Introduction

In this fast-paced, computerized world, it's hard to stay in touch with yourself, your heritage, and your dreams. You may get lost in the shuffle of leading your day-to-day life. It's tough managing all of your responsibilities, such as friends, school, practices, homework, movies, and dances. Every once in a while, you should take a break from the hustle and bustle and remember what makes you you.

In this exercise you will learn about Native American basket weavers and the connection between their art and their culture. After you read about basket weaving, you will create some art of your own.

The Language of Native American Baskets (http://www.nmai.si.edu/exhibitions/baskets)
Instant Poetry Forms (http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm)

Start with The Language of Native American Baskets, by clicking on the link above. When the home page opens, click on the "Introduction" link on the left side of the page. After reading the introduction, click on the link "The Weavers' View" to read how the weavers describe their art. Next, click on the links: "The Weavers' Aesthetic," "Burden Baskets," and "A Set of Values." After you have finished exploring the Native American Basket website, visit the Instant Poetry Forms website by clicking on the link above. At the top left of the screen, click first on “Interactive Poetry Form Finder" and then on "Autobiographical." Follow the directions to complete three poems in this section. Print out your poetry, and turn it in to your teacher. Now use the "Interactive Poetry Form Finder" to complete three more poems about the Native American basket weavers. Again, print the finished poems and give them to your teacher.

1.	Sample Autobiographical Poem I Am I am real and able. I wonder if this is all there is. I hear wind chimes, I see a blue splash of water. I want to make an impact on the world— I am real and able. I pretend I am a virtuoso violinist, I feel like traveling the world. I touch any dog that walks past me. I worry I'll forget how to imagine and play like when I was a child. I cry when I feel like wants and needs are out of reach. I am real and able. I understand that there is only one life. I say live as you would want to be remembered! I dream of looking back with no regrets. I try to affect people and things in a positive way. I hope to be able to pass these traits on to others through the example I set. I am real and able. Sample Basket Weavers Poem: I Asked I asked the basket why it was red, And it straightened and told me proudly. I asked the basket why it was made from bark, And it shared the traditions of our ancestors. I asked the basket why it was round, And it showed me its purpose. I asked the basket to help me understand, And it gently answered my questions. I asked the basket to show me the past, And it did and the past was magnificent. I asked the weavers, Why weave baskets? And they smiled as they said, It is all we have ever known. I asked myself, Why can't you do anything useful with your hands? And the weavers gathered around. The bark twisted The skills taught And I kept quiet And everything was perfect.