Indigenous Education and Curricular Connections

Dear Linwood Families,

At Linwood, we are working to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into our classrooms in a variety of ways. Many classrooms are learning about the Seven Sacred Teachings (respect, love, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth) through literature and art, including our divisional program known as The Integrated Arts, where professional artists work in the school. The Social Studies curriculum also addresses various aspects of citizenship as a core concept across all grades. The concept of diversity, including Indigenous perspectives, is integrated throughout the curriculum.

 

Some of our classrooms hold teacher led Sharing Circles as a format for class meetings.  Others are fortunate enough to participate, at different points during the school year, in a Talking Circle program led by a member of the division’s Indigenous Education Department.  The Talking Circle is part of divisional programming held within the classroom, for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn and benefit from.

 

Talking Circles create a safe space where all learners have a voice, and feel honoured, respected, and valued. The Talking Circle is used to build community, foster respect, develop public speaking skills, develop listening skills, and extend understanding.  It is also used to integrate Indigenous perspectives into the school culture.

 

As part of the Talking Circle program, classrooms may be invited to participate in a smudge.  Teachers will send home more specific information and a permission slip with students who are invited to participate.  All families will be informed in advance of the date that a smudge will be lit and plans will be made for students with severe allergies/ respiratory issues.

 

Some of our classrooms are also learning about the history of Residential Schools in Canada.   This learning will be incorporated into the English Language Arts program with a particular focus on reading, writing, and critical thinking.   Information will be delivered in an age-appropriate manner, often using children’s literature as a springboard for discussion.  Teachers will provide classroom specific information to families ahead of time via the classroom newsletter or blog.

 

We anticipate that learning about Residential Schools may lead to some interesting conversations at home.  We would invite you to contact your child’s teacher directly if you have any questions or concerns.  We look forward to working with your son or daughter as we explore together this important piece of Canadian history.

 

For more information about the St. James-Assiniboia School Division Indigenous Education Department, please visit their website http://abedsjasd.blogspot.ca/.  Manitoba curricular documents are available here http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/.

 

 

As always, we value your participation in your child’s education.  Please feel free to contact us at any time,

 

Sincerely,

 

The Linwood Teaching Team