🌿 CHILDEN OF THE CROWN 🌿

Children of the Crown is a heartfelt educational project designed to celebrate the beauty, history, and cultural diversity of dreadlocks.
Created especially for young dreadheads 5-10 years old and homeschooling families, this initiative helps children explore the roots of their hair with pride, purpose, and creativity.

Dreadlocks have existed across time and culture — from the warriors of Africa to the sages of India, from Viking traditions to Pacific Islander strength.
This project honors that legacy by teaching children that their hair is more than a style — it is a symbol of heritage, identity, and resilience.

Through engaging colouring books, affirmation art, scalp care guides, and hands-on activities, Children of the Crown empowers young ones
to connect with their ancestral stories, appreciate cultural differences, and grow up proud of their crown.

This is not just about hair — it’s about history, connection, and the sacred act of being yourself.

A downloadable scalp + dread care guide designed especially for children.

A Dreadcare Kit – complete with products, tools, rituals, and a handcrafted lokked doll for your little one to love — donated by members of our community.

A beautifully illustrated storybook (ebook format)

A dread education & activities pack for ages 5–10

Lesson plans for homeschoolers to weave dreadlock culture into everyday learning

📚 Children of the Crown — Kids Dread Education Kit

A gentle, engaging introduction to dreadlocks for young minds and their caregivers.

Designed especially for homeschooling parents and for those raising little dreadheads, this kit makes learning about hair, culture, and care fun, respectful, and empowering.

What’s Inside?

  • Cultural Coloring Book:
    Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations of crowns featuring dread styles representing various cultures that honour and celebrate dreadlocks — African, Viking, Indigenous, Caribbean, and more. Each page includes an affirmation to nurture connection to your roots.

  • Scalp & Dread Care Guide for Kids:
    Easy-to-understand, illustrated guide that teaches children the importance of scalp health and gentle dreadlock care. Includes tips on how to nurture young dreadlocks safely and lovingly.

  • Lokk Dolls & Mini Mannequins:
    Lokk Dolls have been generously gifted by our community to help every child feel seen and celebrated with a doll that wears dreads just like them.
    Also available are mini mannequin heads featuring synthetic dreads- kids can explore gentle touch, twisting techniques, and hair care through fun, hands-on learning that builds confidence and connection.

  • Simple, Heartfelt Lessons:
    Thoughtful, kid-friendly explanations of hair as energy, connection, and culture. These lessons include stories and prompts to encourage children to express what their hair means to them and how it connects them to their family, community, and heritage, as well as teaching simple hygiene and self care.

  • A perfect resource for Homeschoolers:
    This PDF document maps the Children of the Crown dreadlock education course for children aged 6–10 (Stages 1–3) to the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (PDHPE, History, Geography, English, Visual Arts), Version 9.0. The content encourages self-care, cultural awareness, creativity, and respect for personal and ancestral identity through dreadlock education.

Why Children of the Crown?

  • Encourages respect and pride in natural hair and dreadlocks from a young age

  • Supports gentle, age-appropriate dread care routines

  • Builds cultural awareness and appreciation

  • Empowers kids to take ownership of their unique dreadlock journey

  • Creates a mindful, nurturing atmosphere around hair and identity

Children of the Crown — Lesson Scripts for Kids

Lesson 1: What Are Dreadlocks?

Hello, little one!
Did you know hair can be many things? It can be soft and straight, curly like a spring, or even twisted into special rope-like shapes called dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks are a way some people wear their hair, where the hair twists and knots together naturally or with a little help. These locks look like tiny ropes or braids, but they’re very special.

People have worn dreadlocks for thousands of years — from kings and queens to everyday heroes — to show who they are, where they come from, and to celebrate their stories.

Activity:
Can you draw yourself with dreadlocks? What colors would you use? Maybe your hair could be bright purple or all natural with special decorations!

Lesson 2: Hair is Energy and Connection

Your dreads isn’t just hair — it’s like a little crown that holds your energy. When you take care of your dreadlocks, you’re taking care of yourself.

Some people believe that hair connects us to our families and our ancestors — these are the people who lived long ago and loved us very much.

When you touch your dreadlocks gently, you’re sending love to yourself and your story.

Activity:
Close your eyes and gently touch your hair. Think about someone you love. Imagine your hair glowing with their love and your happiness.

Lesson 3: Caring for Your Dreadlock Crown

Did you know that your dreadlocks are like a magical crown that needs love, care, and a little bit of attention to keep it shining strong?

Looking after your dreadlocks helps them stay neat, clean, and full of good energy. Let’s learn how to care for your dreadlock crown like a true dreadlock guardian!

✨ Washing Your Dreadlocks ✨
Dreadlocks love to be clean — just like you after a long day of play!
You can wash your dreadlocks every 1–2 weeks using a natural, gentle shampoo (ask your grown-up to help find one made especially for dreadlocks). Make sure you rinse really well so no soap is left behind.

🌀 Kid Tip: Use your fingertips (not nails!) to gently scrub your scalp like you’re giving it a little massage.


💨 Drying Your Dreadlocks 💨
After washing, your dreadlocks need to dry properly — just like your clothes on the washing line.

Too much dampness can make your dreadlocks feel icky or even smell funny. You can gently squeeze the water out with a towel, and if you have long dreadlocks, you can use a hairdryer on a low, warm setting (with adult help).

🌞 Kid Tip: Let your dreadlocks dry in the sunshine if it’s a warm day. The sun is nature’s hairdryer!


🌱 Separating Your Dreadlocks 🌱

Sometimes, your dreadlocks like to hug each other too tightly and start sticking together. That’s why we separate them gently with our fingers to make sure they’re standing strong on their own— it’s like giving each one a little room to grow.

👐 Kid Tip: Ask a grown-up or a friend to help you gently pull them apart if they get too close.


🌈 Palm Rolling 🌈

Palm rolling is like giving your dreadlocks a big warm hug. You just roll each one between your hands to help them stay smooth and neat.

You don’t have to do this often, but a little rolling after washing can help your dreadlocks grow strong and tidy.

🖐️ Kid Tip: Try singing your favourite song while rolling — it makes the time go faster and more fun!

🧙‍♀️ Visiting a Dreadlock Artist or Loctician 🧙‍♀️

Every now and then, your dreadlocks might need a little professional magic. That’s when you visit a loctician — someone who helps take care of dreadlocks like yours.

At your visit, they might:

  • Clean up your roots (new growth)

  • Fix any loose or frizzy parts

  • Make sure everything is neat and healthy

  • Don’t worry, maintenance does not hurt but it can take a while so make sure you are comfortable

🎉 Kid Tip: Bring your favourite toy or drawing pad — some appointments can take a little while!

🪄 Home Care Tips & Tricks 🪄

Here are some super secret tricks for keeping your dreadlocks happy at home:

  • Sleep with a silk or satin wrap to keep your dreadlocks soft

  • Don’t twist or play with your dreadlocks too much — they like to rest!

  • Drink water and eat yummy nutritious food — healthy dreadlocks need a healthy you!

  • Use a light spray or natural oil if your scalp feels dry (ask a grown-up for help)

🌟 Activity:

Print out this “Caring for My Crown” Chart!
Draw little pictures or use stickers to track when you:

  • Washed your dreadlocks

  • Separated them

  • Rolled them

  • Went for a maintenance visit

Stick your chart on your wall or fridge like a proud dreadlock champion!

Activity:
Pretend your scalp is a garden. What kind of garden tools would you use to care for it? Draw your garden and your special hair-care tools.

Lesson 4: Hair is Culture and Story

Your hair tells a story — your story! And the stories of the people who came before you.

Different people all over the world have different ways of wearing their hair. Some wear braids, some wear curls, and some wear dreadlocks. Each style is like a secret message about who they are.

Wearing dreadlocks is a way of saying, “I am proud of my story and my family.”

Activity:
Ask someone in your family to tell you a story about your family or where your hair comes from. Draw a picture or write a few words about it.

🌿 Scalp Care Guide for Kids: Happy Hair, Happy Head! 🌿

Hello, Little Dreadhead!

Taking care of your scalp (the skin under your hair) is super important. When your scalp is happy and healthy, your hair can grow strong and beautiful!

Here’s how you can help your scalp stay clean and cozy:

1. Be Gentle with Your Hair

  • Use your fingers to touch and twist your dreadlocks gently — no pulling or tugging!

  • When washing your hair, don’t scratch your scalp with your nails. Instead, use the pads of your fingers like little soft drums to clean.

2. Keep Your Scalp Clean

  • Wash your hair about once a week with a gentle shampoo made for dreadlocks or sensitive skin.

  • Rinse really well so no shampoo is left behind — leftover shampoo can make your scalp itchy.

3. Dry Your Hair Carefully

  • After washing, pat your hair dry with a soft towel — no rubbing!

  • Let your dreadlocks air dry or use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting. Wet hair can get itchy or smelly if it stays damp too long.

4. Moisturize Your Scalp

  • If your scalp feels dry or itchy, you can use a little natural oil (like coconut or jojoba) — but only a tiny bit!

  • Put the oil on your fingertips, then gently rub it into your scalp. It’s like giving your scalp a little drink.

5. Keep Your Dreadlocks Neat

  • Sometimes dreadlocks like to get a little messy — and that’s okay!

  • If you want, you can twist your dreadlocks gently with your fingers to keep them looking tidy.

  • Avoid using too many products — natural is best for young dreadlocks.

6. Protect Your Hair at Night

  • Wear a soft bonnet, scarf, or sleep cap to keep your hair safe while you sleep.

  • This keeps your dreadlocks cozy and stops them from getting tangled.

Remember:

Your scalp and your hair are part of you — treat them kindly, and they will help you shine!

Activity:
Make a little poster with pictures or drawings showing your favorite scalp care steps! Hang it near your mirror as a reminder to keep your crown healthy.

Kids Dreadlock Care & Fun Pack

perfect for young dreadheads aged 5–12. It's gentle, magical, and full of personality, designed to make hair care fun, educational, and empowering.

🎁 Children of the Crown – Dreadlock Pack for Kids

A playful bundle for mini dread warriors and fairy queens!

🧴 1. Gentle Crown Cleanse (Sensitive Shampoo)

  • Sulfate-free, tear-free, naturally scented (lavender or chamomile)

  • Comes in a fun, squeezable bottle with a friendly mascot on it (like a little dreadlocked fox or dragon!)

💧 2. Soothing Scalp Mist

  • A light, refreshing aloe vera, peppermint + tea tree

  • Helps calm itchy scalps and makes dreadlocks smell nice

  • A great lice deterrent - keep those nits away!

  • Kid-safe formula, lightly magical scent like “Stardust” or “Dreamcloud”

🧢 3. Sleepy Crown Cap (Sleep Bonnet)

  • Soft, stretchy, and fun — in colors like Galaxy Purple, Mermaid Blue, or Forest Green

  • Comes with cute character designs or reversible prints (dragons, flowers, runes, stars)

👑 4. “My Crown” Headband

  • Soft, wide cloth headband for keeping dreads out of their face during play or school

  • Made from bamboo or organic cotton, offered in mystical or elemental themes (Fire, Water, Earth, Air)

🧶 5. Mini Bead Kit

  • Child-safe dread beads in natural wood or smooth resin

  • Carved with symbols (stars, hearts, runes, suns, etc.)

  • Comes with a “bead bag” and “bead threader” with instructions on how to slide beads on with help from a grown-up

🪡 6. Wooly Friend Lock-Doll

  • Mini doll or character with wool dreadlocks

  • Kids can practice gentle care, twisting, or accessorizing

  • Optional: DIY mini wool dread kit so kids can “create” their doll’s hair themselves

🧾 7. Little Booklet: “How to Love Your Crown”

  • 8–12 pages with:

    • Easy scalp/hair care tips

    • Cultural stories from Viking, African, Caribbean, and Indigenous traditions

    • Journal pages: “How I Feel About My Hair,” “Where My Hair Comes From,” “My Hair Powers”

✨ 8. Magic Rune or Charm Necklace

  • A little keepsake symbol for confidence and strength

  • Comes with a note: “Your hair is your crown. Your crown holds your power.”

BONUS ADD-ONS (Optional):

  • 🌈 Dreadlock chalk (temporary, mess-free color sticks for ends of dreads)

  • 🧙‍♂️ Spell cards (affirmations for dreadhead kids: “I am strong,” “I am wild,” “I am kind”)

  • 🎨 Printable coloring posters (hair as magic, dreads as roots/tree branches, etc.)