September 26

 What did students do this week?

Learning Outcome:  Students explore civic actions.

I can…

• recognize that individuals can participate in community events that contribute to quality of life as well as share and appreciate diverse cultures

Orange Shirt Day 🧡

On Thursday afternoon, our class joined the whole school in learning about Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day happens every year on September 30th. It is a day to remember and honour the children who went to residential schools in Canada. Many children were taken away from their families and communities, and they were not treated with love or respect. We wear orange shirts to say that every child matters.

Our Assembly

We attended a special assembly put on by the Grade 4s. They shared stories, songs, and messages to help us understand why Orange Shirt Day is important. We listened carefully and thought about how we can help make our school and community a safe and caring place for everyone.

Why It Matters

Orange Shirt Day reminds us to:

• Respect others and treat everyone with kindness.
  
  

• Remember the past so we can build a better future.
  
  

• Include everyone, because every child matters.
  
  

What We Can Do

In our classroom, we can:

• Use kind words and actions.
  
  

• Stand up for each other.
  
  

• Keep learning about Indigenous peoples, histories, and cultures.
  
  

When we wear our orange shirts, we are showing that we care and that we will help make the world a better place for all children.

Learning the 7 Sacred Teachings

In Social Studies, we have been learning about the 7 Sacred Teachings. These teachings come from Indigenous peoples of Canada and help guide us to live in a good way. Each teaching is connected to an animal that helps us remember its meaning:

1. Love – Eagle
   
   

   
   
   

2. Respect – Buffalo
   
   

   
   
   

3. Courage – Bear
   
   

   
   
   

4. Honesty – Sabe
   
   

   
   
   

5. Wisdom – Beaver
   
   

   
   
   

6. Humility – Wolf
   
   

   
   
   

7. Truth – Turtle
   
   

   
   
   

These teachings remind us how to treat ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Practicing the Teachings in Our Everyday Life

• In our classroom:
  
  

• We can show love by helping a friend when they are stuck on a question.
  
  

• We can show respect by listening when someone is speaking.
  
  

• In our school:
  
  

• We can show courage by trying new activities in gym or answering questions even if we are unsure.
  
  

• We can show honesty by admitting when we make a mistake.
  
  

• At home:
  
  

• We can show wisdom by making good choices, like finishing homework before playing.
  
  

• We can show humility by being thankful for what we have and helping with chores.
  
  

• In our community:
  
  

• We can live with truth by standing up for what is right.
  
  

• We can show respect for the Earth by recycling, picking up litter, and caring for animals.
  
  

Why It Matters

The 7 Sacred Teachings help us build friendships, make good choices, and live together in a caring way. By practicing these teachings every day, we are not only learning about history and culture, but also learning how to be kind and responsible people in our classroom, school, home, and community.

Through this work, we are meeting Alberta’s Social Studies outcomes by learning about the diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, respecting their histories, and understanding the importance of truth and reconciliation. These lessons are helping us grow into kind, compassionate, and responsible citizens.

3.2.1 Appreciate elements of global citizenship:

• Recognize how individuals and communities live together (e.g., respect, cooperation, responsibility, valuing diversity).
  
  

• Acknowledge the importance of respect for the environment and for living things.
  
  

• Value peaceful, respectful relationships.
  
  

3.2.2 Explore the concept of global citizenship:

• Examine the rights and responsibilities they have as members of their community.
  
  

• Understand how their actions and the actions of others can make a difference in their community.
  
  

3.2.3 Examine the social and cultural characteristics of communities:

• Demonstrate respect for the traditions, celebrations, and customs of others.
  
  

• Identify how stories, traditions, and teachings of Indigenous Peoples contribute to identity and a sense of belonging.
  
  

3.2.4 Recognize the importance of working together to solve problems:

• Appreciate how people from diverse cultures and backgrounds work together to build community.