Shi-Shi-etcko (which means she plays in water) is a lovely story about a little girl collecting special moments with each of her family members as she counts down the days until she goes away to school. For the past few years I have used this story to begin a conversation about residential schools with my students. They can relate to the story as they all have nice memories they like to share with and about their families. Many students remember the wait and anticipation of starting school.
Please watch the following read- aloud.
Things to talk to your child about:
Do you remember counting down the days until you started school? How did you feel? Excited, nervous, happy? Can you imagine sleeping at your school every day? How might you feel if you had to go away to school?
You can also watch this short film which is based on the book.
The Project of Heart
”is an [...] artistic journey of seeking truth about the history of Aboriginal people in Canada."
for more information please check out this link http://projectofheart.ca/what-is-project-of-heart/
Schools and Communities in our area have created various forms of art using hearts and special messages to acknowledge the children who attended residential schools. The following is an example of what a class at Our Lady of Mercy in Honey Harbour did 2 years ago after engaging with the story of Shi-shi-etcko. They created hearts by recycling paper, adding wild flower seeds and various pressed leaves and flowers and "planting" them in a garden. You can create a heart using any material, or decorations, then adding a loving or hopeful message, or a word that helps describe a student or their experience. For example: one school painted tiles with hearts and words like "Hope" "Determination" "Strength" and "Love". You choose how you would like your child to engage with this topic.
Together & Love ❤️
We used a cereal box to make our heart ❤️
The Heart Project - Bennett