The Seven Teachings
The seven teachings were traditionally passed down from generation to generation. They are the most commonly shared North American Indigenous Teachings, though they vary slightly across geographical groups. The seven teachings share a message of how we should conduct ourselves towards one another and demonstrate respect for all living things. They speak to our core values and morals.
Animal Representations Carousel
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Understanding Symbolism and Animal Representations
Each of us has many feelings that can be seen in animals. Symbolism is when one thing represents another. They share a quality in common.
Create a Personal Symbol Bag Activity
I use this activity to help students understand symbols more fully. First, I prepare my own ‘Symbol Bag’ full of small objects that represent something important to me. I share the objects and significance with the class. The story Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is wonderful to read at this time as it highlights how an object can symbolize a feeling or memory. Next, I give each student a small paper bag to bring home. I send home a letter explaining our activity and asking parents to help their child choose a few things from home to symbolize what is important to them. They should choose several items, but all of the items they choose must be able to fit inside their bag. For example; a paintbrush might symbolize a love of art, a seashell the love of the ocean, a maple leaf or penny could represent Canadian heritage or a clover Irish ancestry. I encourage them to use their imaginations. I also ask that parents help them choose small, cheap items because even though they will be able to take everything home after, we don’t want any special family keepsakes to go missing. |