Cree October Change

Overview

This 35-minute lesson introduces 1st grade students to the seasonal changes observed by the Cree Indigenous peoples in October. Using a hands-on art activity, students will explore how the Cree reflect these natural changes through colour, animals, and plants, encouraging connection to the environment and cultural appreciation. This lesson aligns with California Common Core standards and the CA Social Studies Framework for Kindergarten and Grade One.

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Standards Alignment

California History-Social Science Content Standards, Grade 1

• 1.1 Students describe the seasonal weather changes and how people, including Indigenous peoples, adapt to these changes.

California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations about grade 1 topics with peers and adults.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI1.3: Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.

California Visual Arts Standards for Grade 1

• 1.1 Use various art materials, techniques, and family or community cultural references to create original works of art.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand key elements of Cree observations during October (seasonal changes, animals, plants).
• Describe how Cree peoples incorporate nature into their seasonal art.
• Create Indigenous-inspired artwork using natural materials combined with paint or crayons to express October changes.
• Engage in respectful dialogue appreciating Indigenous perspectives and cultural traditions.

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Materials Needed

• Large picture book or visual slides describing Cree seasonal life in October
• Examples/images of Cree seasonal art featuring natural elements
• Construction paper (white or light colours)
• Crayons, watercolour paints, or washable paint
• Natural materials collected beforehand: fallen leaves, twigs, pinecones, flower petals (ensure non-toxic and safe)
• Glue sticks
• Small containers or trays for holding natural materials
• Smocks or aprons to protect clothing
• Chart paper/whiteboard and markers for anchor charts

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Setting Context (7 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle for a brief storytime or picture talk: Show visual aids about Cree people and their connection to the land during October.
• Highlight key seasonal changes observed by Cree: changing leaf colours, animal behaviours (migration, harvest preparations), and plant cycles.
• Ask guided questions:
  • “What happens to the trees in October?”
  • “What animals might you see getting ready for winter?”
  • “How do you think the Cree people notice these changes?”

2. Exploration of Cree Seasonal Art (5 minutes)

• Show examples or visuals of Cree Indigenous art from October, focusing on colours and natural motifs (autumn leaves, animals such as bears, wolves, or birds, and plants).
• Discuss how the Cree use art to show respect for nature and tell stories about the changing season.
• Encourage students to think about how they notice nature changing around them at this time of year.

3. Art Activity – Creating Cree-Inspired Artwork (18 minutes)

• Hand out construction paper and art supplies.
• Explain how students will create their own artwork inspired by Cree October seasonal art using natural materials plus paint or crayons.
• Model a simple example: using leaf shapes to paint around and then glue real leaves and twigs onto paper to add texture and detail.
• Provide trays with natural materials for exploration and encourage creativity in combining materials.
• Circulate to support and ask students questions about the colours, shapes, and animals they choose.
• Remind students to think about the season and what makes October special for the Cree.

4. Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather students and invite several volunteers to show their artwork and explain what they included and why.
• Facilitate connections back to Cree seasonal observations with prompts:
  • “I see you used many different leaf colours! Why do you think that is important?”
  • “Who can tell me about the animals in their art?”
• Reinforce respect for Indigenous perspectives and the importance of nature in their culture.

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Assessment & Extension

• Informal formative assessment through observation of student engagement, verbal responses, and creativity in artwork.
• Extension idea: Take a short outdoor walk on school grounds to collect natural materials and observe local seasonal changes. Relate findings back to Cree seasonal traditions.

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Classroom Management Tips

• Prepare natural materials in advance, labelled and sorted for easy distribution.
• Have smocks ready before arts and crafts to avoid mess and classroom disruptions.
• Use a visual timer to keep the class on track during the art activity.
• Scaffold language for ELL students by pre-teaching seasonal vocabulary (e.g., autumn, leaves, migration).

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Teacher Reflection Prompts

• Did the students connect visually and conceptually to the Cree observations?
• Were students able to express ideas about seasonal change through their artwork?
• How did hands-on use of natural materials influence student engagement and understanding?
• What modifications could support learners who need extra assistance or enrichment?

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This lesson seamlessly integrates social studies with art and environmental education, fostering cultural awareness and respect for Indigenous knowledge at an age-appropriate level while meeting California educational standards.