Our trip to the Appaloosa Horse Museum and learning about the Nez Perce was made extra special by Tia BeVan, Jayden's mom, as she had brought a saddle and her Nez Perce heritage to us through artifacts.
The first time she came a few weeks ago, it was showing her western saddle and we learned and thought of it from a science perspective-- form and function. Last week, she made Social Science very real by bringing her cradle board and Jayden's. This was so cool because the items that the kids saw at the Appaloosa Horse Museum were cradle boards and saddles (along with many other beautifully beaded items and other household tools). Having a person of the culture has been so great for the kids. They asked tons of questions and Tia would explain the purpose and meaning to what they wondered about. It was fun to see Jayden enjoy remembering and getting to see his Mom tell their history.
The kids were divided into three groups to practice. Each group of 7 (8 for one) helps build coordination and cooperation. They need to make eye contact and make a gentle toss. It is very important to know that they haven't been successful as a group doing this. So, I put them in smaller groups and then today they will be in one large group with three hackysacks being underhand tossed--and silently too!
They have
The first time she came a few weeks ago, it was showing her western saddle and we learned and thought of it from a science perspective-- form and function. Last week, she made Social Science very real by bringing her cradle board and Jayden's. This was so cool because the items that the kids saw at the Appaloosa Horse Museum were cradle boards and saddles (along with many other beautifully beaded items and other household tools). Having a person of the culture has been so great for the kids. They asked tons of questions and Tia would explain the purpose and meaning to what they wondered about. It was fun to see Jayden enjoy remembering and getting to see his Mom tell their history.
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| Jayden's cradle board had shell pieces that dangled-- just like little models hung above cribs. |
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| Cradle boards---Jayden's and Tia's'. |
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| Explaining that children long ago learned to be quiet and patient while their mothers worked. |
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| One pair of Jayden's moccasins. |
The fourth grade has been doing a lot of team building and inclusion activities.
After a fantastic discussion, the activity was a hacky toss.
The kids were divided into three groups to practice. Each group of 7 (8 for one) helps build coordination and cooperation. They need to make eye contact and make a gentle toss. It is very important to know that they haven't been successful as a group doing this. So, I put them in smaller groups and then today they will be in one large group with three hackysacks being underhand tossed--and silently too! 
They have
come such a long way in how they stick to an activity, encourage each other,
and like the feeling of success together. This first quarter of school has been full of growth for them.
It will be fun today to see how the full activity goes and their smiles as they accomplish this little cooperative challenge together. :)
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