Spending time with children in such a supportive and tight-knit community has been such a pleasure over this past week. It has been rigorous, but ever since completing the practicum, I have a sense of confidence with this new class.
After my initial visit in November, I knew I needed to prepare a unit plan for personal interest projects in a grade three class. The classroom teacher informed me that I could have as much time and flexibility as I’d like. So the weekend after practicum ended I whipped up this unit and gathered all of the supplies I’d need to carry it out. When I arrived on my first day, she explained to me that I would be full-time teaching over the next three weeks. All I had planned was the one unit!! I stumbled through this first day and then realized that I was able to get through the day surprisingly well. Once I figured out her routine, I have been able to jump right in and have success.
Due to the craziness of June in an elementary school, we have had exciting activities almost everyday, and it only continues over the next few weeks. On Wednesday we had a full day of activities to attend for the school’s Aboriginal Day. There are many children in the school who live on reserves close by that belong to the many Stó:lō bands in the area. Stó:lō culture is an important part of the St. Mary’s community – so the whole school dedicates an entire day to it! We started the morning off in church, but all hymns were sung and drummed to by local elders and community members in traditional languages. Before the mass, an elder spoke to the school about the role of Catholicity and Christianity in First Nations spirituality, which really enlightened me on the visible evidence of reconciliation that has been occurring in this community for years. We then headed back into the gym and heard a few more songs, prayers, and speeches from local elders. Then activities began and we rotated through different stations (held in the classrooms) led by Stó:lō parents and community members. We made bracelets, did some drawing, made button blanket and bentwood box crafts, learned about traditional colours, learned about the medicine wheel, and we attended some story sessions. Halfway through this, we had a buffet lunch in the gym with the entire school with all of our visitors and volunteers. We had salmon, indian tacos, and lots of bannock (so delicious). While we ate, some of the students in our school danced their traditional dances called the Fancy and the Jingle and we learned about some Aboriginal sports practiced locally. At the end of the day, we had a closing ceremony and thanked our leaders by raising our hands, palms facing in and moving them back and forth. Traditionally this was a universal symbol for peaceful greeting and thanks. It also showed neighbouring bands that you had no weapons in your hands as you approached.
It was a joy to see the First Nations students in my class have a chance to share their pride for their culture. All day they were teaching me (without prompting) extra words and telling me about their family’s traditions. One special moment was when one of the typically shy girls in my class was beaming with excitement to introduce me to her dad, a local artist who was teaching one of our stations.
I wish I had more space to share more of the wonderful things I learned that day, and on the other days I have spent with this class. I am learning so much about teaching in a Catholic school and teaching grade 3. I am also learning how to foster supportive learning environments for Aboriginal students and how to make the First People’s Principles evident in the classroom for all students daily. This knowledge is very practical to me given my exciting upcoming year!!
