Author: Education Librarian

Categories
Indigenous Literature and Education

Novels and Graphic Novels by Indigenous Canadians

Listed below are selected novels and graphic novels by Indigenous Canadians.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de romans et de romans graphiques écrits par des Canadiens autochtones.

Novels (romans)

Funeral songs for dying girls,

by Cherie Dimaline

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Winifred has lived in the apartment above the cemetery office with her father, who works in the crematorium all her life, close to her mother’s grave. With her sixteenth birthday only days away, Winifred has settled into a lazy summer schedule, lugging her obese Chihuahua around the grounds in a squeaky red wagon to visit the neglected gravesides and nursing a serious crush on her best friend, Jack.

Calling for a blanket dance,

by Oscar Hokeah

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

Told in a series of voices, Calling for a Blanket Dance takes us into the life of Ever Geimausaddle through the multigenerational perspectives of his family as they face myriad obstacles. His father’s injury at the hands of corrupt police, his mother’s struggle to hold on to her job and care for her husband, the constant resettlement of the family, and the legacy of centuries of injustice all intensify Ever’s bottled-up rage. Meanwhile, all of Ever’s relatives have ideas about who he is and who he should be.

Warrior girl unearthed,

by Angeline Boulley

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is – the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won’t ever take her far from home, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything.

The barren grounds,

by David A. Robertson; interior illustrations by Natasha Donovan

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 5 – 8

Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home — until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom.

Where I belong,

by Tara White

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 5 – 9

This moving novel of self-discovery and redemption takes place during the Oka Crisis of the summer of 1990. Having been adopted as an infant, Carrie has always felt out of place, and recurring dreams keep warning that someone close to her will be badly hurt. When she finds out that her birth father is living in Kahnawake, Quebec, she goes there and finally finds a place she truly belongs.

Firekeeper’s daughter,

by Angeline Boulley

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team. Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something.

He who dreams,

by Melanie Florence

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 9

When John discovers dancing, he finds himself facing ridicule from his soccer teammates and hostility from the dancers at the cultural center. To dance at the Pow Wow, he must learn to balance his responsibilities, confront his fears and embrace both the Irish and the Cree sides of his heritage. Also available as an eBook.

Those who run in the sky,

by Aviaq Johnston; illustrations by Toma Feizo Gas

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

After a strange and violent blizzard leaves young shaman-in-training Pitu stranded on the sea ice–without his dog team or any weapons to defend himself–he soon realizes that he is no longer in the word that he once knew. The storm has carried him into the world of the spirits, a world populated by terrifying creatures. After stumbling upon a fellow shaman who has been trapped in the spirit world for many years, Pitu must master all of his shamanic powers to make his way back to the world of the living, to his family and to the girl that he loves.

Strangers,

by David A. Robertson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

When Cole Harper returns to Wounded Sky First Nation, he finds his community in chaos: a series of murders, a mysterious illness ravaging the population and reemerging questions about Cole’s role in the tragedy that drove him away ten years ago.

Tilly: A story of hope and resilience,

by Monique Gray Smith

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Tilly has always known she’s part Lakota on her dad’s side. She’s grown up with the traditional teachings of her grandma, relishing the life lessons of her beloved mentor. But it isn’t until an angry man shouts something on the street that Tilly realizes her mom is Aboriginal too–a Cree woman taken from her own parents as a baby. Now she must deal with her mother’s pain, as well as her own.

The marrow thieves,

by Cherie Dimaline

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 8 – 12

Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, but now an even greater evil lurks. The indigenous people of North America are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. In this dark world, Frenchie and his companions struggle to survive as they make their way up north to the old lands.

Graphic Novels (roman graphiques)

If I go missing,

by Brianna Jonnie & Nahanni Shingoose; art by Neal Shannacappo

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

Combining graphic fiction and non-fiction, this young adult graphic novel serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today. The text of the book is derived from excerpts of a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie. In her letter, Jonnie calls out the authorities for neglecting to immediately investigate missing Indigenous people and urges them to “not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be,” if she were to be reported missing.

Surviving the city,

by Tasha Spillett; illustrated by Natasha Donovan

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape – they’re so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez’s grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can’t stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can’t bring herself to go home and disappears.

The scout :Tommy Prince,

by David Alexander Robertson; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 9

A search down a wooded path for a well-hit baseball turns into an encounter between Pamela and a veteran soldier standing in front of a monument. The statue commemorates the heroism of Sgt. Tommy Prince, the most decorated Aboriginal soldier in Canada. Pamela is curious, and the veteran is happy to regale her with the story of the expert marksman and tracker, renowned for his daring and bravery in World War II and the Korean War.

Amazona,

by Canizales; translated from Spanish by Sofía Huitrón Martínez

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Andrea, a young Indigenous Colombian woman, has returned to the land she calls home. Only nineteen years old, she comes to mourn her lost child, carrying a box in her arms. And she comes with another mission. Andrea has hidden a camera upon herself. If she can capture evidence of the illegal mining that displaced her family, it will mark the first step toward reclaiming their land.

The Chief Mistahimaskwa,

by David Alexander Robertson; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 6

On her way to school one day, Sarah is relieved to find the book she’d dropped the day before – shortly after an encounter with a bear. But when she opens it, the story within, about the Cree chief Mistahimaskwa, comes alive. It takes Sarah back to the Saskatchewan Plains of 1832, where the young boy who would become the great chief first learns the ways of his people, to the final days of his life. Part of the Tales from Big Spirit series.

A girl called Echo, Vol 1: Pemmican Wars,

by Katherena Vermette; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson; coloured by Donovan Yaciuk

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 5 – 12

Echo Desjardins, a 13-year-old Métis girl adjusting to a new home and school, is struggling with loneliness while separated from her mother. Then an ordinary day in Mr. Bee’s history class turns extraordinary, and Echo’s life will never be the same. In the following weeks, Echo slips back and forth in time. She visits a Métis camp, travels the old fur-trade routes, and experiences the perilous and bygone era of the Pemmican Wars. Also available as an eBook.

Fire starters,

by Jen Storm; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson; coloured by Donovan Yaciuk

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 6 – 9

Looking for a little mischief after finding an old flare gun, Ron and Ben suddenly find themselves in trouble when the local gas bar on Agamiing Reserve goes up in flames, and they are wrongly accused of arson by the sheriff’s son. As the investigation goes forward, community attitudes are revealed, and the truth slowly comes to light. Part of the Debwe Series, which features exceptional Indigenous writing from across Canada.

The outside circle,

by Patti LaBoucane-Benson; art by Kelly Mellings

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 8 – 12

Pete, a young Indigenous gang member, is sent to jail for killing his mother’s boyfriend during a fight. While there, he realizes that he has become a negative influence on his younger brother and decides to turn his life around with the help of traditional Aboriginal healing circles and ceremonies.

Will I see?,

story by Iskwé and Erin Leslie; script by David Alexander Robertson; art by GMB Chomichuk

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

May, a young teenage girl, traverses the city streets, finding keepsakes in different places along her journey. While May fights against a terrible reality, she learns that there is strength in the spirit of those that have passed. A story of tragedy and beauty, Will I See illuminates the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Based on the story by Iskwé and Erin Leslie.

7 generations: A Plains Cree saga,

by David Alexander Robertson; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

Edwin is facing an uncertain future. Only by learning about his family’s past – as warriors, survivors of a smallpox epidemic, casualties of a residential school – will he be able to face the present and embrace the future. Part of the 7 Generations Series.

Trouver d’autres ressources

Voici quelques conseils pour trouver d’autres ressources dans ce domaine :

  • Sur la page principale du site de la bibliothèque de l’UBC, utilisez la boîte de recherche générale pour rechercher des matériaux à travers toutes les succursales de la bibliothèque de l’UBC.
  • Pour limiter vos résultats aux matériels disponibles à la Bibliothèque de l’éducation, visitez le site web de la Bibliothèque de l’éducation et effectuez une recherche à l’aide de la case “Search Education Resources” située dans la bande à gauche de l’écran.
  • Remarque : les ressources étant principalement cataloguées en anglais, les termes ci-dessous donnent généralement plus de résultats que les recherches effectuées en français. Vous pouvez filtrer votre liste de résultats par langue dans la barre latérale de gauche.
  • Utilisez des termes de recherche spécifiques, tels que
    • “First Nations”, “Graphic Novels”, “Juvenile Fiction”, “Indigenous, Aboriginal, Musqueam (or any nation)”, “Indigenous peoples AND Canada AND Residential schools AND Comic books, strips, etc.”, ou “Native peoples AND Canada AND Fiction”
  • Pour trouver des plans de cours, incluez “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” dans vos termes de recherche.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to physical materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms, such as
    • “First Nations”, “Graphic Novels”, “Juvenile Fiction”, “Indigenous, Aboriginal, Musqueam (or any nation)”, “Indigenous peoples AND Canada AND Residential schools AND Comic books, strips, etc.”, and “Native peoples AND Canada AND Fiction”
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.
Continue reading “Novels and Graphic Novels by Indigenous Canadians”
Categories
Indigenous Literature and Education

Integrating First Peoples’ Perspectives and Principles of Learning

Listed below are selected teacher resources and non-fiction related to integrating First Peoples’ perspectives and principles of learning into the classroom.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de ressources pédagogiques et d’ouvrages non romanesques liés à l’intégration des perspectives et des principes d’apprentissage des Premiers Peuples dans la salle de classe.

Teacher Resources

In our own words: Bringing authentic First Peoples content to the K-3 classroom,

by the First Nations Education Steering Committee

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 3

This resource provides an array of ideas and suggestions that can be applied in whole or in part to incorporate First Peoples content into a K-3 classroom. By using this resource and remaining open to respectful dialogue and consultation with members of the local First Peoples communities, teachers will benefit their students and expand their own comfort with this material. Also available online. See also Authentic First Peoples resources: For use in K-7 classrooms.

Re-storying education : decolonizing your practice using a critical lens,

by Carolyn Roberts

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 12

Re-Storying Education is a process of dismantling old narratives taught in education and rebuilding new narratives that include all the voices that have created this place known as Canada today. This vital and timely book outlines how colonialism has shaped both the country and the public school system. Re-Storying Education uses an Indigenous lens, offering ways to put Indigenous education, history, and pedagogy into practice. It invites readers into an open dialogue in the pursuit of a more inclusive and just educational landscape.

Integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the school curriculum : purposes, possibilities, and challenges,

by Yatta Kanu

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 12

From improved critical thinking to increased self-esteem and school retention, teachers and students have noted many benefits to bringing Aboriginal viewpoints into public school classrooms. In Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives Into the School Curriculum, Yatta Kanu provides the first comprehensive study of how these frameworks can be effectively implemented to maximize Indigenous students’ engagement, learning, and academic achievement.

Natural curiosity 2nd edition: a resource for educators: the importance of Indigenous perspectives in children’s environmental inquiry,

by Doug Anderson, Lorraine Chiarotto, & Julie Comay

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 1 – 6

The driving motivation for a second edition was the burning need, in the wake of strong and unequivocal recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to situate Indigenous perspectives into the heart of Canadian educational settings and curricula, most notably in connection with environmental issues. The Indigenous lens in this edition represents a cross-cultural encounter supporting what can become an ongoing dialogue and evolution of practice in environmental inquiry. Some important questions are raised that challenge us to think in very different ways about things as fundamental as the meaning of knowledge.

Strong body & mind yoga cards,

by Kathy Beliveau & Terri Mack; illustrated by Laura Timmermans & Bill Helin

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 7

Explores the connection to each other, animals, nature, spirit, and the body through yoga. Consists of two sets of cards which can be combined into different sequences. One set emphasizes yoga practice and the other focuses on reflective practice based on the Seven Sacred Teachings and Indigenous values.

Bridging cultures: Scientific and indigenous ways of knowing nature,

by Glen Aikenhead & Herman Michell

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 12

This book supports science teachers, teacher candidates, and science educators preparing to implement science curricula that recognize Indigenous knowledge as a foundational way to understand the physical world.

Potlatch as pedagogy: Learning through ceremony,

by Sara Florence Davidson & Robert Davidson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

Educator Sara Florence Davidson saw how the Haida tradition of the potlatch – which she learned from her father, renowned artist Robert Davidson – could be integrated into contemporary educational practices. In this book, father and daughter present a model for learning that is holistic, relational, practical, and continuous.

Learning and teaching together: Weaving indigenous ways of knowing into education,

by Michele T.D. Tanaka

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

This book recounts how pre-service teachers immersed in a cross-cultural course in British Columbia began to practice Indigenous ways of knowing. Working alongside Indigenous wisdom keepers, they transformed earth fibres into a mural and, in the process, transformed their own ideas about learning and teaching.This book opens a path for teachers to nurture indigenist cross-cultural understanding in their classrooms.

Resurgence coverResurgence: Engaging with Indigenous Narratives and Cultural Expressions in and Beyond the Classroom,

by Christine M’Lot & Katya Ferguson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

In Resurgence, poetry, art, and narratives from Indigenous authors and educators guide teachers in incorporating Indigenous stories, knowledge, and pedagogies into the classroom. The book is organized into the following four sections: Resistance, Resilience, Restoring, and Reconnecting.

Decolonizing education: Nourishing the learning spirit,

by Marie Battiste

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

The author argues that the preservation of Aboriginal knowledge is an Aboriginal right and a right preserved by the many treaties with First Nations. Current educational policies must undergo substantive reform. Central to this process is the rejection of the racism inherent to colonial systems of education, and the repositioning of Indigenous humanities, sciences, and languages as vital fields of knowledge.

Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives in the classroom: Moving forward,

by the BC Ministry of Education

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

This resources is designed to answer a number of questions, including what is meant by Aboriginal education and by Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives; what is required of teachers and of the education system in order to provide appropriate and authentic teaching in line with the First Peoples Principles of Learning; and where teachers can turn for guidance and support in modifying their practice to incorporate new content and approaches. Online resource only. See also, Shared learnings: Integrating BC Aboriginal content K-10.

Culturally Relevant Aboriginal Education,

by Nicole Bell & Terrylynn Brant

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

Provides teacher candidates and in-service teachers with relevant information to help them integrate Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit content, customs, and traditions into the classroom, providing students with a broader perspective of Canada and its population.

Learning, Knowing, Sharing: Celebrating Successes in K-12 Aboriginal Education in British Columbia,

by Jo-ann Archibald, Q’um Q’um Xiiem, & Jan Hare

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

Published by the BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association and the UBC Faculty of Education, this book highlights practices in British Columbia relating to Aboriginal Education. Topics include Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous language revitalization, Aboriginal family and community engagement and partnerships, and more.

 Full circle: First Nations, Métis, Inuit ways of knowing,

by Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 8 – 12

Lesson plans which encourage teachers to incorporate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit ways of knowing into the classroom in the four thematic areas of identity, health, Residential Schools, and land.

First Nations 101,

by Lynda Gray

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Overview of the diverse and complex lives of First Nations people with subjects including veterans, youth, urbanization, child welfare, appropriate questions to ask a First Nations person, feminism, the medicine wheel, Two-spirit (LGBTQ), residential schools, the land bridge theory, and language preservation.

Braiding sweetgrass for young adults: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants,

by Robin Wall Kimmerer; adapted by Monique Gray Smith; illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 7 – 12

Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-selling book Braiding Sweetgrass is adapted for a young adult audience by children’s author Monique Gray Smith, bringing Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the lessons of plant life to a new generation.

Strength and struggle: Perspectives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada,

by educational advisors: Rachel A. Mishenene & Pamela Rose Toulouse; reviewers: Denise Augustine; [authors and artists: Joyce Atcheson & others]

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 10 – 11

A rich array of short stories, poetry, music lyrics, graphic art, articles, essays, and other pieces that will have students laughing, crying, talking, and thinking. It is a true celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis writing and art. Part of McGraw-Hill Ryerson’s Lit Collection of supplementary student resources for high school English courses. Also includes an accompanying Teacher’s Resource here.

Trouver d’autres ressources

Voici quelques conseils pour trouver d’autres ressources dans ce domaine :

  • Sur la page principale du site de la bibliothèque de l’UBC, utilisez la boîte de recherche générale pour rechercher des matériaux à travers toutes les succursales de la bibliothèque de l’UBC.
  • Pour limiter vos résultats aux matériels disponibles à la Bibliothèque de l’éducation, visitez le site web de la Bibliothèque de l’éducation et effectuez une recherche à l’aide de la case “Search Education Resources” située dans la bande à gauche de l’écran.
  • Remarque : les ressources étant principalement cataloguées en anglais, les termes ci-dessous donnent généralement plus de résultats que les recherches effectuées en français. Vous pouvez filtrer votre liste de résultats par langue dans la barre latérale de gauche.
  • Utilisez des termes de recherche spécifiques, tels que
    • “indigenous peoples” AND “education” AND “canada”, “indigenous children” AND “education” AND “british columbia”, “indigenous peoples” AND “study and teaching” AND “canada”, ou “indigenous pedagogy”
  • Pour trouver des plans de cours, incluez “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” dans vos termes de recherche.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to physical materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms, such as
    • “indigenous peoples” AND “education” AND “canada”, “indigenous children” AND “education” AND “british columbia”, “indigenous peoples” AND “study and teaching” AND “canada”, and “indigenous pedagogy”
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.
Categories
Indigenous Literature and Education

Creation and Origin Stories

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and chapter books related to creation and origin stories in Indigenous literature and education.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de ressources pour enseignants, de livres d’images et de livres à chapitres liés aux récits de création et d’origine dans la littérature et l’éducation indigènes.

Teacher Resources (Ressources pour les enseignants)

Culturally Relevant Aboriginal Education,

by Nicole Bell & Terrylynn Brant

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

Provides teacher candidates and in-service teachers with relevant information to help them integrate Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit content, customs, and traditions into the classroom, providing students with a broader perspective of Canada and its population.

In our own words: Bringing authentic First Peoples content to the K-3 classroom,

by the First Nations Education Steering Committee

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 3

This resource provides an array of ideas and suggestions that can be applied in whole or in part to incorporate First Peoples content into a K-3 classroom. By using this resource and remaining open to respectful dialogue and consultation with members of the local First Peoples communities, teachers will benefit their students and expand their own comfort with this material. Also available online. See also Authentic First Peoples resources: For use in K-7 classrooms.

Picturebooks

Minegoo Mniku: the Mi’Kmaq Creation Story of Prince Edward Island,

retold and illustrated by Sandra L. Dodge; translated by Georgina Francis

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 3

A long time ago, the Great Spirit created all of the sky and stars but it wasn’t enough. He then made a beautiful place called Minegoo, a place so beautiful that he almost placed it amongst the stars. He decided that instead, he would place Minegoo in the most beautiful spot on earth. He summoned Kluskap and asked him to find this spot. After searching the whole world, Kluskap found the Shining Waters, the spot in the Gulf of St. Lawrence that would be home of the Mi’kmaq people created in his own image.

The origin of day and night,

by Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt; illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 1 – 3

In very early times, there was no night or day and words spoken by chance could become real. When a hare and a fox meet and express their longing for light and darkness, their words are too powerful to be denied.

How we came to the fifth world : a creation story from ancient Mexico,

adapted by Harriet Rohmer & Mary Anchondo; revised by Harriet Rohmer & Rosalma Zubizarreta; illustrated by Graciela Carrillo

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 3 – 4

An Aztec myth recounting the creation and destruction of the world by the deities of the four great elements. Retold and revised in both English and Spanish.

Creation story – Sky Woman,

by Michelle Corneau, illustrated by Monica Wysotski

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 4

A long time ago, the world was just water – there was no land! Then a curious woman fell from the sky world and with the help of the birds and animals created a land to live on. This Kanyen’kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about the origin of the land where we live today. The Kanyen’kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee. Part of the Kanyen’kehà:ka series.

Sukaq and the Raven,

by Roy Goose & Kerry McCluskey; illustrated by Soyeon Kim

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 2

Sukaq loves to drift off to sleep listening to his mother tell him stories. His favourite story is the tale of how a raven created the world. But this time, as his mother begins to tell the story and his eyelids become heavy, he is suddenly whisked away on the wings of the raven to ride along as the entire world is formed!

Cloudwalker,

by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd; illustrated by Roy Henry Vickers

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 12 (PreK-12)

On British Columbia’s northwest coast lies the Sacred Headwaters–the source of three of British Columbia’s largest salmon-bearing rivers. These rivers are the source of life for all creatures in the area. But what gave life to the rivers themselves?

Raven brings the light,

by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd; illustrated by Roy Henry Vickers

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 3 – 7

In a time when darkness covered the land, a boy named Weget is born who is destined to bring the light. With the gift of a raven’s skin that allows him to fly as well as transform, Weget turns into a bird and journeys from Haida Gwaii into the sky. There he finds the Chief of the Heavens who keeps the light in a box. By transforming himself into a pine needle, clever Weget tricks the Chief and escapes with the daylight back down to Earth.

The blind boy & the loon,

by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, illustrated by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Daniel Gies

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 6

A retelling of a traditional Inuit story that explains the origin of the narwhal, an arctic whale known for its distinctive spiral tusk, while cautioning listeners against the dangers of seeking revenge.

Chapter Books

The trail of Nenaboozhoo and other creation stories,

by Bomgiizhik (Isaac Murdoch) & Christi Belcourt

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 8 – 12

This collection of oral stories presents legends of Nenaboozhoo along with other creation stories that tell of the adventures of numerous beloved animal spirits. The Trail of Nenaboozhoo is a book of art and storytelling that preserve the legends of the Anishinaabe people. Each story is accompanied by strikingly beautiful illustrations by revered Indigenous artists Isaac Murdoch and Christi Belcourt.

Kwulasulwut II : Salish creation stories,

by Ellen White; illustrations by Bill Cohen

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 6

A traditional storyteller from the Coast Salish of British Columbia recounts four tales from the heritage of her people.
This is Ellen White’s sequel to Kwulasulwut: Stories from the Coast Salish. The new volume features four more freshly written and translated English versions of traditional Salish legends adapted for children.

Healer of the water monster,

by Brian Young

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 3 – 7

When Nathan goes to visit his grandma, Nali, at her mobile summer home on the Navajo reservation, he knows he’s in for a pretty uneventful summer, with no electricity or cell service. Still, he loves spending time with Nali and with his uncle Jet, though it’s clear when Jet arrives that he brings his problems with him.

How things came to be: Inuit stories of creation,

by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley & Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley; illustrated by Emily Fiegenschuh & Patricia Ann Lewis-MacDougall

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 4

Shares eight classic Inuit creation stories from the Baffin region. From the origins of day and night, thunder and lightning, and the sun and the moon to the creation of the first caribou and source of all the Arctic’s fearful storms, this book recounts traditional Inuit legends in a poetic and engaging style.

The legend of lightning & thunder,

by Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt; illustrated by Jo Rioux

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 4

Two siblings steal from their fellow villagers and in an attempt to escape punishment they escape to the sky as lightning and thunder. This illustrated traditional legend weaves together elements of an origin story and a traditional cautionary tale, giving young readers an accessible window into centuries-old Inuit mythology that is specific to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut.

How the moon came to be,

by Leah Marie Dorion

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 6

A beautiful traditional Métis story about the creation of the moon. How did Mother Earth and Grandmother Moon come to be named as they are? Do you know why you have the name you were given? Part of the Strong Stories: Métis series.

Returning the Feathers: Five Gitxsan stories,

by M. Jane Smith; illustrated by Ken N. Mowatt

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 3 – 6

Returning the Feathers includes four traditional stories: the origin of the Gitxsan people; how the blue jay and the mosquito came to live in northwestern BC; and the time when the porcupine first discharged its quills. The fifth in the anthology is an original story, inspired by the appearance of an egret at the author’s smokehouse. These stories serve to connect the author to her ancestors, and give readers a taste of the rich cultural heritage of the Gitxsan people.

People of the land: Legends of the four host First Nations,

by Johnny Abraham & other contributors

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 9

An anthology of the sacred legends of the four host First Nations, the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. Legends included range from creation stories to naming stories and are accompanied by maps and photographs of the four host First Nations. Also includes artwork representing the ancestral voices of the legends and paying tribute to each nation.

Trouver d’autres ressources

Voici quelques conseils pour trouver d’autres ressources dans ce domaine :

  • Sur la page principale du site de la bibliothèque de l’UBC, utilisez la boîte de recherche générale pour rechercher des matériaux à travers toutes les succursales de la bibliothèque de l’UBC.
  • Pour limiter vos résultats aux matériels disponibles à la Bibliothèque de l’éducation, visitez le site web de la Bibliothèque de l’éducation et effectuez une recherche à l’aide de la case “Search Education Resources” située dans la bande à gauche de l’écran.
  • Remarque : les ressources étant principalement cataloguées en anglais, les termes ci-dessous donnent généralement plus de résultats que les recherches effectuées en français. Vous pouvez filtrer votre liste de résultats par langue dans la barre latérale de gauche.
  • Utilisez des termes de recherche spécifiques, tels que
    • “first nations”, “indigenous”, “aboriginal”, “musqueam”, “legends”, ou “legends AND british columbia AND juvenile literature”
  • Pour trouver des plans de cours, incluez “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” dans vos termes de recherche.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to physical materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms, such as
    • “first nations”, “indigenous”, “aboriginal”, “musqueam”, “legends”, and “legends AND british columbia AND juvenile literature”
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.
Categories
Indigenous Literature and Education

Connections to Land

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction related to connections to land in Indigenous literature and education.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de ressources pour enseignants, de livres d’images, d’ouvrages de fiction et d’ouvrages non romanesques en rapport avec les liens avec la terre dans la littérature et l’éducation autochtones.

Teacher Resources (Ressources pour les enseignants)

Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives in the classroom: Moving forward,

by the BC Ministry of Education

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 12

This resources is designed to answer a number of questions, including what is meant by Aboriginal education and by Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives; what is required of teachers and of the education system in order to provide appropriate and authentic teaching in line with the First Peoples Principles of Learning; and where teachers can turn for guidance and support in modifying their practice to incorporate new content and approaches. Specifically discusses connection to land as a characteristic of Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives and the need to incorporate this in the classroom. (eBook)

Bridging cultures: Scientific and indigenous ways of knowing nature,

by Glen Aikenhead and Herman Michell

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Kindergarten – 12

This book supports science teachers, teacher candidates, and science educators preparing to implement science curricula that recognize Indigenous knowledge as a foundational way to understand the physical world.

Full circle: First Nations, Métis, Inuit ways of knowing,

by Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 8 – 12

Lesson plans which encourage teachers to incorporate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit ways of knowing into the classroom in the four thematic areas of identity, health, Residential Schools, and land. Includes lesson plans directly related to Indigenous peoples’ connection to land.

Picture Books (Les livres d’images)

When the trees crackle with cold: A Cree calendar,

by Bernice Johnson-Laxdal; illustrated by Miriam Körner

Niveau scolaire (Grade level):

The calming rhythm of the words echoes the rhythm of the land in this picture book about the moon calendar of the northern Cree. Highlights how we are all connected to the seasons and the cycle of nature. Written in English and northern Plains Cree y-dialect.

Dipnetting with dad,

by Willie Sellars; illustrated by Kevin Easthope

Niveau scolaire (Grade level):

Set in the Cariboo Chilcotin region, Dipnetting With Dad is a delightful and colourful story of a father teaching his son the Secwepemc method of fishing known as dipnetting. Together they visit the sweat lodge, mend the nets, select the best fishing spot and catch and pack their fish through rugged bush back to the family home for traditional preparation.

A day with Yayah,

by Nicola I. Campbell; illustrations by Julie Flett

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (PreK-2)

A Day With Yayah is a story sharing the special relationship that is built when a child learns from their Elders. Set in the Okanagon, BC, a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. Grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life to her young grandchildren.

The water walker,

by Joanne Robertson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 1 – 4

The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. By her example Josephine invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.

Nipêhon (I wait),

by Caitlin Dale Nicholson & Leona Morin-Neilson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (PreK-2)

A young child, her grandmother and mother are going out to pick wild yarrow. As Grandmother gets ready, the child and her mom wait. Grandmother leads the way to the field of blossoms, where they can finally start to pick … only now they have to wait for Mom! The simple story, written in Cree and English and accompanied by rich acrylic illustrations, shows the patience, love and humor involved as three generations accommodate one another on a family outing.

Fiction

Relatives with roots: A story about Métis women’s connection to the land,

by Leah Marie Dorion; translated in Michif-Cree by Rita Flamand

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 3 – 5

A Métis grandmother takes her granddaughter out onto the land to teach her about how to pick traditional medicines.The granddaughter learns about the Métis connection to the land and the traditional Métis beliefs and stories of plants as food and medicine. Text in English and Michif-Cree. Comes with CD of the book narrated in English Michif-Cree.

Non-Fiction

The sockeye mother,

by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson); illustrated by Natasha Donovan

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 3

To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the sockeye salmon is more than just a source of food. Over its life cycle, it nourishes the very land and forests that the Skeena River runs through and where the Gitxsan make their home. The Sockeye Mother explores how the animals, water, soil, and seasons are all intertwined.

 Taking care of our Mother Earth,

by Celestine Aleck

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 4

This book explains how each Coast Salish family played a traditional role in taking care of our Mother Earth. From controlled burning to ethical hunting and fishing practices, the Coast Salish people were, and still are, taught by their elders to respect Mother Earth.

 We Are The Land,

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 3 – 8

Created by Indigenous educators and advisors from across Canada, these inquiry-based books explore how First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities are connected to the land they live on. Includes 16 student books and a teacher’s guide. Part of the Take Action for Reconciliation series

Stewardship,

by Anita Yasuda

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 6

From the past and into the future, this book reveals the role of Indigenous peoples in taking care of the land and using it responsibly. Part of the Indigenous Life in Canada series.

 A Stó:lō-Coast Salish historical atlas,

edited by Keith Thor Carlson with cultural advisor Albert Jules McHalsie & others

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 9 – 12

Through words, archival photographs, and 86 full-color maps, the book details the mythic beginnings of the St :lo people and how white settlement turned their homeland into the bustling metropolis of Vancouver.

Everyday exposure: Indigenous mobilization and environmental justice in Canada’s chemical valley,

by Sarah Marie Wiebe

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 11 – 12

Near the Ontario-Michigan border, Canada’s densest concentration of chemical manufacturing surrounds the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. This book reveals how the colonial legacy of inflicting harm on Indigenous bodies persists through a system that fails to adequately address health and ecological suffering in First Nations communities, including a failure to acknowledge and respect Indigenous connections to land and place. (eBook)

Trouver d’autres ressources

Voici quelques conseils pour trouver d’autres ressources dans ce domaine :

  • Sur la page principale du site de la bibliothèque de l’UBC, utilisez la boîte de recherche générale pour rechercher des matériaux à travers toutes les succursales de la bibliothèque de l’UBC.
  • Pour limiter vos résultats aux matériels disponibles à la Bibliothèque de l’éducation, visitez le site web de la Bibliothèque de l’éducation et effectuez une recherche à l’aide de la case “Search Education Resources” située dans la bande à gauche de l’écran.
  • Remarque : les ressources étant principalement cataloguées en anglais, les termes ci-dessous donnent généralement plus de résultats que les recherches effectuées en français. Vous pouvez filtrer votre liste de résultats par langue dans la barre latérale de gauche.
  • Utilisez des termes de recherche spécifiques, tels que
    • “traditional ecological knowledge”, “First Nations”, “Indigenous”, “Aboriginal”, “Musqueam”ou “Indigenous peoples AND Nature”
  • Pour trouver des plans de cours, incluez “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” dans vos termes de recherche.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to physical materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms, such as
    • “traditional ecological knowledge”, “First Nations”, “Indigenous”, “Aboriginal”, “Musqueam”or “Indigenous peoples AND Nature”
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, “juvenile fiction” or “activity programs” in your search terms.
Categories
Arts Education

Visual Arts

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to the visual arts.

Teacher Resources

Teaching primary art

by Jean Edwards

Grades: K-4

An introductory textbook for those training to teach and support learning in art in the primary school. First explores the philosophy and pedagogy of teaching and learning art, including why we teach it; planning and assessment; and teaching and support strategies. Then it covers the practical aspects of teaching art, including a list of useful vocabulary to encourage talk around art and links to cross-curricular learning.

Studio thinking from the start: The K-8 art educator’s handbook

written by Jillian Hogan, Lois Hetland, Diane B. Jaquith, and Ellen Winner, illustrated by Nicole Gsell

Grades: K-8

This publication shows how the eight Studio Habits of Mind and four Studio Structures can be used successfully with younger students in a range of school environments. Includes classroom examples, visual artist exemplars, templates for talking about works of art, mini-posters, and more.

Teaching and learning in art education: Cultivating students’ potential from pre-K to through high school

by Debrah C. Sickler-Voigt

Grades: K-12

Teaching and Learning in Art Education explores essential and emerging topics such as: managing the classroom in art education; artistic development from early childhood through adolescence; catering towards learners with a diversity of abilities; integrating technology into the art field; and understanding drawing, painting, paper arts, sculpture, and textiles in context. eBook only.

The art teacher’s survival guide for secondary schools: Grades 7-12

by Helen D. Hume

Grades: 7-12

Ten chapters which provide detailed instructions for both teachers and students, along with lesson plans and practical tools such as reproducible handouts, illustrations, and photographs. Includes 75 fun and creative art projects.

Picture Books

Beautiful oops!

written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg

Demonstrates the many ways that torn, crinkled, and smudged bits of paper can be transformed into various shapes and images.

I am an artist

written and illustrated by Marta Altés

A little boy can’t stop creating art! He loves colours, shapes, textures, and is inspired by everything around him: his socks, the contents of the fridge, even his cat. But, his mum isn’t quite so enthusiastic. In a bid to win his mum over he has plans to create his finest piece yet and on a very grand scale.

Whale shines: An artistic tale

written and illustrated by Fiona Robinson

Encouraged by his sidekicks, the glow-in-the-dark plankton, a self-doubting whale learns that anyone can be an artist and everyone has something unique to contribute.

The artist who painted a blue horse

written and illustrated by Eric Carle

Rather than use the same old colors, a child paints animals and objects in a variety of different hues, including a blue horse, red crocodile, and an orange elephant. A playful book that encourages children to use their imagination while learning about colours, animals, and art that bends reality.

Non-Fiction

Starting art series

by Irene Luxbacher

Grades: K-2

Starting Art offers clear step-by-step illustrated techniques for creating fun art projects that encourage play and experimentation. Introduces art concepts such as color, form and texture, which are then reinforced and put into practice through the creative process. Books in the series include, 1-2-3 I can Make Prints!; 1-2-3 I can Paint; 1-2-3 I can Sculpt!; 1-2-3 I can Build; 1-2-3 I can Draw!, 1-2-3 I can Collage!.

How artists use series

by Paul Flux

Grades: K-3

A series of books that shows students how artists throughout time and place have used different concepts in their work. Books in the series include, Pattern and Texture, Line and Tone, Color, Shape, and Perspective.

The Usborne book of art skills

by Fiona Watt

Grades: 4-6

Full of creative art projects, including collage, drawing, pastels, printmaking, water colours, and more, which feature easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

Get into photography

by Rachel Stuckey

Grades: 4-6

Takes readers through photography basics and photo editing techniques, giving them the skills to creatively picture their world. Exciting photography ideas and tips encourage readers to refine their skills and create personal photo projects. For more in the Get into it series, click here.

Maker projects for kids who love printmaking

by Joan Marie Galat

Grades: 4-6

From creating their own art tools to making a screen print unique to their personal style and vision, this title helps readers express their creativity through the various forms of printmaking. Using clear methods, engaging photographs, and non-toxic materials, readers will learn the techniques of printmaking and be inspired to experiment with their own designs and ideas. For more in the Be a maker! series, click here.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “Art–Study and teaching (Elementary)”, “Art–Study and teaching (Secondary)”, “Art–Technique”.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Categories
Arts Education

Music

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to music education.

Teacher Resources

Exploring the science of sounds: 100 musical activities for young children,

by Abigail Flesch Connors

Grades: K-2

Explores the connection between music and science through the use of everyday objects. Includes creative ideas and lessons on how we can use our bodies to make sounds, making and using instruments, what sounds occur in nature, and more.

This too is music

by Rena Upitis

Grades: K-6

This book guides teachers in fostering classroom conditions that enable elementary students to thrive as improvisers, critical listeners, performers, and composers.  The emphasis is on the student’s point of view, illustrating how young musicians can learn when their musical ideas are honored and celebrated. eBook only.

Teaching primary music

Alison Daubney

Grades: K-7

This book places music within the wider context of the primary curriculum and offers advice on how to plan for and assess music education. Includes information on using the musical resources in the local community to enhance the musical opportunities offered in school.

Growing musicians: Teaching music in middle school and beyond

by Bridget Sweet

Grades: 6-9

Focuses on teaching adolescents within the context of a music classroom, regardless of content area (orchestra, band, choir, or general music). Provides a look at the importance of music courses in the lives of adolescents and how to foster a safe and supportive music classroom. Also encourages pre-service and practicing music educators to mindfully examine and better understand their own teaching practices. eBook only.

MENC handbook of research on music learning

edited by Richard Colwell and Peter R. Webster

Grades: 8-12

Focuses on the profession’s empirical and conceptual knowledge of how students gain competence in music at various ages and in different contexts. The book takes a broad theoretical perspective on current, critical areas of research, including music development, music listening and reading, motivation and self-regulated learning in music, music perception, and movement. Also available as an eBook, here.

Picture Books

Zin! zin! zin!: a violin

written by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Ten instruments take their parts one by one in a musical performance. A counting book, and an introduction to musical instruments and musical groups.

M is for melody: A music alphabet

written by Kathy-jo Wargin, illustrated by Katherine Larson

From the oom pah pah of the brass section to the tickle and tease of the keyboard ivories, M is for Melody gives a music lesson in alphabet form. Instruments, composers, terms, and even musical styles are examined from A-Z in easy, read-aloud rhymes and expository, accompanied by colorful and engaging artwork.

Hot jazz special

written and illustrated by Jonny Hannah

Some of the greatest names in jazz are about to hit the scene, ready to blow those blues away. Meet Jelly Roll Morton, Django Reinhardt, Walter Page, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Billie Holliday, Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, all on one stage for a night you’ll never forget.

Music is for everyone

written by Jill Barber, illustrated by Sydney Smith

This lively rhyming book introduces students to all different kinds of music — folk, hip hop, classical, jazz, choral, reggae, — and instruments and encourages them to make some noise!

The city speaks in drums

written by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Susan Tooke

Two boys from North End Halifax explore their neighbourhood and the city beyond, finding music everywhere. At the skate park, by the Public Gardens, down Spring Garden Road, and on the boardwalk, drums and saxophones and dancers and basketballs create the jumbled, joyful, pulsing rhythm of Halifax.

The deaf musicians

story by Pete Seeger and Paul DuBois Jacobs, illustrations by R. Gregory Christie

Lee, a jazz pianist, has to leave his band when he begins losing his hearing, but he meets a deaf saxophone player in a sign language class and together they form a snazzy new band.

Tallulah plays the tuba

written by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Sandy Nichols

Tallulah dreams of playing the tuba, but she’s small and the tuba is very large. Everyone around her tells her to wait until she’s bigger, but Tallulah can’t wait. With determination and a lot of creativity, Tallulah hatches a plan that she hopes will turn her musical dream into reality.

Punk Farm

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

At the end of the day, while Farmer Joe gets ready for bed, his animals tune their instruments to perform in a big concert as a rock band called Punk Farm.

Non-Fiction

Children’s book of music

Grades: 3-6.

In this clear and lively introduction to music history, readers take a chronological journey around the world, exploring the sounds and rhythms of different cultures, the development of instruments, and the progression of musical styles. Includes one CD with an hour of music from around the world.

Maker projects for kids who love music,

by Rebecca Sjonger

Grades: 3-6

From inspiring profiles of key Maker musicians, to learning the components of different musical instruments, readers will discover how music works in harmony with the Maker movement. For more in the Be a maker! series, click here.

I can make musical instruments

by Emily Reid

Grades: 3-6

Step-by-step and detailed instructions help youth make instruments of all kinds and develop a deeper appreciation for the sounds they can make. Includes material lists, patterns, and photographs.

Legends, icons & rebels: Music that changed the world

by Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Sebastian Robertson, and Jared Levine

Grades: 3-7

A tribute to more than two dozen legendary music artists who significantly influenced the landscape of music for generations to come, from Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan to Chuck Berry and Joni Mitchell. Includes two CD’s with 27 songs from the artists profiled.

Great musicians from our First Nations

by Vincent Schilling

Grades: 4-8

Follows the journeys of ten talented First Nations musicians working across many genres. Including, classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala, the Blackfire band which combines punk rock with Dine’ music, rock guitarist Mato Nanji, Four Rivers Drum who has been drumming at powwows for more than fourteen years, and Michael Bucher whose music protects sacred sites. For more in the First Nations books for young readers series, click here.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “Music–Study and teaching”, “Musical instruments–Juvenile fiction.”, “Music–Instruction and study–Juvenile.”, “Musicians–Fiction”.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Categories
Arts Education

Drama

Listed below are selected teacher resources and non-fiction related to drama, as well as some plays, monologues, and scripts which can be used in the classroom.

Teacher Resources

Drama play: Bringing books to life through drama in the early years

by Kay Hiatt

Grades: K-2

This book shows how to use stories in combination with basic drama techniques to raise standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Provides clear and easy-to-use activities that will enhance understanding of basic drama techniques for teachers and children; includes a checklist to help senior managers assess the whole-school impact of these activities; and offers templates for easy planning. eBook

 A little drama! Playful activities for young children

by Lavinia Roberts

Grades: K-3. This book includes more than 200 theatre and drama activities for promoting young children’s social-emotional learning.

Creating drama with 4-7 year olds: Lessons to integrate drama into the primary curriculum

by Miles Tandy and Jo Howell

Grades: K-3

The authors present ideas on how to make drama a regular and integral part of the school curriculum, offering detailed suggestions of drama work for ages four to seven. The teaching units are arranged around four strands: drama for literacy; drama and the whole curriculum; drama film, media, and ICT; and drama for performance. eBook

Creating drama with 7-11 year olds: Lessons to integrate drama into the primary curriculum

by Miles Tandy and Jo Howell

Grades: 2-6

The authors present ideas on how to make drama a regular and integral part of the school curriculum, offering detailed suggestions of drama work for ages seven to eleven. The teaching units are arranged around four strands: drama for literacy; drama and the whole curriculum; drama film, media, and ICT; and drama for performance. eBook

Drama schemes, themes & dreams: How to plan, structure, and assess classroom events that engage all learners

by Larry Swartz and Debbie Nyman

Grades: 6-12

Offers a comprehensive outline of improvisation and interpretation strategies that teachers can incorporate in classroom instruction. Organized around universal themes that invite students to make connections to texts and to each other, the book encourages students to consider their own identities and their place in the world. Also available as an eBook.

The art of drama teaching

by Michael Fleming

Grades: 6-12

Provides ready-to-use material for drama teachers and highlights how dramatic techniques can be used to inform classroom teaching and develop teacher practice. Includes detailed discussion of twenty-five drama techniques including, monologue and narration, mime, irony, beginnings and endings, minor characters, and more. eBook

Theatre in the classroom, grades 6-12: Methods and strategies for the beginning teacher

by Jim Patterson

Grades: 6-12

Equips prospective theatre teachers with key instructional methods and proven strategies for student learning. Includes chapters on planning, managing the classroom, assessment, cross-curricular teaching, and more.

100 ideas for teaching drama

by Johnnie Young

Grades: 6-12

Contains 100 tried and tested inspirational ideas on teaching drama in the classroom. Ideas range from developing pupils’ story telling to bringing literature alive.

Improvisation starters: more than 1,000 improvisation scenarios for the theater and classroom

by Philip Bernardi

Grades: K-12, Adult

Improvisation is an essential and invaluable technique for the actor’s repertoire: It asks you to think beyond a script–and its memorized lines, movements, and facial expressions–to deliver a performance filled with honesty, insight, nuance, and verisimilitude. This book provides more than 1,000 scene scenarios.

Non-Fiction

Story fest: Crafting story theater scripts

written by Dianne de las Casas, illustrated by Jeanne de la Houssaye.

Grades: 2-6

Contains 25 story theater scripts which are designed to accommodate whole-classroom participation. The book also includes a description of the process for working with students to create a school Story Fest.

How to write a drama

by Megan Kopp

Grades: 3-6

A drama is a story that is experienced by an audience as a performance. Readers will explore acts, dialogue, stage direction, and other elements that define this genre. Mentor texts and writing prompts guide readers as they compose their own dramas. Part of the Text styles series.

Plays, Monologues, and Scripts

Munsch at play: Eight stage adaptations for young performers

plays by Irene N. Watts, original stories by Robert Munsch

Grades: 1-4

Eight of Robert Munsch’s stories have been adapted for performance by young people, including Below Zero; Mud Puddle; Paper Bag Princess, and more. Each story is presented in typical play format, preceded by cast listings and useful suggestions for staging, set design, and props and costumes. Illustrations from the original books enliven the pages. See also, Munsch at play act 2: Eight more stage adaptions.

The Green Thumb collection: Plays for children, youth, and young adults,

edited by Green Thumb Theatre

Grades: 2-12

A collection of six plays written specifically for children, youth, and young adults. Plays in the collection touch on themes of environmental concerns, self-esteem, addiction, and more.

More short scenes and monologues for middle school students: Inspired by literature, social studies, and real life

by Mary Hall Surface

Grades: 6-9

A collection of original scenes and monologues written especially for middle-school actors. Includes emotional monologues, two- and four- actor scenes with strong relationships, and multiple-actor scenes with equally weighted parts.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “Drama–Study and teaching (Primary)”, “Drama–Study and teaching (Secondary)”, “Drama in education”, “Theater-Study and teaching (Elementary)”, “Theater–Study and teaching (Secondary)”, “Children’s plays”.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Categories
Arts Education

Dance

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction related to dance.

Teacher Resources

Integrating the arts across the elementary school curriculum

by R. Phyllis Gelineau

Grades: K-7.

This book’s concise chapters focus on the practical application and integration of arts in the elementary curriculum. Each chapter explores a different discipline in arts education, including drama, music, dance, and art, and provides easy to implement activities that can be adapted to different subjects, classrooms, and ages.

The art of dance in education

by Jacqueline M. Smith-Autard

Grades: K-12

This book provides a framework that is both theoretical and practical for teaching dance education through the discussion of composing, performing, and appreciating different forms of dance. Also stresses the role of dance in developing students’ understanding of the arts more broadly.

Preparing educators for arts integration: Placing creativity at the center of learning

edited by Gene Diaz and Martha Barry McKenna

Grades: K-12

This resource examines professional development approaches from across the United States to help schools and allied arts groups integrate the arts into the K–12 curriculum. Emphasizes the value of collaboration among teachers, artists, educational leaders, and community partners. Includes a chapter on “Dance Literacy”.

Picture Books

Jingle dancer

written by Cynthia L. Smith, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

Jenna, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is excited about performing the jingle dance at the powwow, but where will she get enough jingles for her dress? This story highlights the joy and power of dance, and the importance of community. Includes a note about the jingle dance tradition and regalia.

Dancing in the wings

written by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Sassy is worried that she’s not right for dance. She wonders if her feet are too big, or her legs are too long, or that maybe she has too much to say. But, when a famous directer comes to her dance class Sassy learns that the things that make us stand out are what make us special.

Flora and the flamingo

by Molly Idle

In this beautiful interactive wordless picture book Flora and flamingo learn about friendship through dancing together.

Powwow dancing with family

written and illustrated by Perry Smith

Drumming, singing, and dancing are all part of being at a Powwow. Perry and his family travel all over North America to participate in these family and community gatherings. Join Perry’s two boys as they share their treasured memories of being at Powwows with their family and learning how to dance.

Swan: The life and dance of Anna Pavlova

by Laurel Snyder

After attending the ballet with her mother one night, Anna’s life was changed forever. This book follows the life of Anna Pavlova, one of the most famous ballerinas of all time, and the joy, beauty, and bravery she found through dance.

Suki’s kimono

written by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stephanie Jorisch

On the first day back to school Suki can’t wait to wear the blue cotton kimono her obachan gave her and tell her classmates all about doing the circle dance at the street festival. While sharing her summer with her class, Suki starts to hum and dance, bringing joy and movement to her classmates!

Fiction

Across the floor

by Natasha Deen

Luc has his eyes set on the NFL and will do anything to get there so when his coach insists he takes a contemporary dance class, Luc begrudgingly agrees. It’s not long before Luc realizes his passion for dance, but is he willing to leave behind his coach, teammates, and the game he loves to pursue dance?

Spin the sky

by Jill MacKenzie

Magnolia Woodson is longing to get her and her sister out of their small town and the prying eyes in it, but it seems like a lofty goal. That is until a nationwide televised dance competition is holding tryouts nearby. Mags has to grapple with the pressures of competing against her best friend, proving herself to the town, and securing a better future for her and her sister while competing for prize money that could change everything.

Non-Fiction

Learn to speak dance: A guide to creating, performing, and promoting your moves

by Ann-Marie Williams and Jeff Kulak

Grades: 4-8

What is dance and why do we do it? How can you shake off the nerves? How can you put on your own dance show? Learn to Speak Dance explores these questions and encourages kids to express themselves through dance.

Dynamic women dancers

by Anne Dublin

Grades: 4-8

Through captivating profiles this book showcases some of the women around the world who have become masters of dancing and choreographing, many of whom use their talents to create change in the world. Includes profiles of Geeta Chandran who is a master of Indian Bharatanatyam, Pearl Primus who brought Caribbean and African influence to modern dance, and Judith Marcuse whose choreography explores important issues such as teen suicide.

To dance: A ballerina’s graphic novel

written by Siena Cherson Siegel, artwork by Mark Siegel

Grades: 4-9

This graphic novel memoir details Cherson Siegel’s journey from a young ballerina in Puerto Rico to her debut with the New York City Ballet. Siegel’s story of perseverance and triumph will serve as an inspiration to aspiring dancers.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “Dance–Fiction”, “Dance–Juvenile fiction”, “Ballet–Juvenile fiction”.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Categories
Physical and Health Education

Outdoor Education

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to outdoor education.

Teacher Resources

Heartbeat of the Earth: a handbook on connecting children to nature through indigenous teachings

by Launa Purcell

This resource leads readers on a rich learning journey as they deepen their connections to nature and culture. The activities inside instill traditional teachings of respect, honour, resourcefulness, and humility in children. This handbook is intended to inspire parents, caregivers, and educators to provide children with meaningful outdoor experiences interwoven with traditional Indigenous knowledge.

Educating young children through natural water: How to use coastlines, rivers and lakes to promote learning and development

by Judit Horvath

Grades: K-3

This books explores the ways in which natural water sources can be used as a unique learning environment for students. Covers the history, benefits, and practices of Natural Water School and offers practical tools and techniques for taking learning to the water. eBook only.

The big book of nature activities: A year-round guide to outdoor learning

by Jacob Rodenburg and Drew Monkman

Grades: K-10

This book aims to reconnect children with nature and learn skills and facts that will help them develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world and their impact on it. Includes games, activities, photos, and connections to broader topics such as climate change and evolution. Also available as eBook, here.

A pedagogy of place: Outdoor education for a changing world

by Brian Wattchow and Mike Brown

Grades: K-12

This book articulates a renewal of philosophy and practice for outdoor education in keeping with the educational needs of today’s young people as they grapple with considerable social and ecological changes in a rapidly changing world. The authors explore the mismatch between traditional notions of proving oneself ‘against’ the challenges of the outdoors and the development of an empathetic relationship with outdoor places which today’s world demands.

Adventurous learning: A pedagogy for a changing world

by Simon Beames and Mike Brown

Grades: K-12

This book interrogates the word ‘adventure’ and explores how elements of authenticity, agency, uncertainty and mastery can be incorporated into educational practices. It outlines key elements for a pedagogy of adventurous learning and provides guidelines grounded in accessible theory. Teachers of all kinds can adapt these guidelines for indoor and outdoor teaching in their own culturally specific, place-responsive contexts. eBook only

Learning outside the classroom: Theory and guidelines for practice

by Simon Beames, Peter Higgins, and Robbie Nicol

Grades: K-12

The authors provide both academic justification and practical support for K-12 educators working in a wide variety of environments and with diverse populations of students to incorporate more meaningful outdoor learning opportunities into their daily teaching activities. The idea of adaptation of activities for personal relevance is central. The principles and examples presented in this book are intended to be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their students in ways that draw upon content offered by the local landscape and its natural and built heritage.

Outdoor education: Methods and strategies

by Ken Gilbertson et al.

Grades: K-12

This book offers a set of educational methods and applications to foster optimal outdoor education. Part I defines outdoor education is and explores educational theories that support it, including developmental stages, learning stages, and constructivism. Part II covers teacher preparation, including understanding the backgrounds and abilities of participants, creating a successful learning environment, and teaching effectively in a variety of outdoor settings. Part III provides six ready-to-use sample lessons, and helps readers reflect on, evaluate, and improve their lesson plans through experimentation.

Interdisciplinary teaching through outdoor education

by Camille J. Bunting

Grades: 5-10

This book provides teachers with outdoor activities as well as the expertise to expand students’ understanding of the outdoors and develop their character. Part I explores the foundations and methods for using outdoor education and highlights its interdisciplinary connections. Part II provides detailed instructions for conducting outdoor education lessons as well as unit plans for seven outdoor education areas. Part III delves into school programming, including planning field trips and starting a school-based outdoor education program.

Outdoor adventure education: Foundations, theory and research

by Alan W. Ewert and Jim Sibthorp

Grades: 9-12

The authors present theories, concepts, and developments of outdoor adventure education.Topics include the history of the field, contemporary theory and practice, development across the lifespan in relation to outdoor adventure education, and evolving trends and issues.

Picture Books

Bringing the outside in

written by Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Patrice Barton

A rhyming story that encourages children to get out and play in the great outdoors.

Tiny, perfect things

written by M.H. Clark, illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

As a young girl takes a walk outside her grandfather teaches her how to notice and appreciate even the tiniest of things. A great book to introduce young children to the idea of celebrating your surroundings, appreciating the outdoors, and practicing gratitude.

Up in the garden and down in the dirt

written by Kate Messner, art by Christopher Silas Neal

Explore all the excitement of a garden, the leaves sprouting, vegetables growing, and fruit ripening. Then dive down into the dirt and meet the earthworms, snakes, and skunks, who make the garden their home. Showcases that when it comes to the outdoors, sometimes the most exciting things take place below the surface.

A stick is an excellent thing: Poems celebrating outdoor play

written by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

A book of poems that follow a group of kids from the neighbourhood as they play games and explore outside on a summer day.

When we go walking

written by Cari Best, illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker

Wendy and her family love to go walking no matter the weather and when they do Wendy notices all the little details, picking up treasures along the way. On a snowy day when the family can’t go walking Wendy uses her treasures to build her very own walking route for everyone to use.

Non-Fiction

Get outside: The kids guide to fun in the great outdoors

written by Jane Drake & Ann Love, illustrated by Heather Collins

Grades: 3-7

The book’s four sections – Nature Lover, Outdoor Fun and Games, Cozy Inside, and Look to the Sky – provide a variety of games and activities that will connect kids with nature and keep them engaged. Activities are accompanied by helpful instructions, fun facts and scientific, historic, and cultural context.

Citizen scientists: Be a part of scientific discovery from your own backyard

written by Loree Griffin Burns, photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz

Grades: 4-6

This book shows children that they can be a part of scientific discovery anywhere, including their own backyard. Focuses specifically on observing and counting butterflies, birds, frogs, and ladybugs. See also, Get Into Citizen Science.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “Outdoor education”, “Adventure education”, “Outdoor recreation–Juvenile literature”
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Categories
Physical and Health Education

Fitness and Conditioning

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to fitness and conditioning.

Teacher Resources

Ophea 50 fitness activity cards [Les 50 cartes d’activités physiques d’Ophea]

by OPHEA

Grades: K-12

A set of 50 bilingual Fitness Activity Cards, each with an on the spot fitness move. The cards can be combined in different ways to create fun fitness routines or can be used individually as a quick movement break during class.

Youth strength training: Programs for health, fitness, and sport

by Avery D. Faigenbaum and Wayne L. Westcott

Grades: 1-12

This book offers safe and fun strength training programs specifically designed for youth. Includes sections on warming up and cooling down, flexibility, proper equipment use, and how to incorporate strength training into physical education.

Fitness for life Canada: Preparing teens for healthy, active lifestyles

by Guy C. Le Masurier et al.

Grades: 7-12

This book presents an evidence-based program focused on shifting teens from dependence to independence when it comes to healthy behaviours, including physical activity, fitness, and healthy eating,

Dynamic physical education: For secondary school students

by Paul W. Darst, Robert P. Pangrazi, and Benjamin Cummings

Grades: 8-12

Provides comprehensive information for developing a physical education curriculum for secondary students. Includes assessment assistance, case studies to illustrate concepts, tips for technology integration, and highlights important topics in the field. Includes a chapter on physical fitness, as well as sections on strength training and agility activities. 

Teach now! physical education: Becoming a great PE teacher

by Daniel Burton

Grades: 8-12

Focusing on practical examples and tools specifically for new teachers, this book offers a guide to creating engaging and effective physical education experiences. Discussions of the importance of fitness and how to integrate it into the curriculum are discussed throughout. eBook only.

Picture Books

My healthy body

written by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann

This book explores what it means to be healthy and how we can all develop healthy habits! Includes discussions of sleep, exercise, nutrition, and more. For more in the body works series, click here.

From head to toe

written and illustrated by Eric Carle

Arch your back like a cat, wiggle your hips like a crocodile, and turn your head like a penguin! This book provides a fun and simple introduction to stretching through animals students already know and love. Simple text, fun illustrations, and bright colours make this a great read for a variety of ages.

Non-Fiction

Do your bit to be physically fit!

Rebecca Sjonger

Grades: K-3

This book explains the benefits of physical activity and active living, providing a variety of activities that encourage youth to get active. For more in the Healthy habits for a lifetime series, click here.

In your activities

by Janet Gurtler

Grades: K-2

Why is physical activity important? What does it mean to be a good sport? What can we learn from being physically active? This introduction to the value of fitness explores these questions and more. For more in the relationships and responsibilities series, click here.

The human body

written by Jon Richards, illustrated by Ed Simkins

Grades: 2-7

The human body explored and explained through graphics, icons, and pictographs. Explores everything from bone structure and muscles to the senses and central nervous system in a visually engaging way. For more in The world in infographics series, click here.

From head to toe: The amazing human body and how it works

written by Barbara Seuling, illustrated by Edward Miller

Grades: 3-5

This book provides a fun introduction to the human body and how it works. Includes a comprehensive overview of muscles and their relationship to fitness.

The busy body book: A kid’s guide to fitness

by Lizzy Rockwell

Grades: 3-7

Through illustrations, text, and diagrams, this book explains how the human body functions and why keeping active is so important.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “Physical fitness for youth”, “Physical education and training”, “Exercise–Juvenile literature”, “Physical fitness–Juvenile literature”.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

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