Page 8 - The Ogemawahj Tribal Council

Talking Circles

Grade
CURRICULUM
CONNECTIONS K-8. Follow the same protocol while modifying questions to meet
class abilities.
The Ontario Curriculum, Grades
1-8, Language (revised) 2006.
Big Ideas
Overall Expectations: 1. listen
in order to understand and Talking circles encourage interconnectedness, dialogue, and
respond appropriately in a collaboration by allowing all voices to be heard in a respectful way.
variety of situations for a
variety of purposes; 2. use Framing Questions
speaking skills and strategies
appropriately to communicate • Will your students be more effective communicators and listeners
with different audiences for a if you use the talking circle routinely in your class?
variety of purposes
Specific Expectations: 1.2
demonstrate an understanding Background Information
of appropriate listening
behaviour by using active A local Elder should be consulted for a comprehensive
listening strategies in a variety understanding of the medicine wheel and circle teachings in
of situations. Teacher prompt: your area. Contact your Indigenous Education Department
“When First Nations peoples use
for suggestions.
a talking stick, a person speaks
only when holding the talking
Medicine Wheel
stick, while the rest of the group
The Anishinaabe medicine wheel is a template for how to live life
listens. Today we are going to
speak and listen in a similar way.” in a good way. It is a holistic approach that reveals the importance
of balance and interconnectedness in our lives. The significance
2.2 demonstrate an
of its shape is evident in the land around us: the circle of the Sun,
understanding of appropriate
speaking behaviour in a variety Moon, Earth; the cycle of each day, season, and of life itself.
of situations, including paired
The wheel is divided into four equal parts. Each quadrant
sharing and small- and large-
group discussions (e.g., make represents a part of ourselves that we need to address equally
connections to what other for wellness: spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual. This
group members have said; aligns with the wellness strategy for Ontario educators that is
demonstrate an understanding
highlighted in the Ontario Curriculum: Social Studies, Grades 1 to
of when to speak, when to
6; History and Geography, Grades 7 and 8, 2018. “An educator’s
listen, and how much to say)
awareness of and responsiveness to students’ cognitive,
Truth and Reconciliation
emotional, social, and physical development, and to their sense of
Commission Call to
self and spirit, is critical to their success in school.” Page 4.
Action #63(iii)
Building student capacity for
intercultural understanding,
empathy, and mutual respect.

6 The Ogemawahj Tribal Council