4)+Connections+to+Life+&+Experiences

=** CONNECTIONS TO LIFE & EXPERIENCES **=

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//**"...begin in the home, it is mostly observational. Young children look at adults and learn about things through observation and doing things with adults ... there are some things in life you don't need a lesson plan for" (Paulsen, 2003, p. 23).**//=====

All individuals learn best when they can connect new experiences to background knowledge and Aboriginal students are no different. This can be better achieved in the classroom through demonstrations and hand-on learning experiences such as experiments. Not only that, working to foster cultural pride in Aboriginal students is a valuable and meaningful way to increase student confidence and success. Educators and curriculum developers need to broaden their view of knowledge to include Aboriginal ways of knowing and content so that it has a more purposeful place in Canadian education (Iseke, 2009, p. 367). Schools should work to retain Aboriginal students' cultural identity and pride while preparing them for life in a homogenizing world (Katz, 2003). Bridging the gap between traditional teachings and contemporary life is a key aspect to successful Aboriginal education in our schools.

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Urban First Nations 12: Expressing Your Truth – A great example of how locally developed curriculum can help Aboriginal students link school teachings to their life and cultural experiences. This course works to connect urban and traditional experiences.


 * References **

Iske, J. (2009). Cultural mirrors made of Papier Mache: Challenging misprepresentations of indigenous knowledge through media. //Alberta Journal of Educational Research// 55(3), 365-381, from CBCA Education. (Document ID: 2174772441).

Katz, H. & McCluskey, K. (2003). Seeking strength-based approaches in aboriginal education: The "three stars and a wish" project. //McGill Journal of Education,// 38(1), 116-134. Retrieved November 1, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 389919191).

Paulsen, R.L. (2003). Native literacy: A living language: Canadian Journal of Native Education. Edmonton. VOL. 27, Iss. 1, p 23.




 * __DISCUSSION QUESTION__ - How can your local community build connections between traditional teachings and contemporary life? Use examples from your current curriculum if applicable. **