Our Grade 1 girls have been learning about the First Nations people and their activities throughout the year. This study was inspired by the picturebook Wild Berries by Metis authorstrator Julie Flett.
The girls have worked in both their classroom and the library on this project. Activities included stations (music, art, wood, animals) to understand and explore the concept of First Nations in Canada.
In the library books by Julie Flett and other First Nations authors were read aloud with writing activities to accompany. In the classroom the girls did First Nations inspired art, and wrote about the First Nations. Together we made wild berry jam and each girl took a sample home to taste.
Our special activity was to meet Julie Flett in person! Julie shared her family history through her books. Family members and friends appear in her ‘true’ stories. She showed us her niece’s well worn moccasins that inspired some illustrations. Following the book presentation we gathered in the Atelier to create collage art just like Julie does for her illustrations. The girls will use this art as a book cover for their own story about nature.
Sheilagh Martin
Teacher Librarian, Junior School