Achieving Indigenous Student Success

Pamela Rose Toulouse, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Faculty of Education (Concurrent English Language) at Laurentian University. Her areas of specialty are inclusive education, classroom management, lesson planning, learning cycles, assessment/evaluation, technology, differentiated instruction, Indigenous Education and social justice collaborations. She is a National 3M Teaching Excellence Award Fellow and is known for her dynamic, engaging and impactful approach to presenting. Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse is originally from the community of Sagamok First Nation. She is a proud Anishinaabe woman that comes from a long line of educators. Dr. Toulouse celebrates many years of activity (over 27 years) in the formal educational setting, beginning as an elementary school teacher and then finding herself in the role of colleague within the university system. She is well known for her contributions in Indigenous Education. Dr. Toulouse has published well over 55 resources which include books, chapters in books, curriculum pieces, articles, videos, and other key selections. Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse has a strong commitment to equity/diversity and passion for education. She chairs various committees, works with a variety of school boards, presents regularly and is active in her areas of research. Dr. Toulouse continues her life journey in the field of education by representing her Nation and profession in a respectful and meaningful way.

Acknowledgments v
Preface  vii
Introduction  1
Who This Book Is For  1
How to Use This Book  1

Part 1: Program Foundations: Chapters 1 to 5 3

Introduction to Part 1: Program Foundations 5

Chapter 1 Indigenous Pedagogy and Classrooms Considerations 7

An Holistic Approach 7
The Foundation for an Effective Learning Cycle 8
The Spiritual  8
The Physical 10
The Emotional 12
The Intellectual 14
Indigenous Innovations Across the Curriculum 16

Chapter 2 Indigenous Self-Esteem and Mental Health Activities 19

The Twins – Bimaadziwin and Windigos 19
Secondary-School Teaching Strategies on Bimaadziwin/Windigos 21
National Resources and Wise Practices 22
Creating a Living Profile With Students 24
Wheel of Life Teachings 27
The Thirteen Moons 27
The Four Colours 27
East  27
South 28
West 29
North 30
Additional Curricular Connections on Mental Health and Self-Esteem Concepts 31

Chapter 3 Differentiated Instruction and Bloom’s Taxonomy  33

Differentiated Instruction 33
The Content 34
The Process 35
The Product 35
The Learning Environment 36
Examples of a DI Continuum Using Indigenous Content 36
Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy 38
Connecting Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy to the Ojibwe Living Wheel 39
Remembering Questions (Level 1) and the 500 Nations 41
Understanding Questions (Level 2) and the 500 Nations 41
Applying Questions (Level 3) and the 500 Nations 41
Analyzing Questions (Level 4) and the 500 Nations 41
Evaluating Questions (Level 5) and the 500 Nations 41
Creating Questions (Level 6) and the 500 Nations 42
Resources 43

Chapter 4 Attrition, Retention, Transition, and Graduation Continuum 45

Attrition 45
Retention 46
Transition 50
Elementary to Secondary 50
Secondary to Postsecondary 51
Graduation 52
A Critical Biography for Teachers and Education Professionals 55

Chapter 5 Indigenous Themes and Material Resources 59

English 59
Math 61
Science 61
History 62
Geography 63
Health and Physical Education 64
Integrated Arts (Music, Drama, Visual Arts) 64
Professional Development 65
Connections to Indigenous Lifelong Learning Concepts 65

Part 2: Culturally Appropriate Secondary Lessons by General Subject 71

Introduction to Part 2: Holistic Lesson Format  73
English Lesson Plan 74
Math Lesson Plan 80
Science Lesson Plan 86
History Lesson Plan 91
Geography Lesson Plan 97
Health and Physical Education Lesson Plan 104
Drama Lesson Plan 110
Music Lesson Plan 115
Visual Arts Lesson Plan 119
Technological Studies Lesson Plan 124
Business Studies Lesson Plan 129
Indigenous World-View Lesson Plan 134
Guidance and Career Studies Lesson Plan 140
Social Sciences and the Humanities Lesson Plan 145
Appendix A: Maps 151
Appendix B: Indigenous Names for First Nations and Inuit of Canada and Alternative Names for Indigenous Peoples of the United States 163
References 171
Image Credits 175