Grade Level: Grade 1
Subject: Social Studies
Alberta Education Curriculum Connections:
- Identify the significance of people, places, events, and phenomena celebrated by Canadians and Indigenous peoples, and describe how these have contributed to identity and heritage in Canada.
- Explain how Indigenous peoples have contributed to Canadian society, and recognize the challenges and injustices they have faced.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe different land features and natural resources found in Indigenous territories.
- Understand the importance of the land in Indigenous cultures and their way of life.
- Recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society.
Materials:
- A map of Indigenous territories in Canada
- Pictures and descriptions of different land features and natural resources found in Indigenous territories
- Videos and stories that showcase Indigenous cultures and their relationship with the land
- Art supplies such as paper, pencils, and crayons
- Materials for a group discussion, such as a talking stick or a small ball
Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin by showing the map of Indigenous territories in Canada and discussing with the students how Indigenous peoples have lived on and taken care of the land for thousands of years.
- Ask students if they know any different land features or natural resources that can be found in Indigenous territories.
- Show pictures and describe different land features and natural resources such as forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and animals.
- Explain to the students that the land is very important to Indigenous peoples and their way of life.
Body (30 minutes):
- Play videos and read stories that showcase Indigenous cultures and their relationship with the land.
- Ask the students to pay attention to how Indigenous peoples use the land to live, hunt, and gather food, and how they show respect and gratitude for the land.
- Lead a group discussion about the importance of the land in Indigenous cultures and their way of life. Use a talking stick or a small ball to ensure that each student has a chance to share their thoughts and ideas.
- Ask the students to draw a picture of their favourite land feature or natural resource found in Indigenous territories and to describe why it is important to Indigenous peoples.
Conclusion (10 minutes):
- Ask the students to share their pictures and their descriptions with the class.
- Recap what was learned during the lesson, including the different land features and natural resources found in Indigenous territories, the importance of the land in Indigenous cultures and their way of life, and the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society.
- Encourage the students to continue learning about Indigenous cultures and their relationship with the land.
Assessment:
- The students’ drawings and descriptions can be assessed for their understanding of the lesson objectives.
