Sharing Circle Craft

I want to focus on social studies where the students will create their own talking stick and draw a picture of them in a sharing circle and using the talking stick using the saskatchwan outcome "IN1.1 Describe the diversity of traditions, celebrations, or stories of individuals in the classroom and school. " Social studies where the students will create their own talking stick and draw a picture of them in a sharing circle and using the talking stick using the Saskatchewan outcome "IN1.1," move into a reflective activity where each student shares a personal story or a family tradition while holding their talking stick. This encourages listening with respect and promotes understanding of the diverse cultural backgrounds present in the classroom, deepening connection and awareness through storytelling.

Overview

This 30-minute lesson invites Grade 1 students to explore the diversity of traditions and stories within their classroom by creating personalized talking sticks, drawing self-portraits, and sharing their own or family stories in a respectful sharing circle. The activity is designed to build listening skills, cultural awareness, and a sense of community, aligning with Saskatchewan curriculum outcome IN1.1: Describe the diversity of traditions, celebrations, or stories of individuals in the classroom and school.

Curriculum Connections

Saskatchewan Grade 1 Social Studies Outcome

IN1.1: Describe the diversity of traditions, celebrations, or stories of individuals in the classroom and school.

Canadian Curriculum & Educational Approaches

Emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster empathy and respect.
Supports Indigenous ways of knowing, including the use of the talking stick as a cultural storytelling tool.
Aligns with British Columbia and Ontario Social Studies frameworks focusing on identity, community, and diversity for early learners.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

Create a personal talking stick representing their identity.
Draw a self-portrait that reflects their unique traits or interests.
Participate in a sharing circle and respectfully listen to stories from peers.
Recognize and describe similarities and differences in traditions and stories shared.

Materials Needed

Wooden sticks or sturdy paper towel rolls (one per student)
Assorted craft materials: yarn, feathers, coloured markers, stickers, glue, fabric scraps, beads
White drawing paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
Pencils, crayons, or coloured pencils
A soft carpet or circle seating for sharing time

Preparation (Before the Lesson)

Arrange seats in a circle for the sharing circle with enough space for materials.
Set up craft supplies in accessible stations.
Prepare a brief story or example of a talking stick (attach a symbolic item and explain its meaning).

Lesson Procedures

Introduction (5 minutes)

Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of a talking stick - "A special object used to help people take turns and listen carefully to the person who is talking."
Describe how each talking stick is unique and shows something special about the person who made it.
Connect to IN1.1: “We all have stories and traditions that make us who we are and today, we’re going to share some of those.”

Activity Part 1: Create Talking Sticks (10 minutes)

Give each student a stick and access to craft materials.
Students decorate their stick with symbols, colours, and items that represent their identity, family tradition, or favourite things.
Encourage simple explanations: “I’m putting this feather because it reminds me of a story from my family.”
Teacher circulates, asking guiding questions to prompt thought about personal meaning.

Activity Part 2: Drawing Self-Portraits (5 minutes)

After the sticks are decorated, students draw themselves including something that shows a family tradition or something they love (eg. a holiday, food, or celebration).
This visual prepares students for sharing their stories and deepens personal reflection.

Activity Part 3: Sharing Circle (10 minutes)

Gather students in the sharing circle.
Explain the rules: only the person holding the talking stick speaks, everyone else listens quietly and respectfully.
Students take turns holding their talking stick and share a short story or describe a tradition related to their drawing or talking stick decorations.
Teacher models active listening and encourages responses that show respect, like nodding or saying “That sounds interesting!”
If a student is hesitant, teacher can gently prompt with guided questions.

Assessment and Reflection

Formative Assessment: Teacher notes participation in sharing and listening skills, as well as connections made to traditions and stories.
Students reflect by saying what they learned about a classmate’s tradition or story.
Reinforce understanding of diversity through a brief group discussion highlighting variety and commonalities.

Extensions and Adaptations

For students with fine motor challenges, pre-decorated sticks or assistive tools can be provided.
Invite families to send in photos or artifacts relating to traditions for a classroom cultural display.
Use this activity as an ongoing routine to build classroom community.

Cross-Curricular Links

Art: Crafting and drawing build fine motor skills and self-expression.
Language Arts: Storytelling enhances oral language development and listening comprehension.
Emotional Learning: Sharing promotes empathy, respect, and communication skills.

Teacher Tips

Emphasize that there are no “right” or “wrong” stories – every tradition is special.
Model vulnerable sharing first to set a safe tone.
Use positive reinforcement to nurture confidence in each learner.

This plan innovatively incorporates cultural storytelling with hands-on art, activating multiple learning modalities for 1st graders while deeply embedding respect for diversity and community connection — critical foundations in Canadian social studies education.

Teaching Instructions