The Seven Grandfather Teachings are a beautiful way to help children learn about character, values, and the importance of living in a good way. Each teaching is connected to an animal that represents an important quality, and these lessons are still shared today in many Native American and First Nations communities.
Using pattern blocks adds a hands-on element that kids love, turning meaningful teachings into a calming, creative activity. Pattern blocks are such a great resource because they support fine motor skills, shape recognition, and early geometry while giving kids the chance to build and explore.
What Are the 7 Grandfather Teachings?
The Seven Grandfather Teachings, also known as the Seven Sacred Teachings, are values passed down through generations. These are ancestral teachings among native american communities, and have so much value to benefit everyone. They guide how we treat ourselves, others, and the world around us. Each teaching is represented by an animal that best shows the meaning behind it.
Respect is represented by the Buffalo, teaching us to honour the world around us and show gratitude for the gifts we receive. Courage belongs to the Bear, reminding children that being brave often means doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Truth is carried by the Turtle, encouraging us to live honestly and stay true to who we are.
Wisdom is symbolised by the Beaver, showing how knowledge and experience can be used to help our families and communities. Love is represented by the Eagle, teaching us to care for ourselves and others with an open heart. Honesty comes from the Raven, encouraging children to tell the truth and live with integrity. Finally, Humility is taught by the Wolf, reminding us that everyone is connected and that putting others first brings harmony.
These values are simple for children to understand but powerful enough to guide them through life, which makes them wonderful to introduce at home or in the classroom.
Is There a Correct Order for the Seven Sacred Teachings?
Many people wonder if the Seven Sacred Teachings must be followed in a specific order. The truth is that different Indigenous communities may share them in slightly different sequences, and there is no single order that is required for everyone. However, a commonly used order begins with Love, followed by Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and ending with Truth. Truth is often placed last because it represents the understanding that grows when all the other teachings are lived together.
The most widely accepted order is:
- Love – Eagle
- Respect – Buffalo
- Courage – Bear
- Honesty – Raven
- Wisdom – Beaver
- Humility – Wolf
- Truth – Turtle
The teachings form a circle rather than a strict list, so you can introduce them in any order that feels meaningful for your lesson or activity.
Who Are the Seven Grandfathers and Where Do These Teachings Come From?
The Seven Grandfathers come from an Anishinaabe teaching that has been shared for many generations. In the story, the Seven Grandfathers are powerful spiritual beings who each carry an important teaching meant to guide people in living a good life. According to the traditional story, the Grandfathers saw that the people were struggling, so they chose a young boy and sent him on a journey to learn how to live with balance, kindness, and respect. Each Grandfather gave the boy one teaching, and when he returned, he was instructed to share these lessons with the people.
These teachings became what are now called the Seven Sacred Teachings: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. They are still shared today by many communities as a way to help children and adults understand how to treat themselves, others, and the natural world. While details of the story can vary between Nations and storytellers, the heart of the teachings remains the same. They are values meant to guide everyday life and help us walk in a good way.
Pattern Block Mats for Hands-On Learning
Pattern block mats give kids a chance to build, recreate, and explore shapes while connecting to the story or theme behind the design. You can print each mat and let children use real pattern blocks on top, or laminate the pages for reuse with a whole group.
Kids can follow the design or create their own version, turning it into a relaxing activity that encourages imagination while building important early math skills.
About These 7 Grandfather Teachings Pattern Block Mats
These grandfather teachings printable free pattern block mats feature all seven animals connected to the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Each one is made entirely from classic pattern block shapes, making the activity fun, colourful, and easy for kids to complete. At the bottom of each mat, a short explanation shares the meaning behind that animal’s teaching.
Eagle – Love
The Eagle represents Love, teaching children to care deeply for others and show kindness wherever they go.
Buffalo – Respect
The Buffalo represents Respect, teaching children to honour people, animals, and the natural world.
Bear – Courage
The Bear encourages Courage, helping kids learn to be brave and do what is right even when it feels challenging.
Raven – Honesty
The Raven teaches Honesty, encouraging kids to speak the truth and act in a trustworthy way.
Beaver – Wisdom
The Beaver teaches Wisdom, showing how we can use what we know to help others and make good choices.
Wolf – Humility
The Wolf represents Humility and reminds children that we are strongest when we work together and think of others.
Turtle – Truth
The Turtle represents Truth and reminds children to live honestly and stay true to themselves.
Download the Seven Sacred Teachings Native American Pattern Block Mats PDF
You can download the full set of Seven Grandfather Teaching pattern block mats as a simple PDF ready to print and use with your kids. Just click below to get your copy and start building.
Terms of use: These seven teachings Native American pattern block mats are free for personal use and classroom use.
These pattern block mats are a meaningful way to introduce children to the Seven Sacred Teachings while giving them a hands-on activity they can enjoy again and again. They work beautifully for quiet time, early learning centres, or at home with siblings. Kids love the colourful animal designs, and the short explanations help make each teaching easy for them to understand.
More Native American Learning Activities
If you enjoyed learning the 7 teachings, you can use these mats as part of Indigenous Peoples Day learning or even during Thanksgiving to focus on cultural understanding, values, and storytelling. Here’s some more to explore.
More Pattern Block Mats
If your kids enjoy building with pattern blocks, we have many more designs perfect for creative play and early maths practice.
- Free Printable Fall Pattern Block Mats for Preschool Fun
- Halloween Pattern Block Templates (Free Printable)
Thank you for reading and supporting our work. If you found this helpful, please share the blog post with friends, teachers, or in your favourite learning groups so more families can use it too.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
These 7 Sacred Teachings pattern mats are such a meaningful and creative way for kids to learn while playing, love this idea!