EARTH KEEPER KIDS

A Children’s Native Music & Exploration Circle

 

COURSE OVERVIEW:

This is an educational course designed to enhance a child’s mindfulness and connection to nature through Native American Teachings and Wisdom

 

COURSE OUTCOME:

1. Sing Songs in Lakota, Chumash, Cherokee and Navajo.

2. Play percussive Instruments and co-write gratitude songs.

3. Experience mindfulness through Native ways, songs and teachings.

4. Learn to honor Mother Earth’s whole creation through play and creative expression

5. Learn about Native American History

6. Arts and crafts based on Indigenous Wisdom Teachings

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:

1. Coyote Mentoring- Nature-connected mentoring teaches a different view of life.  It reconnects us with that it means to be human, to be in harmony with millions of years of creation.

2. The Circle: Its origin and importance

3. The talking stick: How and why we use it

4. ABC’s: Awareness, Belonging, Connection

 

COURSE CONTENT:

1. Introduction to Native Ways: Body, heart, mind, spirit.

A. Explore these elements through mindful movement and music.

2. Whats’ your spirit animal?

A. Games and construction projects

3. Indigenous Wisdom Teachings: 

A. What is “medicine”?

B. What is “sacred”?

C. What are “helpers”?

D. What are “purifiers”? 

E. How to walk upon the Earth

4. Nature Connection and Conservation through imaginary play and listening:

A. Identify nature sounds

B. Creating a narrative for each sound

C. Use sounds and words to create a story

5. The MEDICINE WHEEL

A. Jump on the medicine wheel trampoline and experience the four directions!

B. Learn the qualities and spirit animals associated with each direction

C. Make your own Medicine Wheel with Objects found in nature

MUSIC:

1. Sing modern Nature Honoring Songs (write the lyrics based on what you  have learned about  the circle of life)

2. Learn to sing songs in Lakota, Chumash, Apache and Algonquin

3. Make a rattle and learn basic rhythms

 

PROJECTS:

1. Build a home for your spirit animal out of natural objects

2. Making a medicine bag

3. Making a rattle

4. Making a medicine wheel

 

 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Ronne (Jaraneh) Nova is of Apache and California Native descent . She has been praying in the Lakota tradition for 20 years. She has taught LAUSD grades k-12 as well as serving as a private vocal coach and music teacher. She is a singer, songwriter, performer and producer. You can explore her offerings at jaranehnova.com