EFP 11 Class Blog 2025/26 Sem 1

Sept 5, Friday (3)

Geography, Discussion, Journaling, oh my!

We started with my connection to land, then we took another quick look at a map of BC to finish familiarizing ourselves with some places.

From there we took up our discussion practice. I asked the students to use what we learned last day and discuss the First People's Learning Principles. I gave the prompt of How/in what way/why are the First People's Learning Principles important to us. Students were split into two groups and they practiced discussion. There was awkwardness and some great points.

From there I introduced the idea of journaling and spoke of why we do it and how it is useful. I then gave their first journal prompt.

Prompt: Which of the First People's Learning Principles do you connect with and why? (also on journal page)

Next class: The purpose of story and "Raven Brings Light to the World".

Sept 4, Thursday (2)

Tools, Skills, and Credentials

Students had their first free write (see instructions below) and their prompt was Land. Free writes are a very useful strategy to help organize thoughts, or even find a starting place.

I then gave a quick tour of this here web site. Hopefully it is helpful. If you see this tell me that you remember the town I grew up in was not Prince George and I will know you have been here.

I then spoke about the importance of discussion and how useful it can be, and how students especially, but people today are very bad at it. We went over some of what good discussion can look and sound like.

Here is a simple synopsis of discussion.

Discussion Etiquette

Listen to others (actually listen)
Wait your turn
Give Benefit
Be Kind

Discussion is interactive – it is about learning not convincing. It is okay to disagree, but you must listen.

Discussion works best when prepared.

Discussions evolve – they change ebb and flow and move in different directions, as should our thinking.

( I handed out a form - see below.)

I then shared a picture and land connection.

I did a quick Geography lesson, and I encouraged people to check out a map.

Next Class: Credentials, practice discussion and journaling.

Discussion Tips.docx

Sept 3, Tue (1)

Opening Remarks

We started with a welcome and an explanation of the course through the outline and expectations (all of which can be found here on the web site).

I handed out the First Peoples Learning Principles for students to look over. (attached below) I had students engage in small discussion about a principle that the understood and one that they questioned. We spoke as class about them briefly.

Then it was a survey to get to know you - standard survey by me.

Name (what you are named as well as what you prefer to be called)
Birthday
A Favorite Fictional Character (can be literary, comic, cartoon, or film/tv)
Tell me something about you that you are proud of.
Tell me something about you that you think is important for me to know.
Favorite movie genres and music type
Tell me a hobby/interest/sport that you do
What is a personal highlight for the last 12 months ?

Next Class: Free Writes, Principles, Credentials, Discussion Ettiquette, Geography Lesson

First People’s Principles of Learning

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