Students in Ms. Heather Herrig’s third grade class recently explored how traditions can teach us about different cultures. Their learning was centered around the story The Dream Catcher, which follows a young boy named Peter as he searches for a family tradition to share with his classmates.
In the story, Peter’s grandmother, whom he calls Nokomis, reminds him of his Ojibwe name, Biyen, and gives him a dream catcher. She explains, “Our people have made them for generations. Circles are symbols of strength.” She tells Peter that the dream catcher will catch his bad dreams in the web while letting his good dreams fall through the center. With his grandmother’s encouragement, Peter gains the courage to present the tradition of dream catchers to his class, and even shows his classmates how to make their own.
Inspired by the story, Mrs. Herrig’s students made their own dream catchers in class. The activity encouraged them to show courage, kindness, and patience as they worked together and supported one another throughout the process.
The results were beautiful - and meaningful. “Today, my class showed courage, kindness, and patience as we all helped each other in making our own dream catchers,” Mrs. Herrig said.
Check out some of their amazing creations below!