Curriculum and Instruction
Learning Services has completed the Kindergarten to Grade 9 curriculum for Nehiyawewin, Wâhkôhtowin, and Nehiyawatisiwin. The locally developed curriculum was endorsed by the staff, the Circle of Elders, the Board of Governors, and Maskwacîsak through validation sessions that were hosted in each nation.
The Kindergarten Nehiyawewin curriculum is being field tested at the Ermineskin Elementary and Grace Marie Swampy Primary Schools. This process includes the development of all lesson plans and resources that support implementation. The field testing to date has been positive and continues to provide insight into MESC’s approach to learning nehiyawewin through the cahkipehikanak; an approach that has not been done by any other school authority. Each year, MESC will field test nehiyawewin grade by grade. Lesson plan and resource development year after year, ensures that Maskwacîsak, Awâsisak and Oskâyak have access to a common curriculum and resources that reflect local knowledge, traditions and 21st-century digital tools. Having a common curriculum and resources across MESC schools eliminates disparity between schools and makes transitions between schools easier.
To date, a series of high-quality resources have been developed including: syllabic wooden blocks, syllabic flashcards, syllabic posters, animal syllabic flashcards, a variety of hands-on and digital games, and assessments. Once these resources have been fully developed and approved, they will be made available to MESC classrooms. MESC in the near future will also make these resources available to the public for a fee. MESC is a leader in developing teaching and learning resources in and for nehiyawewin through the syllabic system.
For more information:
Please contact Carla Badger - Curriculum Coordinator