LESSON TITLE: Dream Catchers: Fun, Facts, and Folklore

WRITTEN BY: Connie Lyn Moe, Educator

GRADE LEVEL(S): Third grade (may be adapted to any elementary or high school level)

TIME ALLOTMENT: Four class periods at 50 minutes each Additional resources allow teachers to expand the lesson if desired.

OVERVIEW: This lesson incorporates Art, Social Studies, and Language Arts/Reading. Students will learn about the origin, history, and legends of the dream catcher. Other activities include reviewing Native American symbols and their meanings, exploring Native American artwork, listening to literature about dream catchers, and actually creating a dream catcher. Also included is a simplified dream catcher pattern so that even the youngest child will be successful at creating this masterpiece!

SUBJECT MATTER: Visual Arts Social Studies Language Arts/Reading

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will: *learn facts about the origination and history of the dream catcher. *learn about legends or stories of the dream catcher. *review basic Native American symbols and their meanings. *explore a variety of Native American artwork. *recount the dream catcher legend, determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through the key details in the story. *create a dream catcher. *make logical inferences from a story citing specific examples to support their conclusions. *identify the central idea or theme of a story and give key supporting details and ideas.

STANDARDS: Minnesota Arts Standards Grade Level: Grade 3 Strand: Artistic Foundations Standard: Demonstrate the understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas. Arts Area: Visual Arts Code: 0.1.3.5.1 Benchmark: Identify the characteristics of visual artworks from a variety of cultures including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

Minnesota Social Studies Standards Grade Level: Grade 3 Strand: History Substrand: Historical Thinking Skills Standard: Historical inquiry is a process in which multiple sources and different kinds of historical evidence are analyzed to draw conclusions about how and why things happened in the past. Benchmark: 3.4.1.2.1 Examine historical records, maps, and artifacts to answer basic questions about times and events in history, both ancient and more recent.

Minnesota Language Arts Standards Grade Level: Grade 3 Strand: Literature Substrand: Reading: Common Core Reading Standards for Literature Standard: Key Ideas and Details: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; site specific textural evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. Benchmark: 3.1.2.2 Recount stories including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures, determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through the key details in the text.

MEDIA COMPONENTS – VIDEO AND/OR WEB: http://www.dreamcatchers.org/dcat16.html Lakota legend of the Dream Catcher http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher The origin, history and popularization of the dream catcher http://www.buckagram.com/buck/symbols Native American symbols http://www.manataka.org/page31.html Native American symbols http://www.google.com/search? q=american+indian+artwork&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u &source=univ&sa=X&ei=1fsNUIiVCYjtqAGV8IH4CQ&ved=0CG0QsAQ& biw=1438&bih=764 Examples of Native American artwork http://dreamcatcher.com Pictures of many dream catchers, website also includes a dream catcher legend http://www.learn360.com/Search.aspx?SearchText=Dream%20Catcher Dream Catcher - a clip from the full video: Plains Tribal Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags http://www.nativetech.org/dreamcat/dreminst.html Instructions for making dream catchers

MATERIALS: For dream catcher construction: Red willow or soaked grapevine (dried grapevine is available at some craft stores) You may also use a macrame ring approximately 5 inches across A jar ring can also be used for older students (wide mouth ring) For younger children a plastic coffee lid or plastic plate with the inside cut out. Instructions at the very end of the lesson. Scissors Craft glue Suede lace or yarn (can be used to wrap around the outer ring) Clothespin Ruler Strong string or yarn (dental floss can also be used) Beads Feathers Interactive whiteboard to display websites and Learn360 video clip Websites and video listed above Picture books: Dreamcatcher by Audrey Osofsky (for younger students) Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher (for older elementary students)

PREP FOR TEACHERS: 1. Gather materials 2. Review websites 3. Review video 4. Review directions for making a dream catcher 5. Make a sample dream catcher to show students 6. Review storybook 7. Optional: Review additional resources for lesson expansion

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY - SETTING THE STAGE :

DAY ONE: Origination, history, and the legend of the dream catcher. A review of Native American symbols and their meanings and exploration of Native American artwork.

MATERIALS: http://www.dreamcatchers.org/dcat16.html Lakota legend of the Dream Catcher http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher Origination, history and popularization of the dream catcher http://www.buckagram.com/buck/symbols Native American symbols http://www.manataka.org/page31.html Native American symbols http://www.google.com/search? q=american+indian+artwork&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u &source=univ&sa=X&ei=1fsNUIiVCYjtqAGV8IH4CQ&ved=0CG0QsAQ& biw=1438&bih=764 Examples of Native American Artwork

STEPS: Using the websites listed above and interactive whiteboard: 1. Read and discuss the Lakota legend of the dream catcher. 2. Learn about the origination, history and popularization of the dream catcher. 3. Review basic Native American symbols and their meanings. Students may want to draw some of the symbols and write their meanings. 4. Explore a variety of Native American artwork.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

DAY TWO: Review pictures of dream catchers and watch a video on the construction of a dream catcher.

MATERIALS: http://dreamcatcher.com Pictures of many dream catchers, website also includes a dream catcher legend http://www.learn360.com/Search.aspx?SearchText=Dream%20Catcher Dream Catcher - a clip from the full video: Plains Tribal Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags

STEPS: 1. Review pictures of a variety of dream catchers using the internet site and interactive whiteboard 2. Read the dream catcher legend on the website using the Interactive whiteboard. 3. Watch the Learn360 video: Dream Catcher - a clip from the full video: Plains Tribal Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags

DAY THREE: Review the instructions on the internet site for making a dreamcatcher. Create dreamcatchers.

MATERIALS: http://www.nativetech.org/dreamcat/dreminst.html Instructions for making dream catchers

For dream catcher construction: Red willow or soaked grapevine (dried grapevine is available at some craft stores) *You may also use a macrame ring (Approximately 5 inches across) *For younger children a plastic coffee lid or plastic plate can be used with the inside circle cut out. (Use a small hole punch to punch holes around the lid and use a weaving pattern) *See pattern and directions on additional resources. (Grades K-2) Scissors Craft glue Suede lace or yarn (can be used to wrap around the outer ring) Clothespin Ruler Strong string or yarn (dental floss can also be used) Beads Feathers

STEPS: 1. Review the steps to complete a dreamcatcher on the internet site listed above using interactive whiteboard. 2. Complete the dreamcatcher art project. 3. Display artwork in the school or community. 4. Share and reflect with peers.

CULMINATING ACTIVITY: Read Dreamcatcher by Audrey Osofsky or Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher by Becky Ray McCain

DAY FOUR

MATERIALS: Dreamcatcher by Audrey Osofsky (for younger students) Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher (for older elementary students)

STEPS: 1. Read one of the recommended books about dreamcatchers. 2. Discuss the story. 3. Have students make logical inferences from the text citing specific examples to support their conclusions. 4. Ask students to identify the central idea or theme of the text and give key supporting details and ideas. 5. Share, reflect, and review what was learned from all activities.

CROSS-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Language Arts Create a poem about dreams or the dream catcher. The following website is helpful in identifying various types of poems and instructions on how they are written. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/poetry.html

Reading Read picture books to your students from the Children’s Reading List of American Indian Books. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/literature.html

Chapter books about Native Americans to be read aloud by the teacher or used as supplemental stories. Goodbird The Indian: His Story and Waheenee: An Indian Girl’s Story http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/supplemental.html This website includes book titles and author’s names

Physical Education Play a variety of American Indian Games.The following website includes many American Indian Games with instructions. The website also includes an explanation of games and why they were played. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/AI-games.html

This website includes web links including a large selection of American Indian games and also several online interactive games. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/games.html

Art Create various Native American crafts such as the pinch pot, cornhusk doll, or Early American weaving. The following website has instructions and pictures for these projects. http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/nativecrafts/index.cfm Learn how to make a Cornhusk doll, Native American Pinch Pot, Dream Catcher, Early American Weaving, and try some Native American Recipes

After observing beadwork patterns and Native American designs and symbols, students will complete a beadwork design using glue and colored rice. Complete the Quillwork or Beadwork Activity http://www.artsmia.org/beauty-honor-tradition/preview- beadwork.html# Look at pictures showing beadwork from several tribes. http://www.americanindiansource.com/woodplains.html http://www.artsmia.org/beauty-honor-tradition/preview- beadwork.html# Use this website to show Native American Designs: http://www.buckagram.com/buck/symbols/ Use this website to learn about sacred symbols and their meanings: http://www.shannonthunderbird.com/symbols_and_meanings.htm

Social Studies Learn about bartering and the importance it held in the Native American tribe. Play the bartering game using the following website: http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/bartering.html

Create a poster board display depicting the Native American tribes of North Dakota. The following website includes a rubric for assessment. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/tribes.html Website of North Dakota Native American Indian tribes http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/poster.html Website with poster activity and assessment rubric

Vocabulary/Spelling When learning about Native American tribes and culture students will encounter unfamiliar vocabulary words. Spelling and vocabulary games and activities from the following website can be used to help students learn the meaning and spelling of these words. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/vocab.html

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: 1. Visit a nearby art museum and take special note of any Native American crafts or exhibits. 2. Ask a Native American to come to your classroom and speak about their traditions and culture. 3. Plan a Diversity Day or Evening in your school where students learn about a particular culture: history, clothing, foods, crafts, etc. Invite special guests to speak, demonstrate crafts, or create traditional foods. Prior to this event, ask students to create projects for display. Parents may also be invited to this special day/evening. 4. Display artwork within the community along with dreamcatcher poems or legends written by the students.

Additional resources teachers may use for expanding the lesson. http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/history.html Websites about Native American History, Traditions, and Storytelling http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/symbols.html Websites about Native American Symbols, Languages, and Clothing http://www.tolatsga.org/Compacts.html Learn about 48 different North American Indian cultures http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/web-links/aind/tribes.html Websites of North Dakota Native American Indian tribes http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/nativecrafts/index.cfm Learn how to make a Cornhusk doll, Native American Pinch Pot, Dream Catcher, Early American Weaving, and try some Native American Recipes http://www.native-languages.org/kids.htm Native Americans Facts for Kids: Site for children and teachers http://www.indigenouspeople.net/leaders.htm Learn about Native American Great Chiefs and Leaders http://www.nativecelebs.com/ American Indian actors and celebrities http://www.turtletrack.org/CO_Indices/CO_Index_Story.htm Native myths and legends http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/Arts/ Resources on Native American Indians http://www.kathimitchell.com/Natam.htm Many resources and internet links about Native Americans for kids and teachers Dream Catcher for younger children (Plastic plate or coffee can lid) Cut out the center and use a small hole punch - make 13 holes. Use a long piece of yarn with a tape wrapped to one end so that it can poke through the holes. Tie the string to one hole so that it is secure. Students do not count the hole that the string is in. Count to five and put the

string through the hole. Continue to count to five putting the string through the hole. Once in awhile you may add a pony bead to your yarn before you put it through the hole. This will add decoration to your dream catcher. You will end up in the hole that is tied. Tie again and make a loop to hang your dream catcher. **Students may add yarn to one or two holes and add beads. Glue a small piece of felt to the feathers and push the ends into the beads. Add a little glue. I have completed this project with first graders!