Education Language & Literacy 3100/3200
Example of work:
This assignment was used to help us with Indigenously inspired books that we think would be effective tools for our classroom. I describe some possible discussion topics we can look at in the Before, During, and After phases of the book and lesson.
Book 1: The Elders Are Watching
Author: David Bouchard & Roy Henery Vickers
Learning Intention: Oral tradition & Story Telling.
Stories and environmental narratives are very important for young readers to learn about. This story in particular speaks to environmental issues and working towards fixing our mistakes of the past for the future.
Before: Ask students what they think this book could be about. What does the front of the book look like?
During: Stop and ask questions about what we just read or the pictures attached to the written part of the Page
After: Ask students what they think needs to be improved within our own environment, or help them see the big picture message of concern from Aboriginal leaders of the past to the people of the new millennium.
Book #2 Hockey with Dad
Author: Wille Sellars
Illustrated by Kevin Easthope
Learning Intentions
Younger generations should look to our elders for guidance and strength, not just in sport, but in life. This book also discusses how hockey is for everyone. This could also apply to any sport and life. As well as gender differences. Hockey is for boys and girls, and it doesn’t matter what your background or culture is; it is for everyone.
Before: Discuss the importance of friends and family with kids and get them thinking. Discuss this and ask why?
During: If students struggle to understand, have them reread, or, as the teacher, ask them questions about what is going on in the story to keep their attention and ensure they understand.
After: Ask students what they thought about the story. Relate to my own experiences playing hockey. Being an indigenous hockey player, I have had firsthand experience with a story like this. I could also talk about my experiences and possibly bring in one of the elders who coached me in the past to talk about the importance.