Hearts and Cree Love

Curriculum Area and Level

Subject: English Language Arts (ELA)
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Curriculum Alignment: Aligned with the Ontario Kindergarten Program and British Columbia Early Learning Framework, focusing on oral language, early writing, fine motor skills, and cultural awareness.

Lesson Objective

By the end of this 15-minute lesson, students will:

• Develop fine motor skills by cutting and gluing paper hearts.
• Learn the Cree word for love and practice writing it.
• Engage in a creative and culturally inclusive literacy activity.

Materials Needed

• Red, pink, and white construction paper
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue sticks
• Markers or crayons (preferably black or dark-coloured for writing)
• Pre-written Cree word for "love" (sâkihitowin) on a small poster or whiteboard
• Example of nested paper hearts glued together

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction – Word & Meaning (3 Minutes)

• Gather the students in a circle or at their desks.
• Display the Cree word "sâkihitowin" and say it aloud.
• Ask students:
  • “What do you think 'love' means?”
  • “Who do you love?”
• Explain that today, they will create a heart craft while learning this special word in Cree, an Indigenous language.

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2. Heart Cutting & Nesting (5 Minutes)

• Hand out construction paper.
• Model how to fold the paper and cut out heart shapes. (Tip: Pre-draw hearts for students who need extra guidance.)
• Encourage students to create hearts in different sizes and glue them inside each other, forming a layered effect.
• Provide positive reinforcement: “Look at your beautiful hearts! They are all different, just like love can be shown in different ways.”

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3. Writing the Word (4 Minutes)

• Show students the word “sâkihitowin” again.
• Slowly say it and have them repeat it.
• Guide students to write the word in the middle of their largest heart. (Offer tracing support for students who need it.)
• If time allows, students can decorate around the word with small drawings (hearts, happy faces, etc.).

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4. Closing Reflection & Sharing (3 Minutes)

• Ask a few students to share their hearts. (Encourage a variety of responses!)
• Reinforce the pronunciation of "sâkihitowin" one last time.
• Connect back to emotions: “How did making your love heart make you feel?”
• Praise their work and emphasize the importance of love and kindness in their classroom and homes.

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Differentiation & Extensions

• Extra Support: Have pre-cut hearts available for students struggling with scissors.
• Extension: Encourage early writers to write "love" in English next to "sâkihitowin."
• Sensory Inclusion: Allow some students to use stickers instead of drawing decorations.
• Cultural Connection: If possible, invite a Cree speaker to say the word for students.

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Assessment & Observation

• Observe children's ability to cut and glue independently.
• Listen to their attempts at pronouncing “sâkihitowin.”
• Check written words for effort rather than accuracy.
• Ensure students engage with the theme of love and appreciation during reflection.

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Teacher Reflection

• Did students enjoy the activity?
• Were they able to engage with the word and its meaning?
• How well did students follow directions for cutting, gluing, and writing?
• What adjustments could be made for the next lesson?

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End of Lesson Plan