Catholic Education Week 2021: Nurturing HopeHarvesting New FruitDAY 4: Thursday

Suggested Grade Level:KINDERGARTEN

BOOK TITLE:I Walk with VanessaA Story about a Simple Act of Kindness

AUTHOR andILLUSTRATOR:

Kerascoët

ISBN-13 9781524769550

BOOK DESCRIPTION:Vanessa is a new student at school. A boy is mean to her on her way home. Another student sees the boy’s action and is moved to act kindly toward Vanessa and even gets her friends to help welcome Vanessa.

MATERIALS:-8 ½ x 11 white paper-Pencils and crayons

LEARNING GOALS: We will use language to communicate our thinking, to reflect

on the story, and to solve problems in the story. We will discuss what action to take when we feel unsafe or

uncomfortable, and when and how to seek assistance in unsafe situations.

We will demonstrate literacy behaviours that enable beginning readers to make sense of the story.

We will think critically about fair/unfair and biased behaviour towards both ourselves and others, and act with compassion and kindness.

CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS:OCSGE: I have a voice. I have ideas. I care.

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation, Human Dignity, Rights and Responsibilities

R.E. Curriculum: Overall Religious Expectations ML 1, 2, 3, LC 1, LS 1

Make connections to learning that has taken place earlier in the year. If you have prior learning from earlier in the year, use that as the jumping off point. The lesson is just an example of what could be done.

MINISTRY CURRICULUM LINKS:Kindergarten Program OE 1, OE 3,OE 4, OE 6, OE 13, OE 27

Religion as related to the four “frames” BE/SRWB/DLMB/PSI

MINDS ON (Before) Approximately 20 minutes PAUSE & PONDERBegin with prayer:

Loving God, Help us to be good friends in our words and play. Help us to be kind and helpful to each other. Amen.

Show the students the cover of the book and ask if anyone can read the title of the book (say the title if no one is able to read it) and ask:

Discussion PointsThis book does not have any words, so students can be invited to tell the story with their words and ideas.

Which girl do you think is Vanessa?Success CriteriaStudents are able to use the pictures to tell the story.Students are able to identify the feelings of the characters.Students will empathize with Vanessa.

Can you predict why the title of the book is, I Walk with Vanessa?

ACTION (During) Approximately 20 minutes

PAUSE & PONDER

Move through the pages of the book, showing the pages deliberately and slowly, so everyone can see what is on each page.

Listen to the students as they make comments about what they are seeing. Do not make any comments yourself about the story during the first time through it.

Start to look through the book a second time and ask students how they feel on each page. On pages 5-6, ask the students:

How does Vanessa feel as she walks across the street toward her home?

How does the girl in the yellow dress feel as she watches Vanessa cross the street?

What do you think the girl in the yellow dress is saying to her classmates on pages 9-10?

Why is the girl in the yellow dress in such a rush to leave her home? (pages 15-16)

Have you ever experienced being yelled at by someone?

CONSOLIDATION (After) Approximately 20-30 minutes PAUSE & PONDERThe girl in the yellow dress noticed what happened to the girl who was hurt by the boy’s words. Then she thought about how she might feel and what she should do. When you see mean behavior, ask yourself, “How would I feel if that happened to me?”

What would you do to help the person who was hurt? Draw a picture of what you would do to help the person who

was hurt.

Catholic Education Week 2021: Nurturing HopeHarvesting New FruitDAY 4: Thursday

Suggested Grade Level:PRIMARY

BOOK TITLE: Lessons from Mother Earth

AUTHOR andILLUSTRATOR:

Elaine McLeodColleen Wood

ISBN-13 9780888998323

BOOK DESCRIPTION:Many cultures around the world, including the First Nation and Métis cultures of Canada, use stories as teaching tools. The picture book is written as a letter from Mother Earth asking people to take care of the environment. In this story, Tess learns from her grandmother that her “garden” is all of nature that surrounds her. As they pick plants and berries, they do so carefully and with respect. Tess discovers that if she cares for the earth it will provide for her just as it provided for generations past.

MATERIALS:-Media (newspapers, internet)-Magazines and books on the environment-Poster boards and drawing materials-Prayers:Caring for our Earth: a prayer for children | CAFODBy Pope Francis (3.14 video)Miigwech Nimishomis Giizis CEW 2021.pdfOjibwe Prayer

LEARNING GOALS: We will gain a deeper appreciation of Mother Earth and all the

gifts she provides. We will demonstrate an understanding of the natural world and

the need to take care of and respect the environment. We will demonstrate an awareness of our surroundings. We will demonstrate a respect for our Elders and Indigenous

teaching of never taking more than you need.CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS:OCSGE: A Collaborative Contributor, A Self-Directed, Responsible Lifelong Learner, A Caring Family Member, A Responsible Citizen

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities, Stewardship, Participation, Common Good, Care for Creation

Scripture Focus: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31

R.E. Curriculum: Living in Solidarity, Living in Communion, Living a Moral Life

Family Life Curriculum: Created and Loved by God, Living in Relationship, Living in the World, Growing in Commitment

MINISTRY CURRICULUM LINKS:Language ArtsThe ArtsSocial StudiesReligious Education and FamilyNative Language

MINDS ON (Before) Approximately 10 minutes TEACHING TIPBegin with prayer:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. Thank you God for what you have made.

Amen.

Play the following video:Caring for our Earth: a prayer for children | CAFODBy Pope Francis (3.14)

What does it mean to “nurture hope?” We are asking our God of hope to fill us with so much hope that it flows out of us and onto others. We need young people to share their hope with everyone they meet especially during this time when many children are not allowed to go to school or play with friends. With God’s help in learning about Mother Earth, you will nurture hope for a better world.

Show the students the cover of the book, Lessons from Mother Earth. Tell them they are going to be hearing a story about a little girl, her grandma, and all the things the girl sees, hears, tastes, smells, and feels while working in the garden and out on the land. Read the book giving students time to appreciate the traditional knowledge the grandma is passing down.

Key Terms:

Mother Earth: a name that Indigenous peoples often use to describe the world we live in.

Garden: a piece of ground where various plants are grown.

Indigenous Spirituality shares that Mother Earth is an original and ancient being. Her children (plants and animals) live in harmony. The two-legged (humans) are entrusted with taking care of her and her children. All of life is therefore interconnected. The health of Mother Earth is a mirror for our own well-being.

Click on the image below for more information and resources on connections to Mother Earth.

ACTION (During) Approximately 20 minutes

TEACHING TIP

This story can help students gain an understanding of Indigenous cultures and the traditional knowledge that is passed down between generations. This book emphasizes the respect for the land that is synonymous with First Nation, Métis and Inuit traditions.

Have students describe ways to show respect for each other and the earth. Link these examples to how these activities create a healthy environment for all. (e.g. planting trees and taking care of them creates good healthy air for us.)

Tess has visited her grandmother many times without really being aware of the garden. Today they step outside the door and Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden. She also learns that if you take care of the plants that are growing, if you learn

about them – understanding when they flower, when they give fruit, and when to leave them alone – you will always find something to nourish you. This gentle story demonstrates Indigenous Peoples’ tradition of taking care of Mother Earth.

CONSOLIDATION (After) Approximately 10-15 minutes TEACHING TIPAfter listening to the story, have the students think about the following questions:

What does Tess’ grandmother really mean by her “garden?” How can we take better care of OUR garden (Mother Earth)

together? How do we show respect to Mother Earth?

Take a walk outside and have students observe Mother Earth and all of God’s creations. Have them consider who takes care and waters the grass, trees and plants.

Invite students to consider all the things they love about Mother Earth and create a Mother Earth Collage (group work or individual). Teachers may choose the traditional way of making a collage in cutting out pictures and gluing them on the Mother Earth background. Other options may include creating a digital collage.

https://www.bestcoloringpagesforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Planet-Earth-Coloring-Pages-For-Kids.jpg

Integrate a variety of Indigenous music throughout this lesson. Connect the lyrics and mood of the music to a sharing of teachings (e.g. drum songs are examples of the heartbeat of Mother Earth and teach us to take care of her).

Suggested song:Miigwetch Honour https://www.onwa.ca/drum-book

NEXT STEPS TEACHING TIPAsk students to reflect on the Grandfather Teaching of Truth (Debwewin) and the OCSGE of being a Responsible Citizen.

How are these teachings supported by the story, Lessons from Mother Earth and their explorations into how they can make a positive impact on the environment?

Grandfather TeachingDebwewin – Truth

Catholic Education Week 2021: Nurturing HopeHarvesting New FruitDAY 4: Thursday

Suggested Grade Level:JUNIOR

BOOK TITLE: Lessons from Mother Earth

AUTHOR andILLUSTRATOR:

Elaine McLeodColleen Woods

ISBN-13 9780888998323

BOOK DESCRIPTION:Many cultures around the world, including the First Nation and Métis cultures of Canada, use stories as teaching tools. The picture book is written as a letter from Mother Earth asking people to take care of the environment. In this story, Tess learns from her grandmother that her “garden” is all of nature that surrounds her. As they pick plants and berries, they do so carefully and with respect. Tess discovers that if she cares for the earth it will provide for her just as it provided for generations past.

MATERIALS:-Foot print outline

LEARNING GOALS: We will demonstrate an understanding of the natural world and

the need to take care of and respect the environment. We will demonstrate an awareness of our surroundings. We will demonstrate a respect for Elders and Indigenous

teachings. We will gain a deeper appreciation of Mother Earth and all the

gifts she provides.CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS:OCSGE: A Collaborative Contributor, A Self-Directed, Responsible Lifelong Learner, A Caring Family Member, A Responsible Citizen

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities, Stewardship, Participation, Common Good and Care for Creation

Scripture Focus: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31

R.E. Curriculum: Living in Solidarity, Living in Communion, Living a Moral Life

Family Life Curriculum: Created and Loved by God, Living in Relationship, Living in the World, Growing in Commitment

MINISTRY CURRICULUM LINKS:Language ArtsThe ArtsSocial StudiesReligious Education and FamilyNative Language

MINDS ON (Before) Approximately 10 minutes TEACHING TIPBegin with prayer:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

O powerful God, You are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

Excerpted from: Pope Francis 2015 Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home [Encyclical]

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

The prayer in its entirety on Slides can be found here:Pope Francis: A Prayer for Our Earth

Ojibwe PrayerMiigwech Nimishomis Giizis CEW 2021.pdf

Indigenous Spirituality shares that Mother Earth is an original and ancient being. Her children (plants and animals) live in harmony. The two-legged (humans) are entrusted with taking care of her and her children. All of life is therefore interconnected. The health of Mother Earth is a mirror for our own well-being.

Click on the image below for more information and resources on connections to Mother Earth.

ACTION (During) Approximately 20 minutes

TEACHING TIP

Read the book giving students time to appreciate the traditional knowledge the grandma is passing down. This story can help students gain an understanding of Indigenous cultures and the traditional knowledge that is passed down between generations. This book emphasizes the respect for the land that is synonymous with First Nation, Métis and Inuit traditions.

Tess has visited her grandmother many times without really being aware of the garden. Today they step outside the door and Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden. If you take care of the plants that are growing, if you learn about them – understanding when they flower,

Extension: Share the following video to further connect to the book, Lessons from Mother Earth: Caring for Our Planet: How to Look After Our World.

Laudato Si’ animation for Children – A letter from Pope Francis

when they give fruit, and when to leave them alone – you will always find something to nourish you. This gentle story demonstrates Indigenous peoples tradition of taking care of Mother Earth.

Laudato Si' animation for children | CAFOD

CONSOLIDATION (After) Approximately 10-15 minutes TEACHING TIPShare the following short video from the link below featuring Isaac Murdoch on Understanding our Relationship with Mother Earth.

http://www.lessonsfromearthandbeyond.ca/chapter-1-inaaknigewin.html

After listening to the story and watching the video, remind students that this year’s Catholic Education Week theme is “Nurturing Hope” and that today’s sub-theme is “Harvesting New Fruit.” Students are also reminded that all of nature can be a garden. If you take care of the plants that are growing, if you learn about them – understanding when they flower, when they give fruit, and when to leave them alone – you will always find something to nourish you.

Ask students how we can demonstrate caring and compassion to one another and then extend this thinking process to the natural environment, including the animals, the earth, the sky, water, and plants.

Ask students to provide a solution or steps that could be taken in order to provide a positive impact on the environment and Mother Earth. Students will then create their own ecological footprint. Teachers may use a template or ask students to create their own. Ask students to write the positive environmental practices and how they can take care of Mother Earth onto their footprints.

Integrate a variety of Indigenous music throughout this lesson. Connect the lyrics and mood of the music to a sharing of teachings (e.g. drum songs are examples of the heartbeat of Mother Earth and teach us to take care of her).

Suggested song:Miigwetch Honourhttps://www.onwa.ca/drum-book

Possible extension:Climate Action Superheroes – United Nations Sustainable Development

Empowering children to be heroic leaders for change and believe in the impact they can have on the planet is crucial. Meet our eight superheroes. Each of their missions has downloadable content including activities for kids to do with the help of an adult.

NEXT STEPS TEACHING TIPAsk students to reflect on the Grandfather Teaching of Truth (Debwewin) and the OCSGE of being a Responsible Citizen.

How are these teachings supported by the story Lessons from Mother Earth and their explorations into how they can make a positive impact on the environment?

Grandfather TeachingDebwewin – Truth

Catholic Education Week 2021: Nurturing HopeHarvesting New FruitDAY 4: Thursday

Suggested Grade Level:INTERMEDIATE

BOOK TITLE: Wangari’s Trees of Peace:A True Story from America

AUTHOR andILLUSTRATOR:

Jeanette Winter

ISBN-13 978015206545

BOOK DESCRIPTION:Wangari’s Trees of Peace is a true story of hope about a young girl in Kenya who grows up to become a strong supporter of her people, a champion for the environment and an ambassador of peace. Wangari leaves her home in Kenya to study in America. When she returns, she is shocked to see the barren landscape and the hardship of the women walking miles to find firewood. Wangari sees the importance of a sustainable forest for her village and encourages the women to plant seedlings in hope of a better future. Eventually, Wangari is imprisoned for standing up to those who want to clear cut. “Right is right, even if you are alone.” The women throughout Kenya are inspired by Wangari’s example. Soon, the trees cover the land. Wangari Maathi was honoured with the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.

MATERIALS:-Copies of the Pope Francis Prayer-List of statements for the pre and post reading activity-Student journals-Large sheets of paper for posters-Drawing and colouring materials-Laptop, LCD projector and speakersOR-Promethean board (for showing YouTube video if choosing that option)-Copies of BLM

LEARNING GOALS: We will understand the main themes of the story (one person’s

brave actions can make a huge difference to the world; we can be a source of hope and inspiration to others in our work as stewards of the earth, God’s creation; each one of us is called to help make our community/world a better place).

We will continue to develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic Social Teaching (stewardship of creation, participation, rights and responsibilities, peace).

We will generate ideas on the virtues/traits/behaviours/actions demonstrated by Wangari in the book that illustrates what is needed to be instruments of God’s healing and peace for society and the world (persistence, patience, commitment, courage, etc.).

We will deepen our understanding of today’s sub-theme, Harvesting New Fruit through discussion of the book as well as personal connections to our own lives (how a vision of hope for the future in the face of a loss or difficult time (e.g. pandemic can help to transform current reality and ultimately create positive and beautiful changes).

We will explore connections between gifts of the Holy Spirit and

the themes of the book and the implications for students in how they are called to share their gifts and values with the world.

CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS:OCSGE: A Collaborative Contributor, A Self-Directed, Responsible Lifelong Learner, A Caring Family Member, A Responsible Citizen

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity, Participation, Common Good, Stewardship of Creation, Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

Scripture Focus: :”Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31

R.E. Curriculum: Living in Solidarity, Living in Communion, Living a Moral Life

Family Life Curriculum: Created and Loved by God, Living in Relationship, Living in the World

MINISTRY CURRICULUM LINKS:LanguageSocial Studies

MINDS ON (Before) Approximately 10 minutes TEACHING TIPBegin with prayer:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

O powerful God,You are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness, all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

Amen.

-Excerpted from Pope Francis 2015 Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home [Encyclical]

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

Pre and Post Reading Activity Statements: Agree/Disagree

Explain to students that you will be reading twelve statements aloud both before reading and after reading today’s story. Explain that they will be participating in this activity by responding non-verbally. For each sentence, students can indicate if they agree with the statement by doing a thumbs up sign, or disagree with the statement by doing a

The teacher may wish to create a document or page for the prayer and give access or make individual copies for students for continued reference and exploration. The prayer in its entirety on slides, can be found here:https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/resource/pope-francis-prayer-our-earth

For the Agree/Disagree activity, the teacher may select an alternate way for students to indicate their response to each statement. In a face-to-face learning setting,

thumbs down sign.

1. There is not much that one person can do to make change happen in the world.

2. Hope can be spread one tiny act at a time.3. Creating change can sometimes be hard work.4. Standing up for what is right is worth it even if it means you are

alone.5. Trusting ourselves and God can bring amazing results.6. A peaceful person always obeys authority.7. If you have a vision for change and people laugh at it, you

should give up and not work for change anymore.8. The ways we act can set an example for others.9. Taking action for the environment is an easy thing to do.10. There is nothing I can do to make the world a better place.11. It is possible for one small act to have a huge impact on the

world.12. You sometimes need courage to do the right thing.13. When you truly believe in something and commit to it, you can

sometimes find strength you never knew you had.14. Protecting the environment is important.

Explain that the story that you are about to read will highlight several important messages related to the statements that you have just read. Ask students to take a moment before you begin reading, to silently predict what those messages might be, but ask them not to share their ideas until after you have read the story.

students can line up and can be instructed to step forward onto an imaginary line on the floor if they agree with the statement. In a remote learning setting, students can be instructed to begin by turning off their cameras, but can turn their camera on for 5 seconds if they think the statement is true. After each statement, students can step back or turn their cameras back off.

ACTION (During) Approximately 20 minutes

TEACHING TIP

Show the title and cover and cover of the book and ask for students to describe the cover. Read the story, pausing to invite students to comment and share thoughts and insights where appropriate, and to ask for responses to your own questions or to some of the following:

How does Wangari help her mother? What does the author tell us about Wangari?

How does the setting of the story change on page 5? What are some words to describe how Wangari might have been feeling when she returned to her home and saw the barren hills?

Why were the women hauling firewood miles and miles from home?

What do you think about the way Wangari decided to help solve the problem? Did she start with a huge idea or did she start small?

Why do you think it was crucial that someone took up the cause of the trees and the environment in Kenya?

The author compares Wangari to a tree. How is this an effective and powerful comparison? What are some of the qualities of Wangari that are similar to a tree (she is strong, stands tall no matter what, is rooted in her cause, is willing to weather any

During the reading, remind students that this is a true story.

Invite students to make connections to concerns we might have about the environment in Canada.

Remember to read the informational page about Wangari Maathi that is at the back of the book.

challenge or storm, etc.)? What does it mean to plant seeds of change? Why is it important to take change one step at a time? How did the patience and determination of Wangari contribute

to the outcome of this story? How would things have gone differently at various points in the story if Wangari had given up?

Wangari received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. How is she a worthy recipient of this prize? How is she an instrument of peace?

CONSOLIDATION (After) Approximately 10-15 minutes TEACHING TIPRead the statements from the pre-reading activity and invite students to follow the same instructions as before, indicating whether they agree or disagree with each statement. Ask students if any of their responses changed as a result of listening to the story. Review each statement and invite students to share comments/insights/ideas.

Remind students that this year’s Catholic Education Week theme is “Nurturing Hope” and that today’s sub-theme is Harvesting New Fruit. Ask students to provide ideas about how the ideas from the book connect to the sub-theme and the overall theme for the week. Ask students to discuss this in light of the current pandemic and the challenges that people may have faced or be facing. Invite a few students to share examples or ideas about people coming together and creating hopeful, positive solutions in the face of loss or difficulty.

Share the following short video with students, “I Will Be a Hummingbird,” in which Wangari Maathai herself shares an interesting story with a similar message to today’s story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGMW6YWjMxw

Invite students to share a word or phrase explaining their understanding of the message of the story (sometimes we can get overwhelmed by the problems of today, but there is always something we can do; I may feel insignificant but instead of standing by and acting helpless like the animals in the story, I can be like the hummingbird and do the best I can; small acts can make a difference; I can bring hope to others in tiny ways, etc.).

Discuss how Wangari saw a need and worked to create a solution that began small and grew. It took patience, persistence, and commitment.

Ask:

Is there a need that you can identify in your home, school, community, parish? Is there something that can be improved?

Wangari began her work alone but soon got others involved in solving the problem of deforestation in her village by asking them to join her in planting seedlings.

For sharing their ideas after the video, the teacher may select alternate ways for students to share their ideas. If in a face-to-face setting, students could be invited to write their ideas on chart paper, displayed at various parts of the room, or on a White Board. In a remote learning setting, students can share ideas on a padlet or Jamboard.

How can you engage others in helping find solutions to the needs you see in your own community?

How can Wangari’s story serve as an inspiration for you to begin small with your own efforts to make a difference in the world?

Invite students to write a one-page reflection in response to this question in which they identify a local need and an action they can take. If students are having difficulty generating an idea, brainstorm some possibilities with them.

Consider having students use their reflections to create posters for building awareness of the need they have identified. Students could also create action plans listing additional steps needed to address the identified need.

Prior to the lesson, the teacher may wish to identify several local needs of the community in order to provide some possibilities for students to consider.

NEXT STEPS TEACHING TIPBriefly discuss the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the ways they guide us in becoming the people God calls us to be. Invite students to reflect on which gifts of the Holy Spirit might have guided Wangari in the book. Provide your own chart or use one similar to the one found in the TEACHING TIP column and have students write a sentence about how the gift(s) they selected might have been helpful. Invite students to share their ideas in small groups then come together as a whole group to share ideas and connections.

https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/7237/

BLM Int. Day 4 CEW 2021

Select at least three gifts of the Holy Spirit and describe how the gift connects to the actions of Wangari in the story.

Wisdom

Understanding

Right Judgment

Courage

Knowledge

Reverence

Wonder and Awe