In November of 2009, a lovely young woman, Melissa Combs, who home schools children at the Trinity School, or "Redeeming Mondays Home School Co-op" as she likes to call it, contacted me for some assistance with an upcoming project she had in mind for her students. They were studying about the Native American culture and she wanted the children to each be able to make their own medicine pouch. I have often been invited to do presentations on the Cherokee culture at private schools so luckily, I still had a lot of support material to offer. My husband and I chose an easy pattern for the kids and I had the perfect leather for the project - some nice tan upholstery leather that would allow for wiping clean and also resisted staining and was basically pretty kid-proof. So we cut out 16 little bags and the "thread" for them as well and translated each child's name into Tsalagi (Cherokee = jaw-lah-gee). We included a few simple words for them to learn as well as how to write the Cherokee alphabet, instructions on how to make a dream catcher, info on mandellas, and other little tidbits to help with this project. We had a blast!!! We wanted to share some of the photos that one of the mother's took of Melissa working with the children and then a few of the children with their finished projects. There are also a few of Melissa's daughter Sally checking out the contents of the box when the package first arrived. She's just cute as a button!! I hope you enjoy the photos and if you are a teacher looking for ideas on things to share with your students about the Native American culture, I'm your gal! I do not charge for the actual speaking engagement but will happily accept donations to cover my materials. I DO, however, charge for round trip transportation and cab fare to and from the airport, along with lodging and meals. Feel free to contact me and we can look at my calendar. I would need to know well in advance as I have a very full schedule.... Joy to you and yours! Grandmother FiveHawks |
The Students of the Trinity School |
The Teacher, Melissa Combs |
Melissa's daugther Sally inspecting the contents of the package upon arrival... |
Melissa Teaching.... |
And just one more of the kiddos with their finished pouches.... |