Orange Shirt Day Activity
At school, children should feel…
Looking for an easy extension to important Orange Shirt Day discussions?
I do this activity every year as a reminder for how differently students are treated in our schools compared to those in residential schools.
We start by reading stories about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools. After, we brainstorm words for how students SHOULD feel. This is in sharp contrast to how they were made to feel.
Students then get to choose a word that resonates with them and put it in their speech bubble. The only criteria is that their word must be clearly written and then they’re free to decorate it however they wish. Again, this can be mentioned as a distinction between self-expression and what Indigenous children were forced to give up.
When I shared this activity, someone mentioned that they liked how the speech bubble was students speaking up for those who were silenced.
Want to do this activity in your class? I’ve made the speech bubble and title poster available (French and English). You can do this activity in any language you teach.
Stuck for word ideas?
Accepted
Appreciated
Belonging
Brave
Cared for
Challenged
Calm
Capable
Comfortable
Comforted
Connected
Confident
Curious
Empowered
Encouraged
Engaged
Equal
Excited
Free
Happy
Heard
Hopeful
Important
Included
Independent
Inspired
Intelligent
Joyful
Kind
Loved
Motivated
Peaceful
Positive
Proud
Respected
Safe
Secure
Seen
Smart
Successful
Supported
Trusted
Understood
Unique
Valued
Welcome
Welcomed
Book ideas:
Please vet these yourself to decide if they are best suited to the age you teach as some have more detailed descriptions, images than others. Some are also much longer than others.
