LESSON TITLE:
Dream Catchers: Fun, Facts, and Folklore
WRITTEN BY:
Connie Lyn Moe, Educator
GRADE LEVEL(S):
elementary or high
Third grade (may be adapted to any
school level)
TIME ALLOTMENT: Four class periods at 50 minutes each
Additional resources allow teachers to expand the lesson if
desired.
OVERVIEW: This lesson incorporates Art, Social Studies,
and Language Arts/Reading. Students will learn about the
origin, history, and legends of the dream catcher. Other
activities include reviewing Native American symbols and
their meanings, exploring Native American artwork,
listening to literature about dream catchers, and actually
creating a dream catcher. Also included is a simplified
dream catcher pattern so that even the youngest child will
be successful at creating this masterpiece!
SUBJECT MATTER:
Visual Arts
Social Studies
Language Arts/Reading
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
*learn facts about the origination and history of the
dream catcher.
*learn about legends or stories of the dream catcher.
*review basic Native American symbols and their
meanings.
*explore a variety of Native American artwork.
*recount the dream catcher legend, determine the
central message,
lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed
through the
key details in the story.
*create a dream catcher.
*make logical inferences from a story citing specific
examples to
support their conclusions.
*identify the central idea or theme of a story and
give key
supporting details and ideas.
STANDARDS:
Minnesota Arts Standards
Grade Level: Grade 3
Strand: Artistic Foundations
Standard: Demonstrate the understanding of the
personal, social,
cultural and historical contexts that
influence the arts areas.
Arts Area: Visual Arts
Code: 0.1.3.5.1
Benchmark: Identify the characteristics of visual
artworks from a
variety of cultures including
the contributions of Minnesota
American
Indian tribes and communities.
Minnesota Social Studies Standards
Grade Level: Grade 3
Strand: History
Substrand: Historical Thinking Skills
Standard: Historical inquiry is a process in which
multiple sources
and different kinds of
historical evidence are analyzed to
draw
conclusions about how and why things happened in the
past.
Benchmark: 3.4.1.2.1 Examine historical records, maps,
and
artifacts to answer basic questions
about times and events in
history, both ancient
and more recent.
Minnesota Language Arts Standards
Grade Level: Grade 3
Strand: Literature
Substrand: Reading: Common Core Reading Standards for
Literature
Standard: Key Ideas and Details: Read closely to
determine what the
text says explicitly and to make
logical inferences from it;
site specific
textural evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from the text. Determine
central
ideas or themes of a text and analyze
their development;
summarize the key supporting
details and ideas. Analyze
how and why
individuals, events, and ideas develop and
interact over the course of a text.
Benchmark: 3.1.2.2 Recount stories including fables,
folktales, and
myths from diverse cultures,
determine the central message,
lesson, or
moral and explain how it is conveyed through the
key details in the text.
MEDIA COMPONENTS – VIDEO AND/OR WEB:
http://www.dreamcatchers.org/dcat16.html Lakota legend of
the Dream Catcher
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher The origin,
history and popularization of the dream catcher
http://www.buckagram.com/buck/symbols Native American
symbols
http://www.manataka.org/page31.html Native American symbols
http://www.google.com/search?q=american+indian+artwork&hl=e
n&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=1fsNUIiVCYj
tqAGV8IH4CQ&ved=0CG0QsAQ&biw=1438&bih=764
Examples of
Native American artwork
http://dreamcatcher.com Pictures of many dream catchers,
website also includes a dream catcher legend
http://www.learn360.com/Search.aspx?SearchText=Dream%20Catc
her Dream Catcher - a clip from the full video: Plains
Tribal Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags
http://www.nativetech.org/dreamcat/dreminst.html
Instructions for making dream catchers
MATERIALS:
For dream catcher construction:
Red willow or soaked grapevine (dried grapevine is
available at
some craft stores)
You may also use a macrame ring approximately 5 inches
across
A jar ring can also be used for older students (wide
mouth ring)
For younger children a plastic coffee lid or plastic
plate with the
inside cut out. Instructions at the very end of
the lesson.
Scissors
Craft glue
Suede lace or yarn (can be used to wrap around the
outer ring)
Clothespin
Ruler
Strong string or yarn (dental floss can also be used)
Beads
Feathers
Interactive whiteboard to display websites and Learn360
video clip
Websites and video listed above
Picture books:
Dreamcatcher by Audrey Osofsky (for younger students)
Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher (for older elementary
students)
PREP FOR TEACHERS:
1. Gather materials
2. Review websites
3. Review video
4. Review directions for making a dream catcher
5. Make a sample dream catcher to show students
6. Review storybook
7. Optional: Review additional resources for lesson
expansion
INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY - SETTING THE STAGE :
DAY ONE:
Origination, history, and the legend of the dream catcher.
A review of Native American symbols and their meanings and
exploration of Native American artwork.
MATERIALS:
http://www.dreamcatchers.org/dcat16.html Lakota legend of
the Dream Catcher
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher Origination,
history and popularization of the dream catcher
http://www.buckagram.com/buck/symbols Native American
symbols
http://www.manataka.org/page31.html Native American symbols
http://www.google.com/search?q=american+indian+artwork&hl=e
n&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=1fsNUIiVCYj
tqAGV8IH4CQ&ved=0CG0QsAQ&biw=1438&bih=764 Examples of
Native American Artwork
STEPS:
Using the websites listed above and interactive whiteboard:
1. Read and discuss the Lakota legend of the dream
catcher.
2. Learn about the origination, history and popularization
of the dream
catcher.
3. Review basic Native American symbols and their
meanings.
Students may want to draw some of the symbols and
write their
meanings.
4. Explore a variety of Native American artwork.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
DAY TWO:
Review pictures of dream catchers and watch a video on the
construction of a dream catcher.
MATERIALS:
http://dreamcatcher.com Pictures of many dream catchers,
website also includes a dream catcher legend
http://www.learn360.com/Search.aspx?SearchText=Dream%20Catc
her Dream Catcher - a clip from the full video: Plains
Tribal Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags
STEPS:
1. Review pictures of a variety of dream catchers using
the internet
site and interactive whiteboard
2. Read the dream catcher legend on the website using the
Interactive whiteboard.
3. Watch the Learn360 video: Dream Catcher - a clip from
the full
video: Plains Tribal Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags
DAY THREE:
Review the instructions on the internet site for making a
dreamcatcher. Create dreamcatchers.
MATERIALS:
http://www.nativetech.org/dreamcat/dreminst.html
Instructions for making dream catchers
For dream catcher construction:
Red willow or soaked grapevine (dried grapevine is
available at some craft stores)
*You may also use a macrame ring (Approximately 5 inches
across)
*For younger children a plastic coffee lid or plastic plate
can be used
with the inside circle cut out. (Use a small hole punch
to punch
holes around the lid and use a weaving pattern) *See
pattern and
directions on additional resources. (Grades K-2)
Scissors
Craft glue
Suede lace or yarn (can be used to wrap around the outer
ring)
Clothespin
Ruler
Strong string or yarn (dental floss can also be used)
Beads
Feathers
STEPS:
1. Review the steps to complete a dreamcatcher on the
internet site listed above using interactive whiteboard.
2. Complete the dreamcatcher art project.
3. Display artwork in the school or community.
4. Share and reflect with peers.
CULMINATING ACTIVITY: Read Dreamcatcher by Audrey Osofsky
or Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher by Becky Ray McCain
DAY FOUR
MATERIALS:
Dreamcatcher by Audrey Osofsky (for younger students)
Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher (for older elementary students)
STEPS:
1. Read one of the recommended books about dreamcatchers.
2. Discuss the story.
3. Have students make logical inferences from the text
citing specific examples to support their conclusions.
4. Ask students to identify the central idea or theme of
the text and give key supporting details and ideas.
5. Share, reflect, and review what was learned from all
activities.
CROSS-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY:
Language Arts
Create a poem about dreams or the dream catcher. The
following website is helpful in identifying various types
of poems and instructions on how they are written.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/poetry.html
Reading
Read picture books to your students from the Children’s
Reading List of American Indian Books.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/literature.html
Chapter books about Native Americans to be read aloud by
the teacher or used as supplemental stories. Goodbird The
Indian: His Story and Waheenee: An Indian Girl’s Story
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/supplemental.html
This website includes book titles and author’s names
Physical Education
Play a variety of American Indian Games.The following
website includes many American Indian Games with
instructions. The website also includes an explanation of
games and why they were played.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/AIgames.html
This website includes web links including a large selection
of American Indian games and also several online
interactive games.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/games.html
Art
Create various Native American crafts such as the pinch
pot, cornhusk doll, or Early American weaving. The
following website has instructions and pictures for these
projects.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/nativecrafts/index.cfm
Learn how to make a Cornhusk doll, Native American Pinch
Pot,
Dream Catcher, Early American Weaving, and try some Native
American Recipes
After observing beadwork patterns and Native American
designs and symbols, students will complete a beadwork
design using glue and colored rice. Complete the Quillwork
or Beadwork Activity
http://www.artsmia.org/beauty-honor-tradition/previewbeadwork.html#
Look at pictures showing beadwork from several tribes.
http://www.americanindiansource.com/woodplains.html
http://www.artsmia.org/beauty-honor-tradition/previewbeadwork.html#
Use this website to show Native American Designs:
http://www.buckagram.com/buck/symbols/
Use this website to learn about sacred symbols and their
meanings:
http://www.shannonthunderbird.com/symbols_and_meanings.htm
Social Studies
Learn about bartering and the importance it held in the
Native American tribe. Play the bartering game using the
following website:
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/bartering
.html
Create a poster board display depicting the Native American
tribes of North Dakota. The following website includes a
rubric for assessment.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/tribes.html
Website of North Dakota Native American Indian tribes
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/aind/poster.ht
ml
Website with poster activity and assessment rubric
Vocabulary/Spelling
When learning about Native American tribes and culture
students will encounter unfamiliar vocabulary words.
Spelling and vocabulary games and activities from the
following website can be used to help students learn the
meaning and spelling of these words.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/activites/vocab.html
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:
1. Visit a nearby art museum and take special note of any
Native American crafts or exhibits.
2. Ask a Native American to come to your classroom and
speak about their traditions and culture.
3. Plan a Diversity Day or Evening in your school where
students learn about a particular culture: history,
clothing, foods, crafts, etc. Invite special guests to
speak, demonstrate crafts, or create traditional foods.
Prior to this event, ask students to create projects for
display. Parents may also be invited to this special
day/evening.
4. Display artwork within the community along with
dreamcatcher poems or legends written by the students.
Additional resources teachers may use for expanding
the lesson.
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/history.html
Websites about Native American History, Traditions, and
Storytelling
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/symbols.html
Websites about Native American Symbols, Languages, and
Clothing
http://www.tolatsga.org/Compacts.html Learn about 48
different North American Indian cultures
http://www.ndstudies.org/resources/weblinks/aind/tribes.html
Websites of North Dakota Native American Indian tribes
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/nativecrafts/index.cfm
Learn how to make a Cornhusk doll, Native American Pinch
Pot,
Dream Catcher, Early American Weaving, and try some Native
American Recipes
http://www.native-languages.org/kids.htm Native Americans
Facts for Kids: Site for children and teachers
http://www.indigenouspeople.net/leaders.htm
Native American Great Chiefs and Leaders
Learn about
http://www.nativecelebs.com/ American Indian actors and
celebrities
http://www.turtletrack.org/CO_Indices/CO_Index_Story.htm
Native myths and legends
http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/Arts/ Resources on
Native American Indians
http://www.kathimitchell.com/Natam.htm Many resources and
internet links about Native Americans for kids and teachers
Dream Catcher for younger children (Plastic plate or coffee
can lid)
Cut out the center and use a small hole punch - make 13
holes.
Use a long piece of yarn with a tape wrapped to one end so
that it can poke through the holes. Tie the string to one
hole so that it is secure. Students do not count the hole
that the string is in. Count to five and put the string
through the hole. Continue to count to five putting the
string through the hole. Once in awhile you may add a pony
bead to your yarn before you put it through the hole. This
will add decoration to your dream catcher. You will end up
in the hole that is tied. Tie again and make a loop to hang
your dream
catcher.
**Students may add yarn to one or two holes and add beads.
Glue a small piece of felt to the feathers and push the
ends into the beads. Add a little glue. I have completed
this project with first graders!