Cradle boards served as a means for carrying infants on their mother’s backs. Infants were also propped up against a tree or wall so infants could view their world and keep their interest in their surroundings. The cradle board was designed to provide security when the mother was not carrying the infant.

Cradle boards are designed differently according to the various American Indian tribes. Crow cradle boards are designed with beaded geometric and floral patterns. The designs are beaded on the head board, straps and the bottom of the cradle board.

Can we identify any angles?

Right Acute

Obtuse Straight

Congruent Vertical

Complementary

Supplementary

Corresponding

Can you name any others?

Can we identify any triangles?

Obtuse Right

Acute Scalene

Isosceles Equilateral

Similar Congruent

Can you identify any other characteristics?

Perpendicular lines

Parallel lines

Lines of symmetry

What polygons do you see here?

Design your own cradle board.

• Draw polygons on your design template

• Use symmetry and reflection

• Use various angles and lines

• Apply vibrant colors to define and outline polygons