An Overview: Students will learn about Native American dollmaking- They will explain the purpose of dolls, take a look at dolls from other cultures and lands, and will explain their function as well as their form. Students will take a look at the various materials used in creating dolls, how they are constructed, and their various purposes. Students will be encouraged to understand that dolls represent more than just child's play- they represent life in miniature. Dolls show examples of family and cultural values, dress, professions, duties, and play. They allow children to learn values, model adult behavior, to role play, and give practice with decision-making. Dolls also foster imaginations. Occasionally, dolls are created in the image of a spiritual being, allowing for ceremonial practices, storytelling and reinforcing traditions.
Students will share what they discovered about the various Native American tribes and their dolls with the class. We will create a chart listing the information the class gathered. Students will then brainstorm their own ideas about their lives- family and community values, dress, responsibilities, religion, tradition, etc. to design a doll representing their lives in miniature. They will then write down the materials they have immediate access to (whether at home, in school, or within their communities) and how these items may be used to create a doll representing themselves.