First Peoples of Canada: Interview with the Author
Nanaimo's own Sandi Smoker has recently published a unit study guide called: First Peoples of Canada. Several families have used her TUBS on the same topic, and had a great time exploring the Inuit and Native Canadians. I have had the opportunity to look through this study guide, and I look forward to using it with my children. Following is an interview with Sandi to learn more about this book.
Why did you choose this topic for Volume 1?
It seemed like a good place to start a series of unit studies on Canadian history. "Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start"
What ages is this study geared to?
Kind through grade 8, although we used the same material at the grade 10 level.
What learning outcomes or academic subjects are covered through the use of this study guide?
You will most definitely cover the learning outcomes for grade 5 First Nations studies as the Ministry prescribes on their Moest website and the Nechacko e-files.
The guide itself lays out a subject code which allows you to peg a certain activity to a specific subject area. The subject areas covered are language arts, social studies, bits of science, home economics, PE, and the arts.
Can the study be used in a co-op situation, or is it intended for single family use?
Both! The study guide gives clear instruction on organizing and implementing a co-operative group around the activities as well as providing a sample schedule and more instructions on making it work for a single family. It's really up to the parent/family to use the guide as best suits the family.
Does this study require the purchase of other books?
Not necessarily but certainly the access to other books. The Inuit guide uses 2 main books as the backbone to its study while the Natives guide uses 3. Most are available through the public library system or can be found in your homeschooling community.
Can the studies be done in more or less time than is suggested in the study guide?
The study guide follows a 5 and 7 week program but, as with my TUBs, I suggest parents with younger children may prefer to take less time than allotted. It's important to keep learning meaningful and if your child is nodding off to sleep with boredom just because the guide instructs the parent to read 4 pages of the book and the parent feels she must follow the program to a tee, then the program is failing miserably. The same thing with applies with older kids. If your teen wants to spend 3 weeks on one sub-topic (say weapons, for example) and you, the parent, are doggedly determined to get through this study in the 7 weeks scheduled, your study may bomb! Again, I want to encourage parents to make the guide work for them. Be flexible and in tune with your kids and what interests them!
How much parental preparation is required?
About 1-2 hours per week. I've tried to keep the prep to a minimum just because a unit study can tend to run away with you if you let it. The guide includes loads of information and resources to potentially access. But to adequately explore the sub-topics you can keep things simple by doing 2 or 3 activities per week (or per co-op session) and keep resource hunting to a dull roar. Fill a box or basket with the other resource books from the library and simply make them available to your kids. You will need to buy some craft supplies, familiarize yourself with the instructions and read ahead in the books to be prepared every week but that should easily be accomplished within the 1-2 hours.
What aspect of putting together this book did you enjoy the most?
I loved piloting the project! There was nothing more I enjoyed than having a little one bounce my way enthusiastically explaining how she made an Inuit costume and fed her dad Inuit food or listening to a parent share a greater appreciation for Native culture and tradition gained through the study. For me, that's what it's all about!
Do you have plans for any more Canadian Unit Studies?
Absolutely! Since this is the first in the series of Canadian Unit Studies, I've got 5 or so more planned. The next will be a compilation of Exploring Canada, the Pioneers and the Gold Rush.
Where is your book available?
It should be available through most homeschool suppliers.
What other books have you written?
I have written more books in my head than will ever reach the homeschool market! But if you're asking about more tangible resources, I've written the History of Canada Timeline which sells in most homeschool suppliers across the country.
Sandi has since written volume 2, called "Living Off the Land", in her series of books on Canadian History.
