Understanding Promises

Curriculum Area

English Language Arts (ELA) – Kindergarten
Aligned with the British Columbia Kindergarten Curriculum under Communication – Comprehend and Connect (Reading, Listening & Viewing) and Communication – Create and Communicate (Speaking & Representing).

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the concept of a "promise" through storytelling.
• Recognize the importance of keeping promises.
• Engage in discussion and personal reflection using a sharing circle.
• Begin to appreciate Indigenous perspectives on trust, respect, and community.

---

Materials Needed

• Storybook: "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom or another Indigenous-themed book about promises, respect, and responsibility.
• A talking piece (e.g., a small stone, feather, or carved wooden object) for the sharing circle.
• Chart paper and markers for key vocabulary words.

---

Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Welcome & Warm-Up Discussion (5 min)

• Greet students and gather them in a circle on the carpet.
• Ask:
  • "Have you ever made a promise to someone?"
  • "What do you think a promise means?"
• Write down key phrases on chart paper.

---

2. Read-Aloud: "We Are Water Protectors" (10 min)

• Show the book cover and ask:
  • "What do you think this book might be about?"
• Read the book aloud with expression. Pause to discuss key moments:
  • Stop at key words like “promise” and ask what it means.
  • Discuss how the main character makes a promise to protect the water.
  • Reflect on why keeping promises is important in Indigenous communities.

---

3. Sharing Circle Discussion (10 min)

• Introduce the concept of the Sharing Circle, an Indigenous practice where everyone listens and speaks respectfully.
• Explain the rules:
  • Only speak when you hold the talking piece.
  • Everyone listens quietly and respectfully.
• Ask the question:
  • "Can you share a promise that you have made to someone?"
  • Optional prompts:
    • "How do you feel when someone keeps or breaks a promise?"
    • "How can we help each other keep our promises?"

---

4. Closing Reflection & Connection Activity (5 min)

• Praise students for listening and sharing.
• Summarize: "A promise is something important. Keeping a promise helps others trust us."
• Group activity:
  • Have students say, "I promise to be kind" together as a shared class promise.
• Dismiss with a thoughtful question:
  • "What promise would you like to keep today?"

---

Assessment & Reflection

• Observation: Teacher will observe student participation, listening skills, and if they grasp the idea of a promise.
• Student Responses: In the sharing circle, look for engagement and understanding of real-life connections.
• Exit Reflection: If time allows, students can draw a picture of a promise they have kept or one they will make.

---

Differentiation & Indigenous Perspectives

• Visual Learners: Use visuals from the book and draw key vocabulary words.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Pass the talking piece as a tactile reinforcement of respect.
• SEL (Social Emotional Learning): Connect promises to fairness, trust, and kindness.
• Cultural Connection: Emphasize the Indigenous teaching of responsibility—stories are often passed down to remind future generations of their duties.

---

Teacher Notes

• This lesson integrates Indigenous storytelling and oral traditions to foster a deeper connection with promises.
• The use of a sharing circle reinforces respectful communication and active listening skills central to Oral Language development in the BC curriculum.
• The book selection and circle method connect to the First Peoples Principles of Learning, particularly learning through storytelling and reflection.

This lesson is designed to be engaging, reflective, and developmentally appropriate for Kindergarten learners while embedding Indigenous perspectives naturally into the classroom.