Post images of teepees around the classroom for preschool students to look at for motivation and to have an idea of construction. Position pictures at the preschoolers' eye level for easy viewing.
Gather students and discuss what a teepee is and what purpose it served with American Indians. Explain that teepees are similar to tents and are shaped like a triangle.
Discuss how teepees might be decorated. Part of the construction of a teepee is painting the outside with a design or pattern to signify who lives inside. Talk about shapes with preschoolers and what a pattern is. As a group, make several patterns on the classroom's chalkboard or whiteboard.
Provide each student with a cream, white or brown 9-by-12-inch sheet of construction paper along with crayons. Ask students to create a design or pattern on one side of the paper.
Ask the preschoolers to put the paper in front of themselves with one of the long edges toward their tummy. Make sure the side with the drawing is against the table, not facing students.
Take the two outside corners at the top of the paper and bring them together, forming a triangle, the shape of a teepee. Overlap the edges so an opening will form for the entrance of the teepee. Put glue along the upper seam of the teepee and ask the preschoolers to hold the edges together while counting to 10.
Help preschoolers glue a feather to the top of the teepee and put it on display with the other teepees in a circle, just like a real grouping of American Indian teepees.