The Secret Path, early years lessons, is comprised of two resources that aim to engage students in learning about residential schools and to participate in an empathy simulation.
In the "When We Were Alone" lesson plan template, students will participate in an empathy simulation activity as well as compare and contrast their classroom with a residential school classroom and then write a note of encouragement to a book character.
The lesson plan template "The Best Part of Me" allows students to explore the idea of identity and what makes them "them". They learn about the Boys with Braids campaign and discuss a picture of a book character getting their hair cut. As a final activity, the students will draw a picture of themselves and write about how they would feel if a special part of them was taken away.
The Early Years lesson plans included in the Secret Path resource are an excellent method to use in a primary Social Studies classroom to discuss residential schools and help develop students' empathy.
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