This assignment was beneficial to my teaching journey because it really helped me focus on the values of my future classroom. The Circle of Courage classroom framework provides a valuable approach to supporting the emotional and social well-being of all students. By emphasizing belonging, mastery, independence and generosity, students will always have a safe space in my classroom where their opinion is valued and respected. Understanding and applying this model can help teachers create inclusive and nurturing learning environments where students will feel empowered. This framework also encourages teachers to see the individual potential that each student has in them and helps to provide positive guidance while also building strong relationships.
Residential Schools Lesson Plan
This lesson plan is really important to me because both primary and intermediate grades should learn the truth about Canada’s history and the impact it has had on Indigenous peoples. This lesson plan introduces residential schools in an age-appropriate way at a young age to foster empathy, respect and awareness while also supporting reconciliation through education. This lesson also promotes deeper learning to help students build critical thinking skills and a sense of social responsibility. By teaching about residential schools, students will be able to listen to Indigenous voices and understand the importance of learning the truth and help to be a part of the healing.
Wildlife Park Place-based Assignment
Creating a place-based Social Studies project on the BC Wildlife Park was valuable to my learning because it showed me how to connect classroom concepts to the local environment. A field trip to the Wildlife Park can be beneficial for all ages of students through the exploration of topics like conservation, Indigenous connections to land and the importance of protecting wildlife. This hands-on approach really deepened my understanding of social responsibility and the need to influence students who want to be lifelong environmental advocates. Taking students to the BC Wildlife Park can help students learn how to preserve culture and nature in a more personal and memorable way.