Important Links
First Peoples Principles of Learning
http://www.fnesc.ca/first-peoples-principles-of-learning/
The First Peoples Principles of Learning are a set of valuable learning principles from the First Peoples way of teaching . These principles help the development of children through the traditional ways of knowing and learning. Rather than taking a western approach to learning, the First Peoples Principles explore learning through other extremely important aspects, such as through story, experience, and community. All of these principles have extreme significance in the classroom and add real value to the learning experience. Most of these principles should be applied in our everyday classroom already, such as learning takes time and patience. These principles hold great value to our students and help them reflect on their educational journey. I think that these principles benefit all students and have real meaning not just classrooms but all aspects of society. Therefore, these principles will blend into my lessons to benefit all of my students learning.
BC Curriculum
The BC curriculum mainly focuses on core competencies and concept-based learning. This gives us as teachers a wide variety of topics to cover in our classes, but with the freedom to do them in our own personal ways. The curriculum greatly breaks down the information needed for each grade through what students need to know and do in each subject. The curriculum also now ties in indigenous content that allows for great exploration of learning. The curriculum is also created around three main ideas needed for successful learners: communication, thinking, and personal and social roles. This means that throughout any grade or subjects, teachers are able to design lessons that allow for growth and development in these areas. For me, I want to be able to see my students develop and see where they used to be and how they got to where they will be at the end of the term. I am excited to take the curriculum standards along side my own creative ideas to express and create fun and meaningful lessons for my future students.
Professional Standards for BC Educators
There are nine standards for BC educators to follow in regards to professionalism. These standards make it so that students are taught by the very best and professional teachers. It is our jobs as teachers to uphold these standards and essentially be a teacher at all times. That is, we are to represent a valuable, qualified, and dedicated teacher to all. We must show that we are dedicated to learning and improve ourselves so that we bring the best version of ourselves to teach our students. As teachers, we don’t just teach our students, but show that we genuinely care for each one. We are professional and show that in all forms of who we are. These standards will be implemented in my daily life to embrace the role I have taken on.
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action deals with the recognition that residential schools have had and still have impacts on survivors and their families. Together, the Canadian government, indigenous peoples, and non-indigenous people have started to show the way to reconciliation of the past so that as a nation, we can begin to understand the past and begin to heal. As a teacher, it is important to me that my students know the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day and orange shirt day, so that they begin to understand the wrong doings of the past and how they can help make sure they never happen again.
Annotated Bibliography of Important Teacher Resources