Native American beading is more than a craft — it’s an opportunity for students to build patience, creativity, cultural understanding, and focus through hands-on learning. When students from different backgrounds sit down with beads and a needle, they are connecting with a tradition that has been passed down through Indigenous communities for generations.
This class was taught by JoAnna “Dumps” Mitchell and her daughter, Tara Mitchell of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. JoAnna’s beadwork has been showcased at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, and she has created commissioned beadwork for notable individuals including Jimmy Buffett, as well as members of the Kansas City Chiefs and their cheerleaders.
Here’s why beading can be such a meaningful experience for 7th and 8th graders:
Building Real-World Skills
Beading naturally develops skills students use across many subjects and activities.
Patterns and Geometry: Students work with symmetry, sequencing, spacing, and design structure while creating their projects.
Fine Motor Skills: Beading strengthens hand-eye coordination, precision, and concentration.
Problem Solving: Small mistakes require students to slow down, troubleshoot, and make corrections — encouraging persistence and attention to detail.
Creativity: Students make artistic choices about color, design, and personal expression.
Learning Through Culture and History
Beading also provides a meaningful way to learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and storytelling.
Storytelling Through Design: Colors, symbols, and patterns can carry personal, family, or tribal meaning.
Respect and Understanding: Students learn the importance of appreciating cultural traditions by studying their history, purpose, and significance.
Connection and Community: Traditionally, beadwork has often been a social activity where stories, knowledge, and relationships are shared.
Supporting Mindfulness and Focus
Middle school students often benefit from opportunities to slow down and work intentionally.
Patience and Perseverance: Beading teaches students that quality work takes time and care.
Focus and Calm: The repetitive process can help students relax, concentrate, and feel more present in the moment.
Confidence: Completing a project gives students a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating something by hand.
Beading combines art, culture, history, and personal growth in a way that allows students to learn far beyond the classroom lesson itself.
Tara Mitchell serves as the Deputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and is also an accomplished beadwork artist whose work has been commissioned and will soon be displayed at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. She is also currently in discussions with the Spencer Museum of Art at University of Kansas.
Together, this mother-and-daughter team teaches others about heritage, storytelling, and culture through beadwork and community education. They have taught beading classes and workshops in Olathe, at University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, and Dodge City Community College.
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