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The Secret Path-Early Years

Elementary

Description

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.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

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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        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Local Communities: Healthy communities recognize and respect the diversity of individuals and care for the local environmen
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
        • Everyone has a unique story to share.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Regional and Global Communities: Canada is made up of many diverse regions and communities
        • Regional and Global Communities: Individuals have rights and responsibilities as global citizens
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us.
        • Stories can be understood from different perspectives
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
        • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.
        • Texts can be understood from different perspectives

Themes Addressed

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Quality of Life

Human Rights (3)

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Education
  • Social Justice