1. Observe and discuss traditional Ojibwe beadwork designs.
2. Notice patterns, colors, and symbols, and consider their meanings.
3. Select or sketch a beadwork design you would like to create.
4. Trace your selected design onto the felt using a heat-erase pen, or onto construction paper using a pencil. Tracing is used to honor and respect authentic Ojibwe designs as a way to study and learn from them. If you prefer, you may also create an original design inspired by what you observed.
5. Decide how you will represent your beads.
   • Sew with beads and a needle.
     OR
   • Use a paper punch to create construction-paper circles to represent beads.
6. Plan your color choices and pattern layout before beginning.
7. Carefully create your design, working slowly and thoughtfully.
8. Check your work as you go and make adjustments if needed.
9. Practice patience and perseverance when challenges arise.
10. Share your finished piece and reflect on your process and learning.

Warm-Up

1. Research and share examples of Ojibwe beadwork, focusing on color, symbolism, or regional styles:
   • Traditional Indigenous Beadwork: An Indigenous woman's journey from student to teacher
   • Anishinaabe Beading with Nicole  •  Lesson 1: Prep and centre
2. Look closely at images of traditional Ojibwe beadwork.
3. Show one or both videos along with the templates and book.
4. Participate in a brief discussion about patterns, colors, and symbols you notice.
5. Consider what stories, ideas, or values the designs might communicate.
6. Make a quick personal connection: Which design or pattern draws your eye, and why?

Direct Instruction

Content

1. Learn about the Ojibwe people and the cultural significance of beadwork.

2. Observe and analyze traditional Ojibwe designs, colors, and symbols.

3. Understand how patterns often reflect nature, community, and storytelling.

4. Explore the beading process: Selecting a design, colors, and pattern with sewing beads or representing beads with paper circles.

5. Connect beadwork to math concepts (patterns, repetition, symmetry).

6. Connect beadwork to history, recognizing women’s and community knowledge passed through generations.

Student Instruction

Beading Process
Show how to either sew with beads or use a paper punch to create construction paper circles to represent beads.

1. Demonstrate how to plan a beadwork design on felt or paper - do you want the design in the middle or off to a side?

Model How to Sew on Beads Step-by-Step

1. Thread the needle and tie a secure knot.
2. Bring the needle up through the fabric.
3. Slide three beads onto the needle.
4. Lay the beads on their side to determine where to go down with your needle.
5. Push the needle down through the fabric after the third bead.
6. Pull gently to secure the beads.
7. Bring the needle back up through the same three beads to secure them so they lie flat. This also doubles to secure the beads.
8. Push the needle back down through the thread.
9. Pull the needle up, going through the last bead, add three more beads, and repeat the process.

Model how to create paper punches and glue the construction-paper “beads.”

1. Use a small dot of glue.
2. Place the paper circle carefully on the design.
3. Press gently and allow time to dry.
4. Review safety expectations for needles, glue, and shared materials.
5. Emphasize careful craftsmanship, patience, and respect for the tradition.

Guided Practice

It is very helpful to have other adults to help in the beginning!

1. Demonstrate the beading process with the whole group, using oversized materials so all students can clearly see each step.
2. Repeat the demonstration in small groups, adjusting pace and support as needed.
3. Pause frequently to check for understanding and clarify steps.
4. Practice together, completing the first few beads as a guided class activity.
5. Circulate to provide hands-on coaching, modeling again as needed.
6. Re-demonstrate key steps multiple times throughout the work period.
7. Encourage students who understand the process to support peers by modeling and explaining the steps.
8. Gradually release responsibility, so students work more independently while helping one another.

Independent Practice

1. Students independently create their beadwork design using their chosen method (sewing beads or gluing paper beads).
2. Students follow their planned pattern, making intentional choices about color, repetition, and symmetry.
3. Students work at their own pace, practicing patience and perseverance.
4. Teacher circulates to observe, provide feedback, and offer support as needed.
5. Students problem-solve independently before asking for help.
6. Peer support is encouraged when appropriate.
7. Students reflect quietly on their progress and make adjustments to improve craftsmanship.

Summary

Finish & Reflect

1. Student reflection and feedback.
2. Include a gallery walk for students to share and observe each other’s work throughout the process.