Welcome to Our Classroom
Boozhoo! Brenda indizhinikaaz
Hello! I am Ms. Brenda. I am so honoured to share the Oji-Cree language with your children this year. Nurturing our identity together through language and culture is a blessing.
Gichi-Miigwech (Thank you) to Elder Elizabeth, Elder Pearl, and all the Elders for their involvement in the school and sharing the language.
Our Language Learning Approach
I teach using a hybrid model with both in-community visits and daily live online learning. Each class is 30 minutes, and we explore language through songs, crafts, interactive activities, and games. Our curriculum is based on the seasons and what is happening on the land during that time, keeping learning connected to our community and traditions.
What Students Are Learning
Language Learning Goals
Students work toward three main language goals throughout the year:
Introductions - Sharing their introduction that includes their name, where they are from, their age, and introducing two family members
Weather & Seasons - Describing the current weather throughout all seasons
Nature & Land - Identifying and speaking the words found in nature and animal names that live in the area
Daily Routine in Language Class
Each class follows a consistent routine that helps students practice and build confidence:
- Introduction Circle - Students introduce themselves and the person next to them
- Weather Talk - We describe the current weather in Oji-Cree
- Feelings Check - Students share how they are feeling
- New Learning - We learn and practice new words/phrases out loud together
- Activities - Students work on crafts, songs, or games to support language learning
- Practice & Review - We focus on words/phrases throughout the week and revisit them regularly
- Sharing Time - Students come to the camera at the end of class to share their work and practice words/phrases out loud
Learning to Introduce Yourself
One of the first things students learn is how to introduce themselves in Oji-Cree. Watch this short video to hear an example of how to introduce yourself in our language:
This video provides a helpful guide for both students and families to practice greetings and introductions together.
How Families Can Support Language Learning
Families support learning in meaningful ways. Below are optional ideas to encourage language learning at home:
Practice Together - Invite your child to share their introduction or talk about the current weather in the language, if they feel comfortable doing so.
Watch Videos Together - Listen together to the short videos shared through the private YouTube link and practice a few basic phrases in a relaxed, fun way.
Talk About Language - Have conversations together about the importance of the language and what it means to you, your child, and community.
Celebrate Progress - Language learning takes time. Celebrate small steps and create a supportive environment where trying is encouraged.
Why Language Matters
Language carries our identity. Learning Oji-Cree connects students to their ancestors, their community, and the land. Every word learned is a step toward preserving and strengthening our culture for future generations.
Through daily practice, seasonal learning, and the wisdom of our Elders, students build confidence in speaking, understanding, and carrying forward the Oji-Cree language.
Miigwech! Ms. Brenda Daniels