You may be able to incorporate this idea into your child's classroom curriculum by involving their entire class in this project as they study related topics.
We have constructed this teepee in a grade-school classroom, and for a Cowboys & Indians themed birthday party.
Once assembled, children thoroughly enjoy adding their personal touch by decorating with paints, markers, stickers and stamps.
The following instructions can be found in Family Fun Magazine Nov. 1993
"While the turkey is roasting, you and your kids can erect an easy-to-build tepee. This takeoff on a Native American dwelling sets an historical tone for the holiday - and it makes an exciting playhouse.
A few days ahead, gather your supplies. You will need eight 6-foot bamboo poles (available at garden stores, or sixteen 1/2-inch 4-foot long dowels (let two ends overlap, then tape them together to make a 6-foot long pole), two paper drop cloths (available at hardware stores), twine, masking tape, and poster paint.
On the big day, find an area in your yard to set up the tepee. (If you have limited space or if the weather does not permit, try building in the garage.) Pile the poles on the ground with the ends lined up. About a foot down from the tops, loosely tie the ends together with twine. Stand the bundle on the ground and spread the untied ends into a large circle. Tape the drop cloths to the framework (you may want to cut them in half first). Be sure toleave a large opening for an entrance.
Offer your kids poster paint and let them create pictures and symbols on the tepee walls. The floor can be covered with leaves, or if you have one, place an old rug on the ground for extra comfort."
We made a smaller version of the teepee for indoors, as you can see in the picture.
Complete your teepee home with a pretend fire in the center.
Visit this Native American site.1. Make a ring on the floor about 12 inches in diameter, using small rocks.
2. Fold together a couple sheets of orange & yellow tissue paper: gather the folded end together, securing with tape.
3. Place the tissue paper in the center of the ring of rocks to appear as orange & yellow flames, then toss a bit of gold tinsel on top to add sparkle. Voila...a campfire!