Lower Grades Shelter Construction Complete

Hearthstone lower grades, third through fifth, completed the construction of the Plains Indian tipi. The tipi is located in our beautiful play yard, just beside the herb and vegetable gardens. The tipi measures 14 feet in diameter and approximately 18 feet tall. The tipi door faces east for maximum sunlight in the mornings. There is a smoke flap and rain guard that can be utilized if needed. We have decided fires will be off limits inside the tipi. It will be used as a classroom for various lessons, and a meeting room for mediation and story-telling.

While constructing the tipi the students engaged in hands-on learning utilizing various information they have learned throughout the year. For example, when positioning the tipi poles to the north, east, and west they used their geographical knowledge, and when spacing the tipi poles the students used their measurement knowledge. The children's craftsmanship and determination truly showed when they were stripping the trees of their bark and applying the oil to protect the wood. History and creative play were evident when the classes imagined they were Sioux Indians building their home in the windy prairies in the west, hunting bison and telling stories of Wakan Tanka.

The tipi has already withstood strong winds and heavy rains, the structure is sound. The class decided while building, that the best way to keep the tipi grounded would be to bury the three main poles in the ground. This may be something we will have to remember for the next tipi we build.

This spring the lower grades will be painting the tipi. The classes have brain-stormed various ideas for designs, and we have the plans down. Unanimously the classes decided that the Hearthstone symbol will be the main focus of the tipi. Geometric shapes and perhaps an eagle may adorn our tipi by summer. Stop by and check it out if you are in the area!

Thank you to Jane Mullan for the tipi canvas, and to Christina, Eric, and Leif for the donation of the poplars for the poles. Also a big thanks to Ms. Liz, Mr. Aron, and the third through fifth grades for a job well-done.