Native American Picture Story

This project was inspired by Lenni Lenape story telling. Encourage children to tell their own stories through pictographs, or picture writing.

1. To make your stand-up adventure story book, use Crayola Scissors to cut tan construction paper in half lengthwise. Fold the left side of one piece in to the middle, then fold the remaining part of the paper behind the first fold, accordion style.

2. Peel wrappers from Crayola Crayons. Place textured objects such as mats or corrugated cardboard under the pages of your book where you want texture. Rub with the sides of peeled Crayons.

3. Use an authentic Native American symbol guide or create your own symbols. Use the Crayons and Crayola Colored Pencils to create designs that tell a story.

4. Tie ribbon or raffia in a bow to close the book for a picturesque look.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Crayons
• Colored Pencils
• Construction Paper

household supplies

• ribbon
• raffia (optional)

"This was a wonderful way to tie in our multicultural badge with a related art project. It really got the kids thinking."
Traci D., scout leader.

"The children's stories unfolded through their artwork."
Zakiya S., youth center advisor.

Many years ago, Native American nations used symbols, called pictographs, to communicate. For instance: two opposite arrows represented war, two open circles inside one another stood for sad, hollow circles strung together depicted days, and the same circles filled in solid represented nights.