The First Nations Series for Young Readers Teacher Resource
by Shawntelle Nesbitt
Second Story Press, 2011
ISBN 978-1-926920-31-3
$29.95, 148 pp, teachers’ resource for Grades 4 – 10
www.secondstorypress.ca
This collection of lesson ideas and black line masters was developed for use with the First Nations Series for Young Readers, however, the resource is rooted in solid pedagogy and therefore could be used with any text conducive to transforming as a reading strategy. The resource is divided into six sections which incorporate holistic learning; differentiated instruction; critical thinking and 21st century learning; curriculum expectations from language arts, social studies and the arts; as well as suggestions on how to encourage student social action. The Medicine Wheel is the root of the activities and so it grounds the lessons within an understanding of the interconnectedness of all creation. The resource also includes opportunities for diagnostic assessments, formative feedback, and summative evaluation. Ten pages of resources and further reading suggestions complete this teachers’ resource, encouraging professional development and support for teachers who are able to engage their students through the First Nations Series and the activities in this text. Lastly, the variety of activities and the collection of suggestions allow this resource and the worksheets within it to be used across multiple grades—I would suggest grade 4 through 12 if used purposefully. This is an excellent resource to encourage a dialogue on local, national or global social justice issues.
Review by Amanda Parker.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Mar/Apr 2012 issue.
