The loom pieces are given as gifts, worn or used for themselves and some are sold to staff for a little extra spending money. The final product is very rewarding for me and the students. I also encourage understanding the colors and what they may mean to different tribes, individuals and cultures. Counting, centering, dividing, designing, measuring and creating are all a part of this project. Our Lakota (Sioux) designs are very geometric and math is a big part of loom beading. I want the kids to connect culture to their hearts, of course but also to see the difference between designs from tribe to tribe. I also encourage our Native American youth to take a deeper look at any piece of beadwork they come in contact with in their world. Some of these items are decades old and some are as new as last year. We begin with looking at some old and new pieces of beadwork so that the kids can see examples of what they can make. The 7 th grade class has begun the task of learning what it takes to make those beautifully created drops for regalia, barrettes, hair ties, name plates, bracelets and whatever other ideas the kids come up with in their minds and hearts. Every year, I get to teach an area of Lakota (Sioux) culture that is close to my hands and heart-loom beading.
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