We recognize that when you feel well and in control, problems may not seem so stressful. During these difficult

times, we hope these activities will help your children and families feel connected to Mother Earth and to each other.

OPEN MINDS Activities (9-11yrs old) WEEK

1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Giving Thanks: Each of us have different ways of giving thanks to the world around us. Some of us might choose to give thanks each morning or each night, when we are gathered in groups, or when something is given to us. An activity for today is to explore how you can give thanks.

Included are examples for Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee practices for giving thanks. Look at each of them and reflect on each of the things that they give thanks for.

(Sourced from: Turtle Island Conservation Miskwaadesi and A’nó:wara Curriculum Based Activities, Toronto Zoo, E.Conroy, K.Wheatley, B. Johnson 2011)

Reflection:

What are some things that you are thankful

for? You can write them down, or you can

create some art to show the things that make

you thankful.

How do you give thanks? (think of the things

you have listed that you are grateful for and

how you might give thanks to each of them)

Why do you think that it is important to show

gratitude?

Additional Resources:

Anishinaabe Elder Lillian Pitawanakwat http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/ transcripts/ojibwe.html

Giving Thanks by Chief Jake Swamp (Audio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggfVuY4LJuo

Nibi Water Song – Turtle Lodge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yHiJqZXFc

Oneida Language Workbook from Oneida Language and Cultural Centre (includes shortened version of Thanksgiving Address in Oneida): https://onlc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Oneida-Language-Work-Book.pdf

Keeping the things, you are

grateful for in mind, take a walk

outdoors with a parent/guardian.

If you have a path or a forest

close by, that is perfect! If not,

there are still many wonderful

things we can see and be

grateful for walking through our

neighborhoods.

(NOTE: Please practice this

safely and make sure you are

following social distancing

rules. If this is not possible,

try sitting in your yard and

see how many things you can

still find. If you need some

hints, think back to the

examples of ways we give

thanks).

You might have heard teachings before about only taking what you need. Many of us are taught to walk gently on the earth and respect all things in creation. This includes taking smaller amounts of certain things so that we do not waste them, and always being thankful for what we have. Sometimes, there are even ways to use things that we might usually throw away.

In this activity, you get to learn how to use kitchen scraps for gardening!

Attachment: Kitchen Scrap Gardening

Reflection:

A simple definition of the

word “sustainability” is

providing the best for people

and the environment both

now and in the indefinite

future. Can you think of a

story or teaching from your

own culture that talks about

sustainability? You can

explore this with you

parent/guardians.

What does it mean to only take what you need? What could it look like?

What might happen if you take too much of something? (You might think of a few different examples with different answers)

Sunflowers have many parts that can be used for different

purposes from dying fabrics to cooking. One very

important role that sunflowers have is providing pollen to

bees. “1 in 3 bites of food we eat is made possible by

bees and other pollinators, who spread the pollen that

crops need to grow. That includes many of our favourite

foods like apples, berries, almonds, and of course,

honey.” - Bring Back the Bees

As a way of giving back to Turtle Island and Mother

Earth, a great activity you can do is to plant your own

seeds! Planting sunflowers (or any other pollinators you

can think of) allows you to connect with the earth while

also giving back to all of creation by supporting the

pollinators.

Apply to get your free seeds here:

https://www.cheerios.ca/bringbackthebees/

“Making

Sunflower Oil” -

Ernest Smith,

Seneca Artist

Reflection:

Many creation

stories highlight creatures and living things that might

seem small, yet play a huge role in our existence just like

the bees.

Can you think of a story or teaching from your own culture

that reminds you of this?

What are some other things that you can do to help the

environment?

What are some ways that you could encourage others to help the environment too?

To end this week, you can look back to Monday’s lesson and reflect on everything that you did this week.

What are some things that made you thankful this week?

You can write it down or you can create some art to show your answer(s).

Page 1

We recognize that when you feel well and in control, problems may not seem so stressful. During these difficult

times, we hope these activities will help your children and families feel connected to Mother Earth and to each other.

OPEN MINDS Activities (9-11yrs old) WEEK 1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Grandfather Teachings

Each Grandfather Teaching has an animal that is connected to it.

Be creative and draw a picture of each animal throughout the week! There is a page created with the teaching and a place for you to create your picture as well. If you want to create your own page that is great! Do not forget to include the name of the Teaching in your picture!

The two teachings to start with are Love and Respect.

The Eagle represents love.

The Eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all the teachings. He can fly closest to the Creator. Love can be found in all teachings. That is one of the reasons an Eagles, feathers are held to a very high honour.

The Buffalo represent respect.

The Buffalo gives every part of himself. He does so to help human life. It is not because the Buffalo has less value; it is because he respects the needs of others. We must Honour and respect the Buffalo the same way he respects us.

We can learn about these teachings in many ways. If you know another way or have heard something different about these teachings, please feel free to use what you know as well!

The next Grandfather Teaching is bravery.

The Bear represent bravery.

The mother Bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges when protecting her cubs. The Bear also shows us how to live a balanced life with rest, survival and play. The Bears shows us how we can be strong and face challenges in life. Strength is also having courage to be yourself.

Be creative and draw a picture of each animal throughout the week! There is a page created with the teaching and a place for you to create your picture as well. If you want to create your own page that is great! Do not forget to include the name of the Teaching in your picture!

The next Grandfather teachings are Honesty and Truth.

The Sabe represents honesty.

Sabe is an Anishinaabe word for a type of Bigfoot. Not a lot of people know who or what, Sabe is or where it comes from. Sabe reminds us to be ourselves and not someone we are not or someone people think we are. An honest person can walk tall and with confidence like a Sabe. Be Honest with yourself. You have unique gifts that make up who you are as an individual.

The Turtle represent truth. The Turtle was here for the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on its back. The Turtle lives in a slow and Carful Manner. It shows us the importance of our journey that takes us to our destination.

Truth is when we know all these things. When you take the time to understand what is being said, that is truth. Truth is in your heart. The best way to express truth is to be true to yourself.

Be creative and draw a picture of each animal throughout the week!! Do not forget to include the name of the Teaching in your picture!

Another Grandfather teaching is Humility.

The wolf represents humility.

Wolves live in a pack. They all have different roles within the pack. They know that each role is equally important. For them to thrive and survive, they must all work together. A wolf is humble. A wolf knows that it is not more important than another is, but that they are each unique in their own way.

We show humility by understanding that we are one part of what makes up Mother Earth.

Be creative and draw a picture of each animal throughout the week! Do not forget to include the name of the Teaching in your picture!

The Final Grandfather Teaching is Wisdom.

The Beaver represent wisdom.

The Beaver uses his natural gift wisely for survival. Beavers have a long flat tail and the ability to chew through enormous objects. They use both unique gifts to build houses for their family. When the beaver creates his houses in marshlands or rivers, he uses everything provided by the earth. Their house is from the environment and does not hurt the environment around them. The Beavers applies its knowledge and wisdom to keep the environment around him safe and clean. To Cherish Knowledge is to know wisdom.

The combination of all the other teaching create Wisdom.

You do not have to follow the teachings in the order they are shown on here. There is no order they need to be in.

Here are two great resources that were used to help guide this week's activities:

https://unitingthreefiresagainstviolence.org/services/the-seven-grandfather-teachings/

https://www.nhbpi.org/seven-grandfather-teachings/

Be creative and draw a picture of each animal throughout the week! Do not forget to include the name of the Teaching in your picture!

Page 2

We recognize that when you feel well and in control, problems may not seem so stressful. During these difficult

times, we hope these activities will help your children and families feel connected to Mother Earth and to each other.

OPEN MINDS Activities (9-11yrs old) WEEK 1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

The Four Sacred Medicines

First Nations were gifted with four plant Medicines to use to stay connected to the Earth and its creation. Tobacco, Sweetgrass, Sage, and Cedar are four medicines Each has its place in First Nation culture. Read the 4 Scared Medicines handout to gain a more in depth understanding of these medicines

Tobacco

Used as an offering, through prayer or giving thanks for that we take from the earth. It is often wrapped in fabric and called a tobacco tie.

Think of a way for you to use this to give thanks.

Sage

Used when smudging. Its use is to rid the area of negative energy. Smudging with sage is beneficial as it clears the mind and can put you in a positive mood.

Think of a time when you and your family could benefit from this when used.

Use the Identifying 4 scared medicines worksheet to correctly identify each medicine.

Cedar

Used mostly for wellness, but also can be used in smudging as well. It is used in tea (healthy), boiled to clean the air, or used for a bath.

Take a walk and see if you can spot a cedar tree. There are cedar trees throughout the city.

Use the cedar tree and eagle coloring worksheet and identify the medicine somewhere in the picture.

Sweetgrass

Also used in smudging. Often braided, pleasant aroma. It is known to attract positive energy when used in smudging.

Try to braid something to make it look like sweetgrass. Know that it is also used to make unique items such as bowls, baskets and keepsakes

Smudging

Used to bring you and your surroundings to a positive place. It is the burning of one (or more) of these medicines in a smudge bowl. It is a way to clear your mind and items around you of negative energy. Helps keep you grounded to First Nation Traditions.

If you have one of these medicines available (Sage,sweetgrass,cedar) with the help from a parent or an adult try to smudge. It is can be helpful is these uncertain times.

Page 3

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Scavenger Hunt in the GardenOverview: A scavenger hunt can be a fun way to encourage young gardeners to practice using their observation skills.

Materials:• List of items to find (download our sample Nature Scavenger Hunt page)• Clipboard• Pencil

Approximate Time to Complete: 15 minutes or more

Location: outdoor

Ages: 4-10

Season: all seasons

Instructions: Although the garden provides many opportunities for exploration, sometimes it helps if kids have some direction to begin their observations. A scavenger hunt can provide a little bit of structure while still offering the flexibility for individual discovery.1. Create a list of items commonly seen in the garden and nature such as leaves, birds, insects, rocks, etc. The

older the children participating in the hunt, the more specific your list can be. For example, instead of askingthem to find a bird, ask them to find a cardinal. To adapt the activity for younger children, use pictures to makeyour list (hand drawn or cut from a magazine). Download a sample scavenger hunt page from KidsGardening.

2. Place your completed list on a clipboard; then grab a pencil (or crayon) and visit your garden, a park, naturetrail or some other type of a community green space.

3. There are many ways to adapt this activity. Here are a few ideas:- Make a nature bracelet. If playing in a public space it is best to hunt with your eyes, but if you are in yourown yard or another location where collection is acceptable, kids can make bracelets from masking tape(sticky side out). As your child finds the (non-living) items on the list, have him/her stick the items to thebracelet. At the end of the game, kids will have a fun keepsake to show off.- Rather than basing your hunt on visual characteristics, you could also develop a sound, texture, or smell,hunt (or an edible hunt if you have a vegetable or herb garden and your child is old enough to understandnot to eat unknown items).- If your child or children are highly competitive, keep track of the time it takes to find all the items, trying tobeat your previous times, or add prizes.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Visit us at: www.kidsgardening.org© 2017, KidsGardening.org, All Rights Reserved

Sun Leaf Rock Ant

Grass Butterfly Bench Water

Squirrel Worm Flower Soil

Cloud Tree Bird Ladybug

© 2016, Kidsgardening.org, All RIghts Reserved Garden Activities Series | 1

Kitchen Scrap GardeningOverview: With little effort and a pinch of creativity you can devise some very imaginative indoor gardens from your kitchen leftovers! Kitchen scrap gardening is when you grow plants from items you’d normally throw in your compost bucket. Kids love this idea, and it’s a great way to reinforce the sustainable living concepts of recycling and reusing. Plus, it’s a kick to grow new plants from old plant parts.

Materials:• Vegetable and fruit scraps (oranges, lemons, limes, sweet potatoes, avocados, carrots, beets, onions, and

ginger work well)• Growing containers• Potting soil• Water

Approximate Time to Complete: 30 minutes to plant, multiple days to grow

Location: Indoor

Ages: all ages

Season: all seasons

Instructions:1. Scout your kitchen and refrigerator for potential vegetable and fruit candidates. Some of the best are oranges,

lemons, limes, sweet potatoes, avocados, carrots, beets, onions, and ginger. Believe it or not, you can use all of these and many other vegetables and fruits to propagate new plants.

2. Plant scraps in potting soil or immerse in water. The best method for encouraging new growth will depend on the plant and plant part represented. Here are specific instructions for some easy to plant scraps:

Starting Little SeedsCitrus fruits are plentiful in winter, and the seeds in oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and limes are easy to grow into new houseplants. Fill a 4-inch-diameter pot with moistened potting soil. Remove whole seeds from the fruit and plant three to four of them one inch deep in the pot. The seeds should sprout in two to four weeks and you’ll have a mini citrus orchard. Keep the seedlings well watered for about six weeks and then transplant individual trees into bigger pots. It will be quite a while before you see citrus flowers (let alone fruit - these trees won’t bear for many years, and most eating-quality fruits are borne on grafted, not seed-grown trees.) But you can enjoy the leaves. The leaves smell like whatever type of citrus you’re growing, so be sure your children do some “rub and sniff” tests.

Starting Big SeedsIf the small seeds are a hit, try growing big seeds of tropical fruits such as mango and avocado. Let an avocado pit dry out for a day or two, then plant it in a 6-inch-diameter plastic pot filled with moistened potting soil. Leave the tip of the pit exposed to air. Another fun - and easy - way to sprout an avocado is to suspend the pit over a glass of water. Poke three toothpicks around the middle of a pit and rest the toothpicks on the rim of the glass. Add water until it just touches the bottom of the pit. Kids can watch the roots and sprout emerge. Cool! It can take a month or two for roots to appear. If using the water sprouting method, replant the pit in potting soil once roots and a sprout emerge.Mangoes are a little more difficult. Soak the hard seed for a week in warm water, replacing the water every day. Then plant it in potting soil like an avocado and settle down for a wait; it can take up to four months for a sprout to emerge.

© 2016, Kidsgardening.org, All RIghts Reserved Garden Activities Series | 2

New Plants from TubersSweet potatoes and ginger -tuberous roots and rhizomes, respectively - are plant parts that that are easy to grow into new plants. Prop a sweet potato over a water-filled glass by poking three toothpicks in a circle into the middle of the tuber and resting the toothpicks on the rim of the glass so that the narrower, pointed half of the tuber is submerged in the water. Place the glass in a sunny window. Soon roots will begin to sprout from the portion in the water, and usually within a few weeks, stems and leaves will begin to grow from the top of the tuber. To keep your sweet potato as a houseplant, carefully transplant it into a container of potting soil once a good root system has developed.Ginger is particularly fun to grow because both the cut ends and the glossy new leaves (when crushed) emit a strong gingery aroma. Suspend a chunk of ginger with toothpicks over a glass of water or place it in a container of moist-ened potting soil. If using the water method, transfer the new plant to a container of potting soil once roots appear.

Off With Their (Carrot) Heads!You can force many root crops (beets, parsnips, and carrots, for instance) to sprout new top growth by beheading them. Kids love the chopping part. Slice off the head end along with one to two inches of the root and place it in a saucer filled with pebbles for support and water. In a week or so new greens should appear from the top. Then snug the root into a container filled with potting soil.This beheading technique also works well with pineapples. Cut off the top inch of the fruit and scoop out most of the yellow flesh inside the crown, leaving the core. Let the top dry for a day or two, then place it in a tray filled with pebbles for support and water. Roots will appear and new shoots will sprout from the top in about two weeks, and soon you’ll have a fantastic tropical plant. To continue growing the new pineapple, transplant it into a pot, covering the crown and roots with soil.

Spicy GreensFor a kitchen scrap plant that’s both pungent and edible, try garlic or onions. Plant old cloves of garlic or bulbs of onions just below the surface in containers filled with moistened potting soil. Within a few weeks you’ll see sprouts. Unlike the other kitchen scrap plants described above, you can eat these greens in salads and stir-fries.

3. Place in a sunny window and watch your gardens grow!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Love

Love is represented by the Eagle. The Eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all of

the teachings. He has the ability to fly closest to the Creator. Love can be found in all teachings. That is

one of the reason an Eagles, feathers are held to a very high honour.

Draw and Colour an Eagle!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Respect

Respect is represented by the Buffalo. The Buffalo gives every part of himself. He does so to help

human life. It is not because the Buffalo has less value, it is because he respects the needs of others. We

must Honour and respect the Buffalo the same way they respect us.

Draw and colour a Buffalo!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Bravery

Bravery is represented by the Bear. The mother Bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and

challenges when protecting her cubs. The Bear also shows us how to live a balanced life with rest,

survival and play. The Bears shows us how we can be strong and face challenges in life. Strength is also

having courage to be yourself.

Draw and colour a Bear!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Honesty

Honesty is represented by the Sabe. A Sabe is a type of Bigfoot. Not a lot of people know who or what,

Sabe is or where it comes from. However, the Sabe is Honest to its nature and who it is as an animal.

Sabe reminds us to be ourselves and not someone we are not or what people think we are. An honest

person can walk tall and with confidence like a Sabe. Be Honest with yourself. You have unique gifts that

make up who you are as an individual.

Draw and colour a Sabe (Bigfoot)!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Truth

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Truth

Truth is represented by the Turtle. The Turtle was here for the creation of Earth and carries the

teachings of life on its back. The Turtle lives in a slow and Carful Manner. It shows us the importance of

our journey that takes us to our destination. Truth is when we know all of these things. When you take

the time to understand what is being said, that is truth. Truth is in your heart. The best way to express

truth is to be true to yourself.

Draw and colour a Turtle!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Humility

Humility is represented by the wolf. Wolves live in a pack. They all have different roles within the pack.

They know that each role is equally important. In order for them to thrive and survive, they must all

work together. A wolf is humble. A wolf knows that is not more important than another, but that they

are each unique in their own way. We show humility by understanding that we are one part of what

makes up Mother Earth.

Draw and colour of a wolf!

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

Wisdom

Wisdom is represented by the Beaver. The Beaver uses his natural gift wisely for survival. Beavers have a

long flat tail and the ability to chew through enormous objects. They use both of these unique gifts to

build houses for their family. When the beaver creates his houses in marsh lands or rivers, he uses

everything provided by the earth. Their house is from the environment and does not hurt the

environment around them. The Beavers applies its knowledge and wisdom to keep the environment

around him safe and clean. To Cherish Knowledge is to know wisdom. The combination of all the other

teaching create Wisdom.

Draw and colour a beaver!

The Four Sacred Medicines There are four sacred medicines used by Frist nations peoples. Tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass and sage. Each medicine has its place in First Nation culture. They are used in different ways to allow First Nations people to stay connected to the earth and traditions mentally, physically and spiritually. They can used in everyday life to uplift your health and wellness. Here is a brief description of the significance and uses of these medicines among first nations people. These are just some uses and meanings behind them. It has been said by many elders that there will be times when one must revert back to the traditional ways of first nation people. The proper use of the gifts given to the people will help those reconnect to the ancestors and help them reaffirm that first nation people are strong resilient people. TOBACCO

This was the first plant given to First Nations Peoples. It is used as an offering in all that first nation people do. It’s used in prayer as an offering for that communicates with all things that carry a spirit. It’s also used as an offering for things we take from the earth as needed. When picking plants or harvesting animals it is offered as way to show thanks for the gift that

mother earth has provided. It is also used as an offering when seeking guidance or help from an Elder or another person. SAGE

This plant is predominately used in smudging. It’s used in preparation of ceremony and other activities. It is used as a form cleansing an area, items and the air, by removing the negative energy.

Sweetgrass

This plant is also used in smudging and purifying the items around you. It is often braided and gives off a very pleasant aroma. When burned it is said that it attracts positive energy It is also used to make items used to make baskets. When combined with birchbark it is used to create containers to hold scared items.

Cedar

This plant is sometimes used in smudging as well. Its main use is through wellness. Its used in tea to help rid the body of sickness. When boiled it can clean the air. When used in a bath it rejuvenates the mind and body. It also provides many uses in ceremonies.

SMUDGING

Smudging is a way to rid the mind, body and spirit of negative energy. It is a way that one can connect with the earth and its surroundings. It is often done regularly among first nation people. It is done before ceremony, cultural events, and even daily. It’s a way to bring positive energy and wellness to those that take part. Smudging with these medicines is a way to

relieve stress, clear the mind and provide a positive outlook. Its been helping First Nation people for generations and will continue to do so.

Identify each Medicine and what its used for (Tobacco, Cedar, Sage, Sweetgrass)

(Smudging, Offering, Wellness)

Plant _____________ Use ____________ Plant ___________ Use ____________ Plant ___________ Use ___________ Plant ___________ Use ___________