The Three Sisters: Corn, beans and squash activities for the classroom Contributed by Annie Jacobs

Ages- preschool aged children to early elementary grades

Background
The Three Sisters of Native American agriculture, corn, beans and squash, are an ancient and fascinating subject to share with young children. Used by various tribes throughout North America, the system is a simple but profound example of companion planting*. The three plants are companions; they help each other by maximizing growing conditions for one another. The corn, tall and firm, grows in the center of a circular bed and serves as a support for climbing pole beans. The beans fix nitrogen in the soil, important for nitrogen loving, heavy feeding corn. The squash surrounds the corn and beans and covers the ground, serving to hold moisture in the soil, and – as Native American lore explains – the prickles on squash stems act as repellant to pests such as hungry raccoons.

Objectives
This lesson plan allows the children themselves to become the three sisters, and obtain a first hand understanding of the relationships between the plants. Next they plant the seeds themselves and watch the magic unfold. Two options for planting are described: planting indoors in peat pots or outdoors in a garden.

Materials:

• seeds of indian corn, squash (including gourds), and pole beans (scarlet runner variety) - 1 package each
• space for a 6 ft diameter garden bed and compost (if available)
• peat pots if garden space is not available
• watering cans or hoses for garden

Explain that Native Americans are people who lived all across North America long ago, with a lifestyle based on the land. Some Native Americans were farmers, and they grew their own food. They knew the language of plants, and how certain plants help each other to grow. Corn, beans and squash, or the Three Sisters, were an important food source for the people. The three plants grew in a special relationship.

Describe the relationships: Corn is the tall grandfather who gives the beans a pole to climb up; the beans climb the corn and feed the soil for the corn; the squash keeps the soil moist for the thirsty crops, and it keeps away raccoons and other pests with its spiky stems. Ask children if they would like to pretend that they are the Three Sisters. Ask for 7-10 volunteers. Numbers are very flexible depending on the size of the class.

A teacher should act as director, placing the children into position. It is also helpful to have a narrator. One child should stand as the corn plant. Two children are bean plants, and each one holds onto a knee of the corn plant volunteer. Several children can squat in a circle around the corn and beans with their hands and fingers held outward like spines. One or more children can act as raccoons trying to get the crops. They are unable, however, to get past the squash. Another volunteer can acts as the gardener, and pretend to water the crops. The squash plants react by grabbing the imaginary water and holding it in the circle.

If it is possible to have a garden in the schoolyard, or if a garden already exists, explain to the children that they will plant their own Three Sisters Garden! Divide children up into three groups: Corn, Beans and Squash.  These groups will be responsible for helping to plant their crop into the circle. The circle should be approximately six feet in diameter. *If it is not possible to plant a garden, seeds of the corn, beans and squash can be planted indoors in peat pots. This simple activity will enable children to plant seeds, care for them and watch them grow.

Depending on the time and interest available, the children can take part in forming the circle, putting compost on the bed and placing rocks around the perimeter of the circle.  Place a trail of stepping stones from the circle's edge to the center. Next it is time to plant the seeds. Instructions for planting depth and method for each crop can be found on the seed package. When the bed is ready, place 4-6 holes, in a circular pattern, in the center of the circle. With the corn group, place one corn seed into each hole. Next, with the bean group, plant bean seeds around each corn seed. Finally, with the squash group, make four small soil mounds about two feet in from the circle's edge. The mounds should face each of the four directions. Plant squash seeds in each mound.

Maintain regular trips with the students to the garden for watering and observation. Keep a journal of seed germination and growth. Older children may enjoy sitting around the garden and drawing what they see. Be sure to harvest the beans as they ripen, and the corn and squash at the end of the season. Enjoy the beans as snacks, make crafts out of corn husks, cook squash pie or make bowls out of gourds…the list is endless!

Extensions: There are numerous legends and stories about the Three Sisters from different Native tribes. Identify one story, and share it with the children. Explain the concept of legend as a story  which explains something in nature or in life and is passed down from parents to children. Invite the children to make up their own legends about the Three Sisters or another topic. They may draw, write or act out their legend.

*a method in organic gardening which makes use of the beneficial relationships between different crops