Growing School Food Gardens

 View Only

  • 1.  corn activities for indigenous people's day

    Posted 09-28-2023 09:45:00 AM

    Hi all and happy Fall!

    I am looking for some hands-on activities related to corn, that connects to it's significance to indigenous peoples (part of their social studies curriculum, including 3 Sisters), that I can do with a group of 20 third graders, in a 30-minute class.  I can touch on the story of the 3 sisters and the growing method, but it's a hands-on aspect I need.

    (Sadly, while the corn -- planted by them last Spring - is gorgeous, harvesting and use of cobs is out, thanks to squirrels... and possibly rats - yikes!) 

    So I'm imagining something related to how the stalks/husks were used, not just corn for eating. Corn stalk dolls would be lovely but too involved for number of kids and time frame. 

    Other ideas ? 

    TIA for suggestions!



    ------------------------------
    cathy Hartenstein
    Peapod Garden and Nature Education
    watertown ma
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: corn activities for indigenous people's day

    Posted 09-28-2023 10:27:00 AM
    Edited by Eugene Tuckwiller 09-28-2023 11:07:29 AM

    Hi Cathy!  Other than corn husk dolls, I don't know how indigenous people might have used the husks (except for fires), but you might use the husks as feathers on a hand-made turkey.  The kids can draw/paint/cut out the head and legs, and you can paste and paint the husks on the birds.  A second idea is to use the husk as a wrapper, tying the top and bottom, and putting some small item or candy inside for the kids to give as a gift.  Perhaps someone else will have a better idea for you.  Good luck!



    ------------------------------
    Tony Tuckwiller [He, him]
    Houston TX
    7134985952
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: corn activities for indigenous people's day

    Posted 09-28-2023 05:18:00 PM

    Hi Cathy,

    Sorry, I don't know a specific activity indigenous people might have used the corn stalks for, but was wondering, if you could cut the stalks in smaller pieces and use them to build houses for solitary bees. You probably saw pictures of these houses on line or at garden stores. 

    Another idea would be a collage with more nature material collected from your garden/outdoor space.

    Good luck and have fun,

    Barbara



    ------------------------------
    Barbara Halden [Designation]
    Phoenix AZ
    6024023718
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: corn activities for indigenous people's day

    Posted 09-29-2023 08:46:00 AM
    Thanks Barbara - I do like the bee "hotel" idea! Love working in habitat awareness for the littles!

    cathy miner design
    catherineminer.crevado.com
    1016 belmont street
    watertown ma
    617.515.8461





    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: corn activities for indigenous people's day

    Posted 10-25-2023 03:05:00 AM

    Hello and happy Fall!

    For a hands-on activity related to corn and its significance to indigenous peoples, especially suitable for a 30-minute class with 20 third graders, consider the following:

    **Corn Husk Art:**
    1. Provide each student with a few corn husks.
    2. Explain how indigenous peoples used corn husks for various crafts and items.
    3. In a short time frame, they can create simple corn husk bookmarks or small corn husk animals (like fish or turtles).
    4. Encourage creativity and provide markers or colored pencils for additional decoration.

    This activity connects with the use of corn beyond just eating and is manageable within your class timeframe.

    As a special birthday gift, how about including a pack of markers and colored pencils for the students to use in their corn husk art activity? It would enhance their creative experience while learning about indigenous traditions.



    ------------------------------
    Sofia Baar
    ------------------------------



Related Content