Maskihkiy Kistikan
School Garden Unit Plans
Iyiniw Maskikiy (Cree)
T′t′ú Nnishe Bá Dkadádánilni hi (Dne)
Nature’s Hidden Gifts
An excellent and engaging unit from the University of Saskatchewan focusing on the knowledge that students bring into the classroom. It stresses the importance of both local and scientific knowledge, giving both credit and respect.
Unfortunately, the link to this unit is not compatible with this web server so you will have to copy/paste the following into your address bar:
http://www.usask.ca/education/ccstu/pdfs/nature's%20hidden%20gifts.pdf
Our Growing Place is a series of lessons focusing on introducing urban children to gardening. Some take place in the classroom, some in the garden, and some in a kitchen. They are an excellent way to begin if you have never done school gardening before.
Education Outside: Schoolyard to Marketplace
This unit comes out of California, and with adaptations, could work in a Canadian setting. However, I caution it would be a large undertaking most suitable for junior high and high school. It is the process of gardening and then selling what it created to the community. Great idea and would definitely be educational!
First Nations and Métis Education and Pedagogy Information
A book created by Alberta Education about best teaching practices for all students, specifically First Nations, Métis and Inuit students living in Alberta.
Education is Our Buffalo (copy/paste url into address bar: http://www.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Human-Rights-Issues/Education%20is%20Our%20Buffalo%20(PD-80-7).pdf)
This document was created by the Alberta Teachers' Association. It stresses the importance of education to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Alberta, and how teachers can develop relationships with their students through understanding their histories and their needs.
An interactive and engaging resource for teachers to learn about integrating the Indigenous worldview into their teaching.
Eight Aboriginal Ways of Learning
This is a short article and graphic out of Australia based on their Indigenous population. In spite of it being from the other side of the world, I thought it was an excellent example of how best practices aren't limited to a single culture. As I read through the descriptions, I immediately thought to myself of how all students would benefit from some integration of these teaching methods.
When Aboriginal and Métis Teachers use Storytelling as an Instructional Practice
A garden is a place where stories can be shared. These stories can be written ones, oral stories, traditional stories, or the students' personal stories... all have importance and value in the garden. I loved this article because it stressed the importance and worth of storytelling in the classroom.
Guides to Contacting and Inviting Elders into the Classroom
Bringing an Elder into the classroom is a wonderful learning experience for a school community. However, it can be very intimidating when it is someone's first time reaching out to an Elder in the community, especially if they have little exposure to the culture. I think bringing an Elder in is essential to this process, so I have included some information on how to go about doing so:
- Aboriginal Elders and Community Workers in the School
- Inviting Elders and Cultural Leaders into the Classroom
Also refer to the Our Words, Our Ways and Education is our Buffalo links, as they too have sections on inviting Elders into the classroom.
Websites on School Garden Programs
A program in the United States focused on building links between local farms and schools.
One of the most varied and thorough resources on Schoolyard Gardening, although the focus is generally on vegetable gardens.
School Garden Network Canada
A Canadian community of resources for schools that garden, including lesson plans, pictures and advice!
Books for Teachers on School Gardens
I have put together a "Pinterest" board of books that would be valuable to teachers as they begin their Medicine Garden journey!