes:
- links to the history of Ojibwa Dream Catchers
- step-by-step directions
- examples of completed work
- several templates to copy for use in any classroom
- an self assessment sheet
- a Teacher Gradebook
- a Teacher assignment list (can be used for multiple assignments)
- National Core Standard Checklist
Lesson is easy to modify to meet your needs and supply inventory!
Check out my Picture Book Art Lessons to include Literature in your lessons!
Incorporating Native American Art and Culture
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