As an educator my first line of focus has always been imparting knowledge of the curriculum to my students. Being the 'imparter'. And yet, HOW that knowledge is shared should be examined. From my attempts to walk a path of reciprocity and learning Indigenous Ways of Knowing, the realization that unless that knowledge is connected, it does not become lived, experienced, or valued. Connection to a story, place, and people makes the knowledge come alive.
Stories can explain, engage, warn, and delight Stories resinate in children's imaginations, creating visual images for complex concepts.
Sharing stories is one of the most powerful approaches for making meaningful connections to the land. Stories on and from the land provide provocation, inspiration, knowledge, and help focus learning. Telling stories, orally, without the benefit of reading the words, is an even more powerful technique, even magical. Honing your own oral storytelling abilities will take some time and practice, but stick with it. Here are a few land-based story tips to consider:
Circles:
Sitting in circles helps with learning because everyone is on the same level, can see and hear one another clearly, and can pass a talking stick around to reflect on a topic or share their learning. Use sit-upons or blankets/tarps! Introduce the idea of a ‘talking stick’- only the person with the stick gets to share, and everyone else listens respectfully.
Stories can explain, engage, warn, and delight Stories resinate in children's imaginations, creating visual images for complex concepts.
Sharing stories is one of the most powerful approaches for making meaningful connections to the land. Stories on and from the land provide provocation, inspiration, knowledge, and help focus learning. Telling stories, orally, without the benefit of reading the words, is an even more powerful technique, even magical. Honing your own oral storytelling abilities will take some time and practice, but stick with it. Here are a few land-based story tips to consider:
- Build and nurture relationships with the Elders and/or knowledge keepers which have been identified for your area or school. This is, of course, most ideal and special.
- Learn what stories are sacred (to only be told by an Elder) and which are public stories (available for you to share as they are widely and commonly distributed).
- Spend time collecting appropriate land stories and compiling land-based story resources at your school and share them with your teaching team.
- Share your own stories! Model your connection with nature by telling and retelling your stories of experiences, sightings, awe and wonder.
- Create and tell your own tales about the wonder and drama unfolding on the land. Find inspiration from guide books or children’s books.
Circles:
Sitting in circles helps with learning because everyone is on the same level, can see and hear one another clearly, and can pass a talking stick around to reflect on a topic or share their learning. Use sit-upons or blankets/tarps! Introduce the idea of a ‘talking stick’- only the person with the stick gets to share, and everyone else listens respectfully.