Together at Last: Technology and Lesson Planning

Title: Legends of the Land

Grade: Five

Activity:

• The aim of the activity is to introduce the students to the cultural diversity of Canada through the stories of the First Nations peoples. Students use the school library to find a book of a First Nations story. After reading the story, students will visit the class website which will direct them to a video recording of a First Nations story. Then they will be directed to a site with an audio recording in Oji-Cree and English. In small groups of two or three, students will discuss what they liked or disliked about the stories, how the stories differed from what they were accustomed, and what they thought of the different media. This discussion could be recorded electronically using a table. Using the information from the table the students will discuss what constitutes a good story. Students will individually draft a story, but only in point form. Students will go through the five steps of writing in small groups. The final product will be a story that they record orally and share with the class. Story should tell of the student’s relation to the land.

General Outcome: 5.2 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the people and the stories of Canada and their ways of life over time, and appreciate the diversity of Canada’s heritage.

Specific Outcomes

Values and Attitudes

Students will:

5.2.1 Appreciate the complexity of identity in the Canadian context:

• recognize how an understanding of Canadian history and the stories of its peoples contributes to their sense of identity

• acknowledge oral traditions, narratives and stories as valid sources of knowledge about the land and diverse Aboriginal cultures and history

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will:

5.2.2 Examine, critically, the ways of life of Aboriginal peoples in Canada by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:

• What do the stories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples tell us about their beliefs regarding the relationship between people and the land?

SKILLS AND PROCESSES

Students will:

5.S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking:

• re-evaluate personal opinions to broaden understanding of a topic or an issue

• generate original ideas and strategies in situations of individual and group activities

5.S.5 demonstrate skills of cooperation, conflict resolution and consensus building:

• work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal

5.S.8 demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy:

• select appropriate forms of delivery for written and oral information, taking particular audiences and purposes into consideration

• respond appropriately to comments and questions, using language respectful of human diversity

ICT:

5.S.2 develop skills of historical thinking:

·organize information, using such tools as a database, spreadsheet or electronic webbing

5.S.4 demonstrate skills of decision making and problem solving:

·use graphic organizers, such as mind mapping/webbing, flow charting and outlining, to present connections between ideas and information in a problem-solving environment

5.S.8• listen to others to understand their perspectives

·communicate effectively through appropriate forms, such as speeches, reports and multimedia presentations, applying information technologies that serve particular audiences and purposes

References:

Alberta Education. (2007) Histories and Stories of Ways of Life in Canada. Retrieved 28 October 2007, from
http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/social/default.asp

Fiddler, Jerry. (d. 1983) Legend of Iyash. Retrieved 28 October 2007, from
http://legends.knet.on.ca/

Sacred Circle: Creation. (n.d.). Retrieved 28 October 2007, from http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/origin/grade4/videos/index.htm

Rationale:

I believe this is a good use of technology in the classroom. First, students are not wasting precious time sifting through numerous web pages looking for First Nations’ Stories. The students are going directly to the sources. Second, the students are able to hear the stories. This is significant because the original stories were all oral. Hopefully the students will be able to appreciate that oral story telling is a valid form of story telling and conveying cultural values. Third, students will be able to take steps to gaining confidence presenting in front of the class. I believe that students might be more comfortable recording their stories than presenting them live in front of the class.