Long before skyscrapers rose up, subways rattled underground and traffic clogged the streets, the Lenape people lived a peaceful, self-sufficient existence in communities throughout the Northeastern United States, including what is now known as Manhattan.
Through a far-reaching social studies unit, Class 2 students examined virtually every aspect of the Lenape’s fascinating, and ultimately tragic, lives. From how they survived the harsh wilderness to their early interactions with Dutch settlers, no stone was left unturned in this exhaustive undertaking. The project culminated for these Lenape experts with each class building its very own Lenape village.
Two exciting field trips provided an informative starting point. At the Museum of the City of New York, the students learned about Manhattan in the 1600s (then called “Mannahatta”). At the historic Waterloo Village in New Jersey’s Allamuchy Mountain State Park, the students visited a re-created Lenape Indian Village where they could envision the untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife and modest buildings that were fundamental to the Lenape’s way of life.
Back in the classrooms, the students deepened their inquiry. “We began with the essential question, ‘How did New York City come to be?’” explained Class 2 Head Teacher Karen Katz. “Stories from our past help us understand.”
A fruitful brainstorming session took place, bringing up topics that piqued the students’ curiosity. One girl, for example, wanted to know how the Lenape “read” the forest. A few others expressed interest in how their houses were made and the way they communicated with one another. Still more wondered about the Lenape’s basket-weaving skills, what kinds of foods they consumed and the ways in which they defended themselves against intruders.
In order to construct an authentic, three-dimensional Lenape village, careful planning and thorough research were vital. With the guidance of their teachers, the students in each class divided up into self-selected groups to explore different components of the village, including family life, spirit world, medicine, hunting, fishing, and gardening. Using books, images, videos and other resources, they learned as much as they could about their particular area, recording observations and drawings in little blue notebooks. Interdisciplinary work further enhanced their knowledge: in science class, for example, the students studied flora and fauna that inhabited the area when the Lenape lived here.
Finally, it was time to begin bringing their villages to life. Using collected natural materials like sand, dirt, leaves and twigs, along with clay and pipe cleaners, the students excitedly embarked on the building process. From central structures for shelter and safety to flowering trees, ready-to-harvest crops, roaming deer and sturdy canoes, the girls worked with focus, creativity and a remarkable attention to detail. In one village, a Lenape man – who, like all the people, was drawn on paper and secured to a wooden dowel – wore an elaborate bow and arrow across his back. In another, clay pots containing colorful herbs and potions were scattered on the ground. In a third village, ducks swam in a painted pond, and the family longhouse was furnished with burlap beds and cradles for the babies. An orange fire blazed in a pit out front, ready for cooking.
The villages also featured fur-roofed wigwams – one for men and one for women – which the Lenape visited when they were ill. “One student found out that men and women were not allowed to be together. She really wanted it to be accurate,” noted Ms. Katz. Another student described how the Lenape used every part of an animal, including the brains (rubbing brains on deerskin turned it into a suede-like material).
This is the first time the three sections of Class 2 have participated in this project together, unifying the experience for students and faculty alike. The three spectacular Lenape villages serve as powerful testaments to Class 2’s hard work and perseverance, while beautifully honoring the indigenous people who lived, prospered and perished on this land so many years ago.
Browse photos, including those from a parent visit, below: