Language Arts / English Lesson Plans

My Own Blanket

(Grades K-4) Subject Strands: Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Math.

The Tipi, The Circle Model, The Powwow: 

Blackfoot Nation Lesson Plan (Grades 1-6; Level Primary/Junior) Subject Strands: Language, Social Studies.

Four Directions Learning Activity:

Cree Nation Lesson Plan (Grades 1-6; Level Primary/Junior) Subject Strands: Language, Social Studies.

Mi'kmaq Creation Story:

Mi'kmaq Nation Lesson Plan (Grades 1-6; Level Primary/Junior) Subject Strands: Language Arts, Drama, Social Studies, Science, Health.

Who Am I?

(Grades 4-6) Subject Strands: Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts.

Circle Traditions - Talking Circles

Grade 1; Primary. Students learn the significance of talking circles for Aboriginal people. They participate in classroom talking circles focused on curriculum-related issues or other issues relevant to them. Talking Circles, Interconnectedness, Equality, Inclusiveness.

Respect

Grade 1; Primary. Students develop an understanding of the Aboriginal belief in the importance of respecting oneself, others, and all things. Creation, Knowledge, Wisdom, Sacred objects.

Treaties

Grade 1; Primary. Students learn that promises come in different forms and that it is important to keep promises. Treaties, Agreements, Federal Government, Promises.

Responsibility

Grade 1; Primary. Students learn about how Aboriginal peoples demonstrate responsibility for themselves, others, and the environment around them. Students make connections to similar ways in which they demonstrate responsibility. Rights, Property, Shared Environment, Heritage and Citizenship.

Naming Ceremony

Grade 2; Primary. Students learn about names and naming traditions, and examine how these and other aspects of culture and community are passed on through the generations. Heritage, Traditions, Celebrations, Families, Cultures.

Seventh-Generation Stewardship

Grade 3; Primary. Students use the Aboriginal concept of seventh-generation stewardship as a framework for exploring their responsibilities for the land, animals, air, and water for future generations. Urban, Rural, Natural Environment, Water.

What Settlers Learned From Aboriginal People - Food Preservation

Grade 3; Primary. Students research how food was preserved and stored by early settlers and Aboriginal people, and share the information in a feature article for a children’s magazine. Early Settlement, Medicinal Plants, Transportation, Hunters, Gatherers, Food Preservation.

What Settlers Learned From Aboriginal People - Technology

Grade 3; Primary. Students research how food was preserved and stored by early settlers and Aboriginal people, and share the information in a feature article for a children’s magazine. Tools, Technologies, Inventions, Survival.

Comparing Media Text - Who Says?

Grade 4; Junior. Students analyse and compare two media texts, one with an Aboriginal perspective and one with a non-Aboriginal perspective. Perceptions, Texts, Perspectives, Point of View, Audience, Influence, Message.

Aboriginal Heros

Grade 5; Junior. Students research an Aboriginal hero and write that person’s biography. Achievement, Contribution, Recognition, Non-Fiction.

Creation Stories - Where We All Come From

Grade 5; Junior. Students read and compare creation stories from various cultures. In groups, they prepare a story for a reader’s theatre presentation. Origin, Creator, Legends, Myths, Oral Tradition, Beliefs.

Stereotypes - Learning To Unlearn

Grade 5; Junior. Students learn to dispel stereotypes of Aboriginal people and use appropriate vocabulary with regard to Aboriginal people and their culture. Worldview, Perception, Fact, Stereotype, Vocabulary.

Talking Circles

Grade 5; Junior. Students discuss a work of literature, using an Aboriginal talking circle. Equality, Talking Piece, Speaker, Listener.

Aboriginal Poetry

Grade 7; Intermediate. Students examine a poem written by an Aboriginal poet and prepare and deliver an oral presentation of the poem. Sensitivity, Cultural differences, Communicate.

Gestures and Movement in Aboriginal Dance

Grade 7; Intermediate. Students interpret gestures and movements used in Aboriginal dances, verify their interpretations through research, and create a presentation to show what they have learned. Sensitivity, Cultural differences, Oral communication.

Viewpoints in Aboriginal and Mainstream Media

Grade 7; Intermediate. Students analyse and compare Aboriginal and mainstream newspapers to determine the differences in their viewpoints. Different points of view, Interests, Perspectives.

The Red River Rebellion

Grade 8; Intermediate. Students explore the roles of key individuals and groups in the Red River Rebellion and the impact of the conflict on the development of western Canada. Causes, Results, Treaty #6.

Perspectives in Aboriginal Media

Grade 8; Intermediate. Students analyse and compare the perspectives in Aboriginal media texts. Messages, Evidence, Interpretations.

Media Portrayal of Aboriginal Peoples

Grade 11; Senior. Students research the ways Aboriginal peoples have been portrayed in the mainstream media such as film and television in the past, and compare these with portrayals in the Aboriginal and mainstream media today. Perspectives, Biases, Beliefs, Values, Identity.