Oral Tradition: Observing Practice Activity
Total Time: Approx. 60 minutes
After viewing a 30-minute video on circle storytelling in a Grade 3 classroom, participants use a think-pair-share strategy to respond to the video. Participants make plans to incorporate storytelling into classroom practices.
The strategies in this activity can be adapted for Observing Practice activities in other topic areas.
Activity 1: View the Video Sharing a Story
Ask participants to identify aspects of circle storytelling as they watch the video.
Overview of video: Judy Louis, First Nation, Métis and Inuit consultant in Wetaskiwin Regional School, and teacher Wanda Fonteyne use the circle story technique to help Grade 3 students learn to read and write. (29:15 minutes)
Note: The video is not an example of traditional storytelling, although it demonstrates the use of oral tradition techniques adapted to a contemporary classroom. If possible, teachers should invite First Nation, Métis or Inuit storytellers to share stories with students.
Activity 2: Think-Pair-Share
Features of the circle storytelling strategy include the following:
- Read or tell stories to students so they can learn to identify parts of a story as if the story were a journey to be plotted on a circle instead of a line.
- Introduce the stories using cultural objects that students can hold and identify with.
- Students need to have an “adventure” or journey of their own to write about; provide an activity in a safe environment that allows students to participate by observing or moving.
- Encourage students to share their stories with others in the class.
- Discuss the similarities and differences in students’ stories; explore why these stories are the same or different.
You may want to group participants according to the grade level they teach so they can consider adapting these strategies for their students.
Using the think-pair-share strategy, ask participants to consider the features of the circle storytelling strategy and to determine how they might use this strategy to introduce and explore a topic in their own classrooms. Form pairs and ask participants to share their thoughts on this strategy. As a whole group, participants share their ideas about the strategy and how to use it.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful Indigenous ways of knowing; it is a demonstration of how traditional cultural values are taught and is an excellent means of instilling pride and identity in First Nation, Métis and Inuit children. Encourage participants to consider using stories from local First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and to learn about proper protocol for inviting an Elder or respected community member into the classroom to share stories with students.
