This week we had a wonderful opportunity to spend time with a grade two class and create dioramas! We got to work with students 1 on 1 or 2 on 1. Each student selected a local animal, and checked out library books to learn about their animal. We get to go back next week to continue our work on the dioramas and work on their animal busy book (and I cannot wait). My student picked a goose.

I knew the student that I worked with from my previous practicum, and I was so impressed with his engagement, and work ethic through our time today. In addition to working on our diorama, we learned the Ktunaxa name for goose: kaxuǂuʔk. We listened to it together on First Voices, repeated it together, and then the student said it independently. At the end of the day, my student (with a quick reminder) shared the Ktunaxa pronunciation with the whole class beautifully! The next week when we worked together again my student remembered the pronunciation!

AHA Moment

This activity was an amazing experience! I am so hopeful that I will be able to take this into my future classroom. It is a great way to learn content and Indigenous knowledge in a hands-on, meaningful way. Although it is unlikely we would have so much support to do this without teacher candidates, the whole class could focus on one animal, students could work with a peer, or it could be done with a big buddy class. Depending on the class, it could also be done as we did it, just with additional time for students to work on their diorama.

This was such a fun day, and I am so looking forward to continuing our work next week!