Tipi Teachings in Everyday Life

Curriculum Area: Social Studies

Kindergarten – Canadian Education Standards

Strand: Heritage and Identity – Our Communities
Overall Expectation:

• Identify and explore traditions, symbols, and teachings of Indigenous cultures in Canada, with a focus on the Cree Tipi Teachings.

Specific Expectation:

• Investigate how Indigenous teachings, such as the Cree Tipi Teachings, influence everyday life and personal values.
• Express understanding through creative representation, using art and/or discussion.

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Learning Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the importance of Tipi Teachings in Cree culture.
2. Identify values from these teachings that can be used in daily life.
3. Express their understanding creatively through art or discussion.

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Materials Needed

• A small tipi model OR images of tipis in Cree culture.
• Flashcards with Cree words related to Tipi Teachings (e.g., Respect – Kistêyihtamowin, Love – Sâkihitowin).
• Large chart paper and markers.
• Crayons/markers and A4 paper for student artwork.

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Lesson Breakdown (20 Minutes)

1. Introduction – What is a Tipi? (5 Minutes)

• Begin by showing the tipi model or images of real tipis.
• Ask: “What do you think a tipi is used for?” Guide students to understand that tipis are homes for many Indigenous groups, including the Cree.
• Introduce the concept that a tipi is not just a shelter but also represents important teachings about life and how we treat others.

2. The Tipi Teachings – Key Values (5 Minutes)

• Use flashcards to introduce 3-4 core Tipi Teachings in simple language:
  • Respect (Kistêyihtamowin) – Being kind to others.
  • Love (Sâkihitowin) – Caring for family and friends.
  • Courage (Sohtsipâstamowin) – Trying new things.
  • Honesty (Tâpwêwin) – Always telling the truth.
• Ask: “Can you think of a time when you showed one of these?” Encourage simple responses.

3. Connecting Tipi Teachings to Everyday Life (5 Minutes)

• Discuss how we use these teachings every day:
  • Respect – Listening to parents and teachers.
  • Love – Taking care of pets or sharing with friends.
  • Courage – Learning to ride a bike.
  • Honesty – Telling the truth even when it’s hard.
• Introduce Cree words by saying them aloud and having the student repeat them with actions (e.g., hug themselves for Sâkihitowin - Love).

4. Creative Expression – Art or Discussion (5 Minutes)

• Ask the student to:
  1. Draw a picture showing how they can use a Tipi Teaching in their life. OR
  2. Answer simple questions: “Which teaching is most important to you? Why?”
• Provide encouragement and ask them to share their work in simple terms.

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Assessment and Reflection

• Observe student participation in repeating Cree words and discussing teachings.
• Review their artwork or responses to ensure understanding.
• End with a closing statement: “The Tipi Teachings help us be kind, brave, and respectful every day!”

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Extensions for More Engagement

• Story Time: Share a simple Indigenous story focused on one of the Tipi Teachings.
• Dramatic Play: Pretend to build a tipi using chairs and blankets—students act out kindness and respect inside.

This lesson helps foster early appreciation for Indigenous teachings while making connections to everyday behaviour in a developmentally appropriate, interactive way. 🎨✨