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Jen and the Great One

Elementary

Description

This First Nations story introduces the reader to the world of trees through the eyes and ears of Jen, who has a special place in her heart for the massive tree she calls the Great One.  One day the wind whispers through the Great One's branches and Jen hears a dreadful tale about greed and the loss of the forests.  Frightened by the story, she runs away and the old tree is left alone to despair about a world that will not listen.  However, when the young girl reappears with her friends the Great One experiences renewed hope, as he realizes that the youth of the world will right the wrongs of the past. 

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book could be used as the foundation for a classroom science and citizenship unit with a forest theme.  Students could begin the project by learning more about the  value of trees from a First Nations elder or a local naturalist  Then they could explore a forested area. Finally, a class could plant their own tree seedlings to learn about plant growth and development.  For younger students the book could be a prelude to exploring a wooded area with their senses.  They could also do bark rubbings and write their sensory observations around the art piece.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Habitat Loss
  • Interdependence

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Forests

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