Children learning about Native Americans can make a two-dimensional papoose cradle board out of construction paper to hold a paper-doll baby. Provide them with a template for the papoose, which is two elongated ovals, one about two-thirds the size of the other. Students hold the pieces together and punch holes all around the edges, then sew the pieces together with yarn. A baby made of construction paper or cut from a printout can slip into the papoose.
Give your child the gift of a papoose-style backpack for wearing her baby dolls. The papoose is made like a backpack with an opening in the front to put the baby doll in, and for the baby's face to peek out from. Pockets let them carry accessories for their dolls as well. This is a nice gift for a child who is expecting a baby brother or sister, or for any doll-loving child.
Help your child make a papoose toy out of a toilet-paper tube and some construction paper. Start by cutting a slit up one side of the tube, so that it opens flat. Lay the tube on a piece of construction paper and trace around it. Add a half circle to the top and bottom, then glue the paper to the tube. Punch holes in the bottom half circle and both sides of the tube, and lace the papoose up. Now a small baby doll will fit inside.
Children learning about Native Americans and how they cared for babies may enjoy a handmade papoose coloring book. Locate papoose coloring pages online, and then print and copy them for each child. Staple together little books, then make a papoose from brown construction paper to slip the coloring books into. Kids can decorate the paper papoose as well with colored markers.