Oral Tradition: Beginning Together Activity
Total Time: Approx. 60 minutes
Context: School-based Groups
Strategy: Small Group Discussion
In small groups, participants discuss one of the Cree or French/Michif stories told in the resource and focus on how to engage students through storytelling.
Overview of Interactive
Stories are powerful teaching tools. Stories pass on the richness of a culture, sometimes through meaningful teachings, details of historical events, or humour. In this activity you will have an opportunity to experience storytelling in action and to learn about the importance of oral tradition in First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
The scenario presents a Grade 7 teacher who wants to learn more about the oral tradition from an Indigenous perspective. She approaches her jurisdiction’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit consultant, who provides direction on how to proceed. The last screen presents links to “How the People Hunted the Moose” (told in Cree and English) and “The Whiskey Jack’s Coat” (told in French/Michif and English).
Reflection Statement
How could sharing cultural stories engage your students and impact your classroom environment?
Suggested Activity: Small Group Discussion
Form groups of four or five participants. Each group chooses one of the stories, “How the People Hunted the Moose” or “The Whiskey Jack’s Coat.” Participants discuss how the story can be used in current classroom practice. In addition they identify at least five examples that would answer the question in the Reflection Statement.
Participants present their ideas in the large group and engage in more discussion on the value of storytelling.
