We have made a number of crafts that we use as part of our weekly circle time. The children like to set out the circle things and we talk about the items to remember why they are there. The first thing we made was a circle quilt. It has wedges in different colour using fabrics that were special to family members. On top of these we did some embroidery and beeding. The very centre of the circle is open and inside we wrote the names of all the ancestors who have walked on. This symbol proved helpful when the cats died and we could add their names there.
We also made a centre tray using a square canvass which the girls painted for the four directions. We use this to place the candle, shells and tobbacco. I also keep a bag of other small items that can be arranged as desired. These are mostly rock and shells, but also includes batman and a lego squirrel (we are doing our best as urban metis). Last week we made moon and sun figures from clay for the circle. We add little bits to this collection as we are inspired.
The other thing I made was a talking stick which had the four directions on it. This was quickely used and broken, but I would like to make another one.
I have also printed a book of metis songs that we us and a couple of binders with resources printed resources. I keep a small library with the circle things and pull a book to discuss. Two books that I always use are books of the moons. I try to start our discussion by placing us in the moon calendar and thinking what that means for us.
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