Dreamcatchers

My coleader and I decided to go for the Alberta Arts Challenge this year.  One of the requirements is that the kids do a craft from Native Canadian culture.  Beading a moccasin, building a drum, or weaving a dreamcatcher.

We chose the Dreamcatcher.  But how to create an interesting craft that's attainable for 5 and 6 year olds, while still remaining true and respectful to Native culture?

This craft and story took the full hour to complete.

First we read a story that I found in my compendium of Native stories about the history of the dreamcatcher and the story of the weaving of the first one.

We used a paper plate, cut out the center then punched holes around the inside, one on the top, for the hook, and three on the bottom.  We had the girls take a pre-cut length of string to weave in the center, as well as some plastic beads to string onto the yarn.  We had them attach pony beads and feathers to the bottom and put a dab of glue on each one to keep them on.

Here are some of our masterpieces, starting with the example, which I made.