Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Miracles: A Multigenerational Program on Living in Awe and Wonder

Activity 4: Story ─ Grandmother Spider Brings the Light

Part of Miracles, Wide Age Span

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the story a few times, so you will be comfortable reading or telling it.

Description of Activity

Our second story is about a much different culture and landscape. Read the story slowly to the group. At the conclusion, ask participants to think about why different cultures would create very distinct creation stories. Compare the landscapes of Hawai’i to that of the Cherokee.

  • Why would the Cherokee think a little spider would be capable of that kind of creative thinking?
  • What happens to the other animals? Why is that important in the story?
  • How many different mysterious experiences does this story explain to the Cherokee people?
  • If we had told a story about snow, ice, and seals, what culture do you think that creation story would come from?