Blog Post 5

September 26th - 29th

Learning Outcomes

Social Studies:

-explore local and current affairs

-appreciate how the land sustains communities and the diverse ways that people have of living with the land

What Did Students Do?

With this week being Truth and Reconciliation Week, we focused a lot on the following topics:

-the meaning of a treaty

-what a land acknowledgement is 

-why a land acknowledgement is important

After sharing their prior understanding of these topics, we read stories and had great class discussions. Then students refined their understanding.

We then talked about how "a land acknowledgement without action is just a statement." Students determined that in order for a land acknowledgement to be meaningful, we need to:

-"do something!"

-"make it a focus"

-"start small and grow (don't do nothing)"

-"do what you say you're going to do"

-"remember that actions speak louder than words"

Then we read the following statement and discussed it:

"The land gives us everything we need to survive and to create a healthy community. It is that shared relationship to land that centres the culture of community. Going beyond a land acknowledgement is to honour our communities."

Students brainstormed a number of different ideas about their own communities and ideas related to them. 

Finally, students added their own personal ideas as to the importance of the land they are on, how it impacts their communities, and what they will do to protect it. 

Family Connections

Ask your child:

-What is a treaty?

-What treaty land are we on here in Calgary?

-Why is it important to acknowledge the land?

-How does the land impact our community?

-What will you do to take care of the land?

Reminders

-Photo Day is Monday, October 3rd. If your child misses school on Monday, they will have the opportunity for their photo to be taken on Tuesday, October 4th. 

-Our Grade Five Terry Fox Assembly will be on Thursday, October 13th at 10:00 am. Parents are welcome to attend.