2023 Step UP! Gullah Baskets & Juneteenth

This activity was part of a two day learning event to introduce students to American Gullah/GeeChee culture and traditions. 

On day one, students were greeted with Gullah words like "Maunan na" and "Wa ya se de na?" which respectively mean Good morning and How are you doing?  Students and teachers introductions followed and after that, students had the opportunity to hear and learn other Gullah Geeche greetings and expressions by watching the youtube video "Waach Oud De Na!" & Other Gullah Geechee Greetings 

Then, students were introduced to the Gullah history and the African-American tradition of sweetgrass basket making through a powerpoint presentation. Book reading and a video of basket maker Vera Manigault about the history and culture of sweetgrass baskets helped illustrate the lesson theme. After that, students were handed materials and given instructions to  individually build a small woven basket.  

Activity Resources

• Lesson plan (ADD LINK)

• Slide Presentation (pdf format)

• Youtube video: "Waach Oud De Na!" & Other Gullah Geechee Greetings

• Youtube video: S is for Sweetgrass Basket

• Book options:

  •  Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven

  • A Sweet, Sweet Basket by Margie Willis Clary

• Ten Basket Facts (ADD LINK)

• Paper basket making directions: Woven Bowl Craft for Kids

  • To Make a Paper Plate Woven Basket

• Wood basked making directions: Basket weaving for beginners

  • To Make a Jute Woven Basket (ADD LINK)