The African Nova Scotian Education Framework is designed to support teachers, students, and families. It addresses systemic barriers and promotes the well-being and success of African Nova Scotian/Black learners.
Teachers
This framework offers guidance on culturally responsive teaching practices, enabling educators to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. Its strategies can be applied across all grades and subject areas to ensure that Black learners are acknowledged and supported in their educational journeys.
Students
This framework supports Black students, especially in helping them feel safe, valued, and recognized. It encourages self-identification and focuses on nurturing students' identities, strengths, and cultural heritage. This approach is applicable from pre-primary through graduation, aligning with the goal of increased graduation rates and post-secondary transitions.
Families
It emphasizes the importance of empowering families to be active participants in their children's education, ensuring collaboration between home, school, and community.
Incorporating the five pillars of self-identification, educational programming, empowering families, equitable access, and knowing students, enhances educational experiences and focuses on systemic change and inclusive practices. It also strives to enable African Nova Scotian educators and staff, in finding better representation and support throughout the school system.
The Halifax Explosion Teacher Guide is a practical resource for middle (Grades 7-9) and high school (Grades 10-12) educators teaching social studies, history, and Canadian studies. It provides historical context, lesson plans, and activities that encourage critical thinking about the explosion’s causes, impact, and aftermath. The guide supports inclusive education with differentiated instruction, diverse discussion prompts, and activities that accommodate various learning needs, ensuring all students can engage with the historical significance of the event.
The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is applicable to students across all grade levels, focusing on subjects like history, social studies, and cultural studies. It provides resources for educators to integrate African Nova Scotian culture, history, and heritage into the curriculum, supporting both African Nova Scotian students and fostering inclusivity for all students in diverse educational settings.
The video discusses the rich history of African Nova Scotians, highlighting the 50 communities across the province and the contributions of nearly 15,000 African Nova Scotians. It emphasizes African Nova Scotian Affairs' role in enhancing cultural understanding and supporting the unique needs of this community. The organization also connects the government and community, promoting African Nova Scotian priorities and creating cultural experiences. The content is applicable across all grades and subjects, especially in social studies, history, and cultural studies. It is beneficial for both primary and secondary students, promoting understanding of African Nova Scotian history and culture. Educators can use this resource to foster an inclusive environment, highlighting African Nova Scotian contributions and addressing community-specific needs, ensuring equitable learning experiences for African Nova Scotian students.
The Context video on African Nova Scotians is relevant for middle and high school students (Grades 6-12), particularly in subjects like history, social studies, and cultural studies. It provides valuable insights into the historical and ongoing contributions of African Nova Scotians to Canada. The video serves as a powerful tool in inclusive education, promoting understanding of African Canadian history, fostering cultural awareness, and addressing the experiences of African Nova Scotian communities. It’s useful for educators aiming to provide a more comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive curriculum.
The video highlights African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, with Russell Grosse providing insightful storytelling about the region's shared history. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing African Nova Scotian culture and heritage, offering educators a resource to teach students about the historical contributions of African Canadians. This video is relevant for subjects like Social Studies, History, and Cultural Studies, particularly for grades 6-12, fostering inclusivity by celebrating diverse histories and promoting awareness and empathy in the classroom.
The video featuring Wendie Lee Wilson is applicable to students in middle and high school (Grades 6-12), particularly within subjects like history, social studies, and cultural studies. The flag's significance as a symbol of African Nova Scotian heritage makes it a valuable tool for promoting inclusivity in education. It can help foster an understanding of cultural identity, pride, and community among African Nova Scotian students, as well as encourage respect and awareness among all students in diverse educational settings.
The video featuring the Big Ideas in Mental Health panel can assist educators in inclusive education by offering valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by African, Caribbean, and Black Nova Scotians. It provides resources and addresses social justice issues related to mental health, fostering a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of marginalized communities. Educators can use this discussion to promote awareness, empathy, and culturally responsive practices when supporting students' mental health and well-being in diverse classrooms.
The video discusses the history of a Black settlement in Halifax that was destroyed after 150 years. Despite the city's demolition efforts, the spirit of the community remains intact. This video can help educators address issues of racial injustice, historical erasure, and community resilience in classrooms, particularly in history, social studies, or social justice subjects. It is useful for promoting inclusivity and understanding the cultural and historical significance of Black communities in Canada.
The Africville Note-taking Exercise lesson is designed for Grade 5/6 students in Social Studies, History, and ELA. It helps students explore the history of Africville, Nova Scotia, with an emphasis on peace, conflict, and social justice. Through the lesson, students learn to practice note-taking, summarizing information, and developing historical thinking skills. By studying Africville’s significance and the social injustices faced by its community, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural memory, inclusion, and historical perspectives. This activity supports inclusive education by fostering empathy and critical thinking about historical injustices.
The "African Nova Scotians: 20th Century Canadian Legacies" webpage provides educational resources that highlight the history, culture, and contributions of African Nova Scotians. It's useful for educators teaching Canadian history and cultural studies, especially at the high school level. The resource includes activities, historical context, and discussions on civil rights and cultural expression, relevant to subjects like Social Studies, History, and Arts. It fosters inclusivity by broadening students' understanding of diverse Canadian legacies, supporting a multicultural and equitable learning environment.