Today we made Indian talking sticks in class.
The talking
stick is an instrument of aboriginal democracy used by many tribes. The
talking stick is passed around a group or used only by leaders as a symbol of
their authority and right to speak in public. In a tribal council circle, a
talking stick is passed around from member to member allowing only the person
holding the stick to speak. This enables all those present at a council meeting
to be heard, especially those who may be shy. Talking sticks have high
ceremonial and spiritual value, and have proved to be exceedingly useful during
current implementations (Wikipedia, 2015)
We will be using our talking
sticks within the classroom as a tool to help us follow the Golden Rules (we
listen, we work hard and we are kind and respectful) by respecting the person
who has the class talking stick and is talking.
All materials were provided to the children. However, to help make our talking sticks more personal
children brought along a small token to
identify their own stick. For example, an old necklace, beads, odd earrings or old
coins.
