Learning Opportunities

Language, Literacy and Learning: Making a Difference for the Indigenous Learner

Presented By

Donna Ross, Lyse Cormier & Sue Christianson

Series Sessions

Date	Time
Wednesday, April 17, 2019	1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location

In Person FFCA - Learning Centre 110 - 7000 Railway St. SE, Calgary, AB

AUDIENCE: K-6 TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, DISTRICT LEADS/COACHES, AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

We know effective practices for all learners, including Indigenous learners, include attention to the learning environment, learning in context and real world learning. Understanding where a person is coming from in terms of their cultural and linguistic background supports the relationship-building process which is critical to learning. In this session, learning from literacy, learning while doing, and effective language practices will be demonstrated to create responsive teaching strategies. Throughout the presentation story telling will be woven in to model an effective tool and to encourage humor and laughter when integrating instruction with Indigenous learners.

This learning opportunity is being offered through a grant from Alberta Education.

Donna Ross

is a 32-year educator. She is Cree Métis from Saskatchewan and member of the One Arrow First Nation, Treaty Six territory. Donna began her teaching career as a classroom teacher with Tsuut’ina Nation and continued to support First Nations learners in subsequent positions with Siksika and Stoney Nakoda Nations, and is currently an Indigenous Designer of Learning with the Calgary Regional Consortium. Donna brings passion and a deep knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, the impact of residential schools, and the embedding of Indigenous ways of knowing into Alberta curriculum and organizational culture. She is also a proud kokum!

Lyse Cormier

is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has been working for Rocky View Schools since 2008. She graduated with her Masters of Communication Disorders from Dalhousie University in 2006. Lyse has been working with elementary aged students since 2009 and has recently begun providing speech and language for the First Nations students who attend Glenbow School in Cochrane.

Sue Christianson

is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 35 years of experience in education, community health and private practice. Sue has worked extensively with Indigenous students with specific focus on language, literacy and laughter in the classroom. Sue currently works with Rockyview Schools in the Cochrane area.

Fee $15.00

Fee Includes light snacks