We don't have any Native American links in our family history, but I still love to expose the children to many other cultures. Since we've talked about the Native Americans and different tribes several times in our study of American history, I thought this would be a delightful way to experience some of what they'd heard about.
We enjoyed the music, dance, and attire of different tribes from across America, and ooohed and aaaahed over the elaborate beadwork on some of the clothes.
The children in the crowd were given the opportunity to do some of the dances with the performers, and though my kids were a little shy about getting out there (who woulda thunk?!), they did it, and had a good time!
After the performances the Snake Man gave a talk about the local snakes and brought out some diamondback rattlesnakes. His purpose was to demonstrate how they are not out to attack humans, but are actually not really even conscious of our presence unless they're bothered and need to protect themselves. He was a rather inspirational speaker and I really enjoyed his talk, but when I went up to thank him afterwards I was a bit disappointed in his demeanor. I think he likes snakes much more than he likes people.
His wife was very kind, however, and was willing to talk and answer questions. I asked her if a baby rattlesnake resembles the adult (thought that would be good to know, since we seem to live in rattlesnake country--two dead in our cul-de-sac already this spring) and she happily pulled out a little box with a baby rattlesnake in it. I was encouraged to see that the baby looks exactly like the adult, but when she decided to open the box on the ground about 18 inches from my kids and then accidentally let the snake fall out, I was a bit taken aback. It took her a few moments of flustered grabbing with a stick to finally get the happy-to-be-free critter back in its box. It was one of those Thank You Lord moments when you're really grateful a fun situation didn't turn bad.
After all the talking and a little shopping for souvenirs (a bracelet for Merrilee, a drum for Katie Mei, and a headband with a feather for Jacob), we went to the different demonstration centers.
The kids favorite was a very kind man who showed my children how to start a fire with a drill bow. Fortunately, it was just complicated enough that I don't think I have to worry about Jacob trying to do it on his own.
My kids asked some really great questions and showed a lot of interest in the man's display, so much so that he allowed them to step over his "do not cross" rope and look at all his stuff. It was really cool, and I have to admit, I was really proud of my two. I think being homeschooled adds a dimension of maturity with other adults that classroom schooled kids don't often have. Several of the folks doing demonstrations asked me if my kids were homeschooled (there were lots of other kids there because this was the day the event was open to the schools), and they commented that they can usually tell the homeschoolers by their deeper interest and more thought provoking questions. Merrilee and Jacob really enjoyed listening and learning from this man.
The woman who was demonstrating weaving with her diminutive loom engaged a small crowd of children. As we were all standing there, the other mom of these four blond heads walked up and introduced herself. She was also a member of our homeschool association. We HS moms sure love to take the teaching outside to events like this, don't we?
And finally we got to really see how a spinning wheel works and learn how to spin some natural fibers. This woman had wool from different animals, as well as cotton. We talked about staining the fibers and somehow got on the topic of their different properties. When she found out we had a microscope at home, she gave us samples of her different wools and cotton and told us to take them to look at. How generous!
We had such a great time that afternoon, and the kids and I look forward to next year when we can learn even more about Native American Culture and life in the expanding Old West.
The TeePee was an added bonus, and they all wanted one for our own backyard. I reminded them that they have pop up tents at home to play with.
The woman who was demonstrating weaving with her diminutive loom engaged a small crowd of children. As we were all standing there, the other mom of these four blond heads walked up and introduced herself. She was also a member of our homeschool association. We HS moms sure love to take the teaching outside to events like this, don't we?
And finally we got to really see how a spinning wheel works and learn how to spin some natural fibers. This woman had wool from different animals, as well as cotton. We talked about staining the fibers and somehow got on the topic of their different properties. When she found out we had a microscope at home, she gave us samples of her different wools and cotton and told us to take them to look at. How generous!
We had such a great time that afternoon, and the kids and I look forward to next year when we can learn even more about Native American Culture and life in the expanding Old West.
I am still so impressed with all that the Albany area has to offer. I cannot understand it when folks complain about living here and say "There's nothing to do." Southwest Georgia may not be a suburb of Atlanta, but it sure does have wonderful opportunities for getting out there and enjoying life!
1 comment:
What fun! We've been to something similar before and really enjoyed it too. Merrilee and Jacob, your good manners and great questions opened up opportunities for you that other visitors didn't have. Good for you! Katie Mei, how are you doing with that drum?
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