Biidaaban in-school pilot project improving inclusivity
Nipissing’s Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Program recently piloted a successful new initiative focused on fostering welcoming schools and inclusive communities.
The A Circle of Caring program was featured in nine local elementary school classrooms, ranging from Junior Kindergarten to grade 2 in the Near North District and Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic School Boards. It utilizes learning materials created by the Centre Ontarien de Prévention des Agressions (COPA).
For the program, parents are invited to attend a 60-minute in-class session, during which a local community member such as a firefighter or police officer reads the first of COPA’s series of illustrated children’s storybooks, Toof and that Blanket. North Bay Police Service, Constable Steve Chabbert and North Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association, Joe Zimbalatti volunteered to read for this pilot. Following each reading, a discussion circle is held using the questions listed at the back of the book to guide conversation.
Before and after the reading, Nipissing student volunteers ran activities relating to the book themes with the children. Nipissing University students, Berlinda Mclaren, Sam Brand and Jo-Marie Einish organized the activities for the pilot. Office of Aboriginal Initiatives Student Placement Coordinator, Keith Martin, lead each session.
Each class receives COPA’s A Circle of Caring Toolkit to keep and a certificate of completion. Each school will receive a Safe@School Toolkit, for teachers and school staff.
“We are really happy with the success of this program and found that the COPA materials align nicely with the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives’ values and commitment to Aboriginal learners in the at Nipissing University, said Mair Greenfield, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer. “It is important for non-Aboriginal parents and children to understand Aboriginal culture and Canadian history, to empower all of our children to reach their full potential to be understanding, caring and kind at school and home. We are planning to extend the program into more schools this coming fall.”
For more information about Biidaaban Community Service-Learning, please visit the website, here.