Making suspension rattles and other American Indian artifacts

Second graders are experiencing the culture of American Indians from the Eastern Woodlands, Plains and Southwest by using natural resources to create ceremonial rattles, medicine bags, sand paintings and corn husk dolls!   

Thanks to a Shannon Grant written by second grade teacher Nancy Williams, all Baker-Butler second grade students have been making suspension rattles as part of their Native American Unit.

With guidance from art teacher, Ms. Purdon and music teacher, Mrs. Rehorn, the boys and girls have been creating their rattles with the use of “Y” shaped sticks, yarn, wire, and assorted beads and bells for the suspension element of the instruments. Ms. Mays (media specialist) and Ms. Grundler (music) have also collaborated on this project.

The designing and building of the rattles occurs in our Creation Station. It is a great example of collaborating and interdisciplinary teaching among five 2nd grade teachers, two art teachers, two music teachers, and our media specialist.

Suspension rattles are found in the Native American culture but also in African culture as well.  The students are learning how indigenous materials are used to create instruments.

A coastal Native American may use small shells for a rattle, where a woodlands Native American may use the shells of nuts and bone fragments.

Funds received from the Edgar and Eleanor Shannon Foundation provided the materials for this grant.  

Through hands-on learning experiences students connect to the challenges and creative thinking of American Indians.