Lesson Plans/ Activities
Saskatchewan's Schools: This resource was created to provide instructional ideas in a ready-to-use lesson format for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies. Saskatchewan Learning’s initiative in web-based learning provided the impetus to extend this resource offering beyond the borders of the Regina Public School Division.
The lessons and activities are organized under 6 themes: Diversity (in general as well as the diversity among Indigenous peoples); Treaties; Governance; the Metis; Role Models; and Aboriginal Contributions to Society. Some of the themes, such as Role Models have a lesson theme within the concept theme. Role Models use different variations of posters as an activity in all its lessons; Metis lessons try to incorporate the creation of a quilt to illustrate the theme in each lesson.
www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/aboriginal_res/
FourDirectionsTeachings.com is a visually stunning audio narrated resource for learning abou Indigenous knowledge and philosophy from five diverse First Nations in Canada.
www.FourDirectionsTeachings.com
National Museum of the American Indian: Lessons and activities http://nmai.si.edu/explore/foreducatorsstudents/classroomlessons/
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
- Grade 9
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
- High School
- Truth and Reconcilliation (ReVison Quest, CBC)
Language
Purpose: To introduce students to Canadian First
Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Peoples. Students
will learn the significance of talking circles for
Aboriginal Peoples and learn how to carry out this
strategy when discussing important topics.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr1Language_Jan24-2012.pdf
Language: Circle Traditions- Talking Circle.
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.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr01lancircle.pdf
Language: Respect-
Students develop an understanding of the Aboriginal belief in the importance
of respecting oneself, others, and all things.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr01lanrespect.pdf
Language: Treaties-
Students learn that promises come in different forms and that it is important
to keep promises.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr01lantreaties.pdf
Social Studies: Responsibility-
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.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr01socresponsibility.pdf
Social Studies: Respecting Mother Earth-
Students explore Aboriginal and other community perspectives on respect for
the land, and develop a personal connection to protecting the earth.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr01socrespect.pdf
Social Studies: The things We Need-
Students identify the needs of humans, how these needs are met in different
cultures, and who is involved in meeting these needs.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr01socthings.pdf
Social Studies
Purpose: For students to learn about the wide
variety of cultures and traditions that coexist in
Canada. Students will investigate their family
histories and traditions as well as those of their
classmates. With greater focus, they will learn
about Canadian Aboriginal culture and how
knowledge and traditions are passed down from
one generation to the next. Students will write a
short reflection about how cultures collectively
contribute to, and enrich Canadian society.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr2SocialStudies_Jan24-2012.pdf
Social Studies: The Naming Ceremony, Heritage and citizenship, traditions and celebrations
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr02socnaming.pdf
Social Studies: Social Celebrations, Remembrance Day, Heritage and citizenship, traditions and celebrations
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr02socremembrance.pdf
Social Studies: Seasonal Traditions, Heritage and citizenship, traditions and celebrations
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr02socseasonal.pdf
Language
Purpose: Canada’s First Nations, Métis and
Inuit Peoples value a legacy of oral tradition. In
this activity, students will learn about the oral
traditions of Canadian Aboriginal Peoples. They
will hear a traditional oral story and discuss the
lessons in it intended for future generations.
Students will then apply their learnings to create
their own family myth.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr3Language_Jan24-2012.pdf
Social Studies: 7th Generation Stewardship, Canada and World Connections, urban and rural communities
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr03socstewardship.pdf
Social Studies: Heritage and Citizenship, early settlements and Upper Canada
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr03socfeasts.pdf
Social Studies: Heritage and Citizenship, early settlements and Upper Canada- Food preservation
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr03socpreservation.pdf
Social Studies: Heritage and Citizenship, early settlements and Upper Canada- Technology
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr03soctechnology.pdf
Social Studies
Purpose: For students to learn about the
geographic regions of Canada. In small groups
they will research the location, types of landforms
and waterways, temperature range, seasons,
natural resources, plants and animals in the area.
Finally, students will learn about the Aboriginal
Peoples of Canada found throughout these
geographic regions.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr4SocialStudies_Jan24-2012.pdf
Language: Media literacy, Comparing Media Texts- Who Says?
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr04lanwhosays.pdf
Social Studies: Canada and world connections, Canada's provinces, territories, and regions, Exchanges between communities
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr04socexchanges.pdf
Social Studies: Canada and world connections, Canada's provinces, territories, and regions- Walking in Someone Else's Shoes
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr04socwalking.pdf
Education, Economy, Security, Culture, Self-Government: Path of Elders web pages http://www.pathoftheelders.com/index.php
Social Studies
Purpose: For students to investigate the influence
of the natural environment on the development of
early civilizations around the world. Specifically,
they will examine early First Nations and Inuit
civilizations within the geographic regions of
Canada eventually comparing these civilizations to
that of another continent.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr5SocialStudies_Jan24-2012.pdf
Language: Reading, Writing, Aboriginal Hereos
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lanheroes.pdf
Wab Kinew's video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ul4KmHlzMc&feature=related
Language: Reading- Creation Stories- Where We All Come From
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lancreation.pdf
Language: Oral Communication, Stereotypes- Learning to Unlearn
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lanstereotypes.pdf
Language: Oral Comminication- Talking Circle
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lancircle.pdf
Language: Reading- Creation Stories- Where We All Come From
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lancreation.pdf
Language: Oral Communication, Stereotypes- Learning to Unlearn
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lanstereotypes.pdf
Language: Oral Comminication- Talking Circle
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr05lancircle.pdf
Path of Elders: http://www.pathoftheelders.com/templates/pote/pdf/Teachers_Guide_2010_Grade5.pdf
Social Studies
Purpose: For students to review the lifestyles of
First Nations and Inuit Peoples before the 16th and
17th centuries. They will examine the positive and
negative effects of interactions between European
settlers and First Nations and Inuit Peoples.
Students will describe how early contact and the
fur trade served the interests of both the Europeans
and the First Nations and Inuit Peoples and how
European influence spread throughout Canada.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr6SocialStudies_Jan24-2012.pdf
Social Studies: Achievements of Aboriginal People in Canada
Students research the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal people
in Canada.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr06socachievements.pdf
Social Studies: Current Aboriginal Perspectives
Students invite members of the Aboriginal community into the classroom for
a presentation and/or interview to explore present-day issues facing First
Nation, Métis, and Inuit people.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr06socperspectives.pdf
Social Studies: Different but Similar- Comparing Algonquian and Iroquoian Nations
Students research and compare key social and cultural characteristics of nations within the Algonquian and Iroquoian groups.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr06socdifferences.pdf
Social Studies: Issues Concerning First Nations Today
Students gain an understanding of the treaty-making process and the impact that the treaties made between Aboriginal peoples and the federal government are still having today. They participate in a simulated negotiation of an agreement to share a territory.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr06socissues.pdf
Language: Aboriginal Poetry
Students examine a poem written by an Aboriginal poet and prepare and deliver
an oral presentation of the poem.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr07lanpoetry.pdf
Path of Elders: http://www.pathoftheelders.com/templates/pote/pdf/Teachers_Guide_2010_Grade6.pdf
History
Purpose: For students to examine the causes,
events and results of the War of 1812. Students
will use their inquiry skills to research the different
sides of the war. They will profile influential people
and reflect the ways First Nations and Métis
Peoples shaped the events of the war.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr7History_Jan24-2012.pdf
Language: Gestures and Movements in Aboriginal Dances
Students interpret gestures and movements used in Aboriginal dances, verify
their interpretations through research, and create a presentation to show
what they have learned.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr07landance.pdf
Language: Viewpoints in Aboriginal and Mainstream Media
Students analyse and compare Aboriginal and mainstream newspapers to determine the differences in their viewpoints.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr07lanviewpoints.pdf
History: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Students examine similarities and differences in culture, values, goals,
and interests within and across Aboriginal, French, and English populations
in New France.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr07hstcrosscultural.pdf
History: Exploring Cultural Differences
Students learn about cultural similarities and differences among Aboriginal groups and between the French and Aboriginal people in New France. They also learn about the impact the similarities and differences had on relations among Aboriginal groups
and between Aboriginal groups and the French.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr07hstdifferences.pdf
Path of Elders: http://www.pathoftheelders.com/templates/pote/pdf/Teachers_Guide_2010_Grade7.pdf
Language
Purpose: For students to learn about inspirational
Aboriginal Canadians through the National
Aboriginal Achievement Awards. Students
will demonstrate skills in the areas of oral
communication, reading and writing as they
communicate the achievements of their assigned
winner.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr8Language_Jan24-2012.pdf
History: Important Aboriginal Women
Students research an Aboriginal woman from the past to learn about her contribution to the lives of Aboriginal women and children.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr08hstwomen.pdf
History: Lives of Métis and First Nation Peoples in Western Canada in the 1890s
Students research and compare how Métis and First Nation peoples lived in western Canada in the last decade of the nineteenth century.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr08hstwestern.pdf
History: The Red River Rebellion
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.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr08hstrebellion.pdf
History: Treaties 1 to 8
Students research Treaties 1 to 8 and develop an understanding of their impact on the past and present lives of First Nation peoples, and consider what future impact they will have.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr08hsttreaties.pdf
History: Treaties and Legislation – Transforming Lifestyles Students examine the seven treaties signed by First Nations in western Canada and the federal government between 1871 and 1877 (Treaties 1 to 7) and the Indian Act of 1876 and compare the lives of First Nation peoples in western Canada before and after the treaties were signed and the legislation came into effect.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr08hstlegislation.pdf
Media Literacy: Perspectives in Aboriginal Media
Students analyse and compare the perspectives in Aboriginal media texts.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr08lanperspectives.pdf
Path of Elders: http://www.pathoftheelders.com/templates/pote/pdf/Teachers_Guide_2010_Grade8.pdf
Geography
Purpose: For students to learn about land claim
settlements and resource megaprojects in Canada.
Students will investigate these issues, learning the
impact they have on Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr9Geography_Jan24-2012.pdf
Path of Elders: http://www.pathoftheelders.com/templates/pote/pdf/Teachers_Guide_2010_Grade9.pdf
English
Purpose: To encourage students to explore
current Canadian Aboriginal issues by reading
and analyzing media sources and participating
in active discussions. Students will demonstrate
their understanding of these issues by creating
media broadcasts around a selected issue in small
groups.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr10English_Jan24-2012.pdf
Path of Elders: http://www.pathoftheelders.com/templates/pote/pdf/Teachers_Guide_2010_Grade10.pdf
English
Purpose: To develop students’ reading, writing,
critical and creative thinking skills as they learn
about First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures.
Students will analyze legends and connect them to
cultural elements.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr11English1_Jan24-2012.pdf
History
Purpose: For students to explore the challenges
and events faced by Aboriginal Peoples
throughout history. Students will examine the
social, political and economic forces that have
shaped Aboriginal Peoples from the pre-contact
period to the present. Students will use their
critical-thinking and research skills to consider
events and ideas in a historical context and
present their own views.
http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/campaigns/local_spotlight_aboriginal_education/docs/AboriginalEducation_LessonPlan_Gr12History_Jan24-2012.pdf
Truth and Reconcilliation- Teacher Guide <click here>, Student Activities <click here>
