Following up our Northeastern Region curriculum in Social Studies, we were fortunate enough to visit the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum last Wednesday. We began inside with a quick overview of what the Wampanoag life was, and then headed into the Wequ outside. (Wequ is another name for Wetu.) The students first learned how the structures were built, they investigated both inside, where mats were woven to provide walls, and outside where branches are bent, and tied together to form it's frame. The student's learn got to learn about the different roles men, women, and children played. They learned about the different chores everyone did, and even got to try out some of them on their own, grounding corn to make corn meal. Then the students learned about the different materials made from animal skin, fur, and bones. It was definitely a learning moment for all!
Afterwards, we headed outside to play a quick game of "ball" with a ball made out of deerskin, and deer fur. The student's found out that many of the Wampanoag's used this game as a way of finalizing disputes between tribes, or other tribe members. They also got to spend some time in the garden. Gardens were a large part of the survival of the Wampanoag tribe. We learned about how they used different herbs for food, and medicine, and which crops were planted each Fall. The students also got to pick some beans.
After that, we went inside where we learned about different Wampanoag Tribe Sachems (leaders), and the roles they played in their days. The students got to trace their travels, and timelines, as well.
Lastly, the students got to each pick out a different musical instrument made from earth materials. They each started a beat, in which every other student followed, and Kitty then played her flute to go with each song. It was a great time had by all, and we are hoping to go back in the Spring to celebrate the Wampanoag New Year! (Thank you, Gina for accompanying us!)
Afterwards, we headed outside to play a quick game of "ball" with a ball made out of deerskin, and deer fur. The student's found out that many of the Wampanoag's used this game as a way of finalizing disputes between tribes, or other tribe members. They also got to spend some time in the garden. Gardens were a large part of the survival of the Wampanoag tribe. We learned about how they used different herbs for food, and medicine, and which crops were planted each Fall. The students also got to pick some beans.
After that, we went inside where we learned about different Wampanoag Tribe Sachems (leaders), and the roles they played in their days. The students got to trace their travels, and timelines, as well.
Lastly, the students got to each pick out a different musical instrument made from earth materials. They each started a beat, in which every other student followed, and Kitty then played her flute to go with each song. It was a great time had by all, and we are hoping to go back in the Spring to celebrate the Wampanoag New Year! (Thank you, Gina for accompanying us!)