Learning with Washi Feathers!

|

As I was thinking about US Thanksgiving, I thought about how I learned about Thanksgiving when I was in school.  

What I don’t remember learning a lot about was Native American culture throughout that process.  {Keep in mind, this was a great many years ago.}

There is much Native American symbolism attached to feathers. Here is a neat way to make your own feathers to add real world learning to your lessons!

So, while I was doing a little research, I did find out that Native Americans put a lot of meaning behind feathers – and particularly where the feather came from or whether it is given as a gift.  There is much symbolism attached to feathers.

What a fun lesson to learn even more about this group of people!

You might want to check out:

Seasonal School Celebrations eBook Cover

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 387 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

  • Groundhog Day
  • Winter
  • Black History
  • Valentines Day
  • St. Patricks Day
  • Earth Day
  • Spring
  • Mothers Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Summer
  • Independence Day
  • Fall
  • Halloween
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas

…and even more, such as a section for student birthday suggestions and indoor recess ideas for when the season turns cold!

Includes 48 additional freebie files!  No need to enter in an email address for each one separately – just click and go!

See it HERE.

I even came up with a neat way to make your own feathers in the classroom to add a real world component to your lessons!  They are inexpensive, fun to make, and easy for all students. I think what I love the most is that each feather will be unique, much like the students who are creating them for the lessons.

Making DIY Feathers

Here is what you will need:

  • scissors
  • any type of wire
  • washi tape
There is much Native American symbolism attached to feathers. Here is a neat way to make your own feathers to add real world learning to your lessons!

Steps to make them:

1 – Cut a piece of wire and then place one piece of tape on the top.

2 – Flip over and attach a matching piece of tape to the opposite side.

3 – Continue placing more tape on each side and then flipping to cover up the sticky part.  Create 4-5 rows on either side of the wire.

4 – Cut into a feather shape and then cut slits into the sides.   That’s it!

There is much Native American symbolism attached to feathers. Here is a neat way to make your own feathers to add real world learning to your lessons!

Native American Lesson Plan Ideas

You could then hole punch one end and attach twine to be able to hang from hair or maybe do a lesson about dreamcatchers?

The best part?  Tie this hands on activity in to whatever lessons you would normally teach about Native American culture.  No extra planning involved!

There is much Native American symbolism attached to feathers. Here is a neat way to make your own feathers to add real world learning to your lessons!

What are some ways you feel you could incorporate this easy craftivity in to your curriculum?  We would love to hear in the comments below!

~Charity

Charity Preston Bio Pic

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *