So, I have a multitude of topics that I listed in my last post that are of interest to me, but I thought I would start with exploring some resources surrounding Aboriginal and First Nations Literature. This is real focus with my school this year.
This is a bit of a daunting area for me. I feel a bit out my element, but as my coworker, who has been initiating the change in our school says, we got to start somewhere and change our teaching as we go, but we just got to go get started, and begin teaching it.
One resource for purchasing books, which I use quite often
is “Strong Nations” They have lots kits and books that relate to different
themes which the teachers in my school teach.
They also have lesson plans that go with some of their books. http://www.strongnations.com ( I
currently looking into the guided reading books, but have decided yet)
The graphic novels are really popular with the kids as well.
I really like the Principles of Learning poster, we have a
few of these in my school. It really changes the shift from learning about a
first nations group, to learning more values, culture and what we can learn
from first nations people.
In our own words, is a document with resources for teachers
K-7 for teaching aboriginal content http://www.fnesc.ca/curriculum/authentic_resources
We have a copy in our school library that was given to us,
by the district… I am sure most libraries have the same.
This is a really neat video that shows the experience of being in a residential school http://lisajackson.ca/Savage
Other books we
have in the library to support this topic, is Fatty Legs, and A stranger at
home. They also have them in the picture books versions as well. Shi-Shi-Etko By Nicola I. Campbell is a really good book to
talk about this topic also. Currently Reading "Where I belong" so will update later about that book.
This website is
really amazing… It has videos of an elder speaking. I sometimes feel that when
I am telling an oral story, I may not be doing it justice. And, I also can afford to always have elders come
to our school to give presentations. So this website has elder telling oral
stories. It also has a lot of other interactive learning resources. http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/1302889494709/1302889781786
Under the kids section are the teacher resources.
Here is the Audio to the Cree Oral story" The granddaughter who was eaten by a Big Fish"
This was a good list of excellent first nations resources in a multitude of formats. You've found some really useful materials for teaching your students about some of the most important impacts on first nations culture.
ReplyDeleteI too have been working on supporting my school's goals around aboriginal education and to support more learning resources and opportunities to explore our local first nations communities in saanich.
A little more discussion about your goals, search strategies and reflection on the process would have been very useful, but overall a helpful post for you and for your group members.
I really like your aboriginal focus and the variety of sources you found.
ReplyDeleteI also like that your coworker is encouraging you to make the change along with her. It is very helpful to have colleagues who are on board with making changes to current teaching practices. I think it is easier to make those changes when you have someone to problem-solve and collaborate with on ideas-- what works, what doesn't, etc. Hopefully the two of you will be a ripple effect for others in your school.
Thanks for sharing.