This week we read a book called Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola I. Campbell. It is about a girl saying goodbye to the land and her family as she prepares to go to residential school. We talked a little about the children who were on the land before we were here, and we had a few moments of silence to honour everyone who had gotten hurt or was not happy at those schools. We hope in this small way we continue to take steps in the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Themes Explored:
-Our favourite games!
-bushcraft: slingshots
-the edibles on our hill (plants you can eat!)
-looking back at our year
-felting
Skills Embraced:
-Mouse Trap Game: being brave and slow and careful, with a friend
-Capture the Flag: being fair and brave, on a team
-using zipties to create strength in a project (slingshots)
-carving
-identifying plants using a field guide
Connection Questions: Looking back at the time line of the year, what was your favourite part? What part of the mouse trap game was the hardest?
Traditionally, we have celebrated your child's growth over the year and their last class with an open invitation to parents and siblings to join us at the end of class for a tour led by your child. They would show you their favourite spots, lead you in activities, or play a group game together. This year, things will be different!
In order to comply with regulations, we will invite you to a forest school time with your family group! Your child's class is preparing their favourite things to show you, but it won't be able to happen during class time. We will come down to the meeting spot at the regular time, and you will be invited, if you are able, to go back up with your child for a tour led by your child.
I will email more instructions next week, but for now, mark your calendars for June 15 from 12 - 1 pm. If you can't make it, or if your child is heading back to school, let me know and I will prepare a 'take away guided adventure' for your child to use with their family whenever it is convenient!
They are quite excited about what they can 'make' you do! Be prepared to be active!