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The Water Walker

Elementary

Description

The Water Walker tells the story of an Ojibwe grandmother (Nokomis) named Josephine who loves Nibi (water).  She raises awareness of the need to protect Nibi for future generations by walking all around the Great Lakes and from the four salt waters (oceans) to Lake Superior with the Mother Earth Water Walkers. In the story, written by Joanne Robertson, she encourages everyone to take responsibility to protect Nibi, the giver of life by asking, "What will you do for the water?"

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book would be very useful during a book talk around Earth Day or a read-aloud text related to Aboriginal Studies. Possible activity ideas include:

  • Identify the areas mentioned in the book on a classroom map
  • Learn the Ojibwe vocabulary presented in the book
  • Interpret the pictures orally or in a writing assignment from pages 7-8 and 23-24
  • Learn about the Ojibwe customs and traditions mentioned in the book, research other traditions and present to the class
  • Write a letter to Nokomis Josephine (the address is provided)
  • For older students calculate the distances walked around the Great Lakes, and from the oceans to Lake Superior
  • Illustrate favourite parts of the book and write a summary of that section and explain why
  • Re-enact the salt water walk with a Reader's Theatre
  • Visit the website Mother Earth Water Walker to view photo galleries, recent news and stories as well as watch videos about the continued actions to protect water.
  • A Teacher's Guide is available to download.

Relevant Grades and Subjects

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a grade listed below.

  • Step 1Select a grade level
  • Kindergarten
    • Step 2Relevant matches
    • Aboriginal Studies
    • Arts
    • English
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Grade 1
    • Step 2Relevant matches
    • Aboriginal Studies
    • Arts
    • English
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Grade 2
    • Step 2Relevant matches
    • Aboriginal Studies
    • Arts
    • English
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Grade 3
    • Step 2Relevant matches
    • Aboriginal Studies
    • Arts
    • English
    • Science
    • Social Studies

Themes Addressed

  • Ecosystems (1)

    • Appreciating the Natural World

  • Water (3)

    • Water Quality
    • Water Use
    • Watershed Protection