Circle of Courage

EDEF-presentation-Circle-of-Courage

In my classroom I want to implement the Circle of Courage. In my EDEF class I did a presentation on how implementing this framework would look in a grade 5 classroom. The way I presented my ideas can be adapted for pretty much any grade level. By implementing this framework within my classroom, my students will build a good understanding of independence, generosity, mastery, and belonging. The students see themselves within each of the categories. This will give my all of my students including the Indigenous students a sense of purpose in their life within the school and their communities.

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

The 7 grandfather teachings is the Anishinaabe framework that has been passed down from generation to generation in the collaboration to restoration of the Indigenous cultural values, belief and practices. SD73 along with other school districts use the 7 grandfather teachings as their foundational framework.

Bear – Courage 

Eagle – Love 

Beaver – Wisdom

Salmon – Respect 

Turtle – Truth

Swan – Honesty

Coyote – Humility

How:

The seven grandfather teachings can be used in classes of all ages and adapted as needed. This example is one of the many ways you can connect to the 7 teachings within your classroom. Each week the teacher can present a new animal from the teachings and the meaning behind it. As the teacher is teaching the students about the animal, the students can color a picture of that animal and their values. Later in the week as a reflection, the students can each write about how they see themselve as the animal like Bear and courage.

There are many different ways you could incorporate both the Circle of Courage and the Seven Grandfather Teachings within your classroom. Not only do both of these teaching frameworks build a sense of community and resiliency within your classroom but they also help Indigenize your space as well. By Indigenizing your space, you are giving the Indigenous students a voice and a sense of belonging and identity within the classroom.