okiskinwahamâkêw (English)

Language: English

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8

Grade Range: Pre-K to Grade 3

Story:

In this gentle story of love, learning, and family, a young girl spends a winter day with her nimôsôm, her grandfather. Through sledding, chopping wood, walking quietly, and learning Cree words from the land, she discovers that teachings do not always come from books. Sometimes they come from laughter, patience, listening, and being together. okiskinwahamâkêw honours the bond between grandchildren and grandparents, celebrating Cree language, ancestral knowledge, and quiet wisdom in everyday moments.

Learning Goals:

Children will practice observing, learning from mistakes, listening to nature, and engaging with family teachings

Core Learning Pillars:

• Social Awareness: Building respect for family and culture.
• Communication Skills: Practicing listening and storytelling.
• Cognitive Skills: Understanding patterns in nature and family tasks.
• Language Development: Learning Cree words and meanings.
• Eye-Hand Coordination: Engaging in real-world tasks like sledding and chopping.
• Visual Recognition: Noticing tracks and nature around.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

The story supports SEL by showing emotions such as joy, patience, trust, reflection, and love. Children are encouraged to think about their feelings, learn from mistakes, listen carefully, and build connection with someone they trust.

Explanation for Adults:

This book teaches that learning happens through relationships, experience, and reflection. It shows children that knowledge is shared gently over time, not rushed. SEL, or Social-Emotional Learning, is the development of social awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills that support children's emotional and social growth.

Keywords: Cree, sledding, Indigenous language, Cree language, English children's book, grandfather, grandmother, grandparents, nimôsôm, family story, winter story, children's winter book, ancestral teachings, intergenerational learning, social-emotional learning, SEL, Medicine Wheel, nature, observing nature, animal tracks, family bonding, cultural teachings, Indigenous education, First Nations, Native American, early learning, Pre-K, kindergarten, grade one, grade two, grade three, picture book, language learning, patience, listening, reflection, love, trust, family, tradition, childhood, winter activities, chopping wood, learning from elders, classroom resource, teacher resource, children's literature, cultural learning.