They do!
Through all the colour and movement, the message is laced with hope and wonder. People listen with their hearts and minds sensitive to what they are experiencing viscerally as they watch the children. Their perceptions shift.
That is called “change”!!!
Brave grade ½ teachers and their students at Capitol Hill School have dared to find meaningful stories using the animals of Alberta through the ancient way of storytelling—voice, body and imagination! Shy Bear finds bravery and self worth. Blind Wolf is blessed with a deaf companion that leads her into self-actualization. Coyote finds the gift of humility and Barred Owl celebrates her independence strengthened by her own convictions.
There, I said it. This is the work that keeps me alive!
In three short lessons these co-creators have already mapped out their journeys. Tomorrow we will transcend them with my trademark cloth, hoop and shield motifs. We are ready to hit the next level! This is grade ½ people!!! The Spirit Guides have contrast, purpose and personal stamps. Awesome!
How does this happen?
Open and willing teachers have FOLLOWED THROUGH with specific cross curriculum references making MY lessons richer from what THEY provide!
Students are CONNECTED and COMMITTED! They ALREADY know behaviours of their animals, how aspen tree groves send messages to each other and that some wild plants have medicinal properties. They respectfully speak of nature’s profound affect on all of us. Ms. Lana is blown away!
Sample: (from the Wild Horse Story)
Wild Horse moved slowly through the pine and aspen trees. The aspen tree roots were connected. They sent a message out to the forest.
“Wild Horse needs help,” they said to each other.
"Hide here!” said an animal Spirit Guide from a tree.
Wild Horse hid in the rocks.
The animal Spirit Guide presented a riddle. “What has a bed but doesn’t sleep? What runs but doesn’t walk?”
“A river,” said the Wild Horse.
“Go there for an answer,” said the Spirit Guide.
Sample: (from The Bear Story)
“Stand your ground,” said a voice.
Bear felt confident.
Bear defended Deer. He put Deer behind him.
He looked at the rival bear and made a strong body.
He stared at the bear for ten hours until it left.
We are continuing to celebrate the rich diverse landscape of Alberta that has spoken to their hearts with descriptive language and detailed imagery. I can’t wait to see what these storytellers will teach me! This is my home, in that sacred circle of creativity!