Fourth graders at Bronxville Elementary School constructed model wigwams as part of their studies on two Native American tribes, the Algonquian and the Haudenosaunee. Using materials like clay, felt and bark, the students carefully recreated traditional structures to illustrate the different roles of men and women, including hunting, cooking and gardening. They also added bonfires to show how Native Americans kept warm and prepared meals.
The project was the culmination of an in-depth unit on Native American life that engaged students to research food sources, tools, cultural practices and types of homes. Their learning journey began with blueprints and sketches, which guided them as they collaborated on each phase of the construction.
Fourth grader Lily DeMartini said she enjoyed working with her peers because everyone had different strengths to contribute. Fourth grader Logan Hull also shared his key takeaways, describing that he learned a lot about how smart and capable Native Americans were, and how respectful they were of nature. The experience required teamwork and perseverance as the students spent time working through challenges.
“We learned to be a better team together because we spent the entire day gluing sticks and rocks together with clay,” Hull said.
After completing their projects, the students reflected on their learning journeys in their notebooks, identifying what they did well and what they might improve next time. The fourth graders proudly presented their work to their families during an exhibition on Oct. 18.
“I hope the students took away how respectful the Native Americans were of nature, as it was a big part of their culture,” teacher Heather DeCurtis said. “A great part of this project was that they had to work in a group with others and persevere through challenges, so I hope they took away the power of compromise and working together.”
As part of their studies, the students also visited the Greenburgh Nature Center, where they explored a replica of a wigwam and longhouse and learned how Native Americans used their environment for food, clothing and games. They also learned about the different methods they used for hunting, cooking and staying warm.