Feb. 5th

 In math we are learning about Indigenous Winter Counts. Prior to using the Gregorian calendar, Blackfoot people counted years according to 'winters' rather than European calendar years. They featured a single pictogram that defined the entire year. Before the late 19th century when buffalo became scarce, winter counts were painted on buffalo hides. 

Each student will be creating their own winter count and will be using a picture to define each year in their life thus far.  This can include things such as:

• Being born
• Learning to walk
• Meeting a sibling
• Moving (houses, communities or countries)
• Meeting extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles)
• Starting school
• Taking a family trip
• Learning a new skill or sport (first swimming lessons, soccer lessons, etc.)

They will choose the most important event from each year of their life and create their very own winter count complete with eight pictures.  It would be helpful if you could talk to your child about some of the significant events that may have happened in each year of their life to help them choose what they would include.  I have sent a template home that you could fill out with what events your child would like to include (one per year). You can use words in the template as they will be drawing the winter count in their visual journals.

In gym we started practicing our skipping and learned some new tricks. Check us out!