This week in grade four, students at Westchester Day School dove into the study of Wampum beading, an important cultural practice of Native American tribes, particularly the Algonquin people, who inhabited the New York region. Wampum beads, traditionally made from the shells of clams and other marine life, were more than decorative items; they held deep significance as a form of currency and storytelling. The intricate designs created with purple and white beads often conveyed messages of peace, treaties or social status.

As part of their hands-on learning, students are recreating Wampum bead patterns using alternative materials to better understand the craftsmanship and symbolism involved. This project also connects to their exploration of early interactions between Native Americans and colonial settlers in New York, giving them insight into how Native traditions transitioned and influenced early American history.