Teepee & Native American Pegdoll

History & Social Studies
Young Adult
Grades 4-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 1-3

Craft a mini teepee with a Native American peg doll for some fun imaginary play on Thanksgiving!

Materials

Feathers Brown
Premium Paint Set, 24 pack
Black Marker
Pink Marker
Cardboard Circle
3 Paper Straws
Craft Glue
Scissors
Craft Knife**May Require Adult Assistance

Instructions

Step 1. Gather your materials.

Step 2.

Cut out a 3″ circle from recycled cardboard.

Step 3.

Cut (3) triangular notches, equal distance apart.

Step 4.

Glue the bottom of the straws into the notches and glue together at the top where they meet.

Step 5.

Tie the light suede cording around the three straws.

Step 6.

Wrap around all three straws until you are about halfway down.

Don’t wrap too tightly, as the straws may bend under too much pressure.

Step 7.

Use the next color to wrap around all three straws about five times, then begin wrapping as shown, to create an opening for the teepee.

Step 8.

Wrap the bottom quarter in black suede lacing.

Step 9.

Using a craft knife, trim the sides of the circle. Be sure not to cut too close to where the straws are glued into the notches.

Step 10.

Cover the straws coming out the top with brown feathers.

Step 11.

Wrap an old fashioned clothespin in tan suede lacing. Glue both ends to secure.

Step 12.

Draw a face and glue on some brown feathers.

Step 13.

Paint a tribal pattern or symbols onto the suede lacing.

Teacher's Corner

Celebrate the culture and history of the Native Americans who gathered with pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving!

Lesson Objectives

Introducing the Wampanoag: The natives who lived in Plymouth played an important role when the first settlers arrived on the Mayflower. Because this area was their home, the Wampanoag knew the land well, so they shared many of their skills and resources to help the pilgrims survive. When we reflect on the first Thanksgiving, it’s important to acknowledge the Wampanoag tribe by learning about their culture and traditions. Start by asking the question, “Who are the Wampanoag?”
Long-Standing Tradition: People of the Wampanoag tribe still practice and participate in their culture’s long-standing customs today. At Plimoth Plantation, some Native Americans offer a look into the lives of their ancestors. Follow a day-in-the-life of the Wampanoag with your class, and ask them to list out the daily activities of the Wampanoag children — do any of them look familiar?

Follow-up Discussion

Heritage is an important aspect of everyone’s lives — it captures beliefs, family history, traditions, and so much more. After this craft, open a class discussion about their heritage and family backgrounds — let everyone share a part of their identities with confidence and comfortability! It will also give their classmates a chance to understand the different backgrounds of their peers.