One way Native American children learned survival skills in the wilderness during early days was through games. Games like the ancestors taught their children are still valuable and fun today.
Many of the games also demonstrated Native American values, beliefs, and their way of life.
Here is a simple game for players of all ages. The number of pebbles used will depend on the ages of the children.
Pebble Patterns
To be skilled at hunting, gathering, and staying safe in the wild, this game taught one to be keenly aware of their natural surroundings.
Have each child gather about thirty pebbles of different sizes, shapes and color. Have one player create a pattern with all his/her pebbles.
The other players are to study the pattern, give them about a minute. The creator then covers the pattern with a cloth.
The other players then try to re-create the pattern from memory.
The winner becomes the next creator.
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If anyone knows of other games to help develop skills, you are welcome to share in this thread with us.
Last edited by Phyllis, Native American; 02/23/11 08:59 PM.