Bibliothèque Inman Library

Learning Circles

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

After participating in a Learning Circle workshop presented by Lori Magri, Brandi Price, Cailin Lau, et al., it became much clearer to me the importance of connecting to our ancestry and the connection to First People’s Principles of Learning.

This post is meant to document some helpful resources as an educator. I particularly liked the The Talking Circle webpage from the Alberta Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum site because I was able to adapt and modify its framework for the classroom. Please not that modifications and adaptations will be required if used with elementary students.

Image from http://firstnationspedagogy.ca/circletalks.html

Trying to figure out how to do this with very young students has been a learning curve and enlightening. My experiences have been a work in progress in collaboration with various teachers and grades (2/3, K, K/1) .

Posted in Indigenous Education, Teacher Reference | Leave a comment

The Granddaughter who was Eaten by a Big Fish

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Listen to this story: The Granddaughter who was Eaten by a Big Fish

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-INTER-HQ-ACH/STAGING/audio-audio/lr_ks_GDEbBF_1367342235257_eng.mp3

Discussion — The Granddaughter who was Eaten by a Big Fish

After telling the students “The Granddaughter who was Eaten by a Big Fish,” we asked them to talk about some of the themes of the story. The following questions helped unpack the story.

Why didn’t Gookum want her granddaughter to swim in the lake?
What was Beulah’s reaction when she was told not to swim in the lake? Do you think that was the right way to act?
Why did Beulah disobey Gookum? Do you think there may have been other ways for her to cool off without swimming in the lake?
How did Gookum react when she discovered Beulah in the big fish? How do you think she felt?
Do you think Beulah learned something? What did she learn?
What did you learn?

We learned that stories are a valuable way to inform young people about the values and beliefs that First Nations consider important to their members. Teaching stories fall into different categories. Some are similar to fables, with explicit morals, others open-ended. This story is subtle, possibly even obscure, and is left to the students or listeners to discover. The discovery story educates listeners gradually. The goals or morals of the story reveal themselves to the listener, as his or her life experiences develop.

What was difficult about this activity?

Posted in Aboriginal Stories, Beatovic | Comments Off

Chose Your Art

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Art Inquiry Criteria

You are going to investigate a piece of stolen art.

You are about to embark on an inquiry project about stolen art. You may do this project on your own, or with one partner. Follow these steps to get started:
Instructions
- Note take images off Pinterest
1. Choose an interesting piece of art to study.
2. Make a copy of the artwork and save it in a Word document. Write the name of the artist and the year the piece was made under the picture.
3. Using the internet, record five interesting facts about your artist. Write these in point form, in your own words, on the graphic organiser. (Remember to think about the 5Ws – who, when, where, what, why).
You and your partner must each complete a note-taking sheet.
4. Record five interesting facts about the art
5. Record five interesting details about the theft. Remember to include answers to the questions you asked at the beginning of the inquiry.
Keep your questions in mind as you are looking for your sentences.

Posted in Sutton | Comments Off

Hey Little Ant ~ How to be reflective?

Posted on November 19, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Because Hey, Little Ant ends with a question–“What do you think that kid should do?”– the story naturally leads to discussion. Children want to keep talking. Common topics include bullying (“Have you ever felt like the ant?”) and the connectedness of living things (“Do you think the ant’s as important as the child?”).

Some general questions to consider:

What do you think the kid should do? Explain your answer?
What are some of the reasons for squishing the ant?
Is it okay to squish the ant? If so, under what conditions?
Are there other living things that makes it okay to squish or stamp out?
What are some alternative ways to deal with this situation?
The Ant says they are very much alike? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Teacher Reference Links:

http://the firstgradeparade.org/hey-little-an/

http://www.heylittleant.com/hlatg/

https://www.teachstarter.com/lesson-plan/hey-little-ant-modelled-writing/

Posted in First People's Principles, Mauro | Comments Off

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Division 3 worked in groups to develop qustions about great art thefts!

Posted in Sutton | Leave a comment

Great Art Thefts

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

What are some of the things these images have in common?

You will see 4 images. In partners, explain your thinking.
- What are some things they have in common?
- Do I have a least 4 ideas? What are they?

Posted in Sutton | Comments Off

Inventing & Engineering

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Making mistakes and learning from them is part of the process. Watch Kid President!

Posted in Beatovic, Genius Hour | Comments Off

Inman Library ~ Animals in War Display

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Why is there a bear in the Remembrance Day Display? Check out some of the videos below about “Winnie”, most famous Canadian Bear!

Posted in Veterans | Leave a comment

Honouring our Aboriginal Veterans

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Mrs. Giacomazza

Some of our most decorated Veterans are aboriginal people. Indigenous people have a long and proud tradition of military service in Canada. From the earliest days before Canada was even a country of its own, through the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, post-war peace support efforts, Afghanistan and on to the present day, thousands of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous men and women have served bravely and well in uniform.

National Aboriginal Veterans Monument located in Ottawa.

What would a monument to brave Aboriginal Veterans look like if you were the one who designed it? What kind of animals and symbols would you use? Here is your big chance! Why don’t you take a sheet of paper and design, draw and colour your own monument to these Canadian heroes! Download National Aboriginal Veterans Monument Student Activity and colour.