Teaching Primitive Skills

I just finished helping out with a class project and giving a brief presentation on Native American skills at the kids' school.

I wasn't originally planning on doing anything more than offering a helping hand to the project leaders but they knew I had some things to show and knowledge to offer to the students. Thus I was allowed to present the braintan buckskin bag I made at Briar Patch last summer as well as the needles, awl, and other tools.

We were making charm pouches today so the kids got the opportunity to see one put together with bone needles and backstrap sinew using braintan versus the felt, thread, and plastic needles they were using. I think it helped them to understand a bit more about what they were doing.

After I finished my first class the project leaders asked me to stick around to help with a second class and I was more than happy to oblige.

Making sure the information being put out was accurate was important to me and the kids have a very good basic understanding of the story behind the various bits of Native American gear they've made (dream catchers last week, charm pouches today, etc.)

I wasn't expecting this morning to generate a post-worthy time but then it did. :)

Hopefully I've turned some members of the next generation on to American History and aboriginal culture today.

Thanks for reading,


B