This week I was fortunate enough to be observing a grade 5 class on September 30th Orange Shirt Day. 

I was able to see first-hand current student’s knowledge on the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and how teacher’s teach kids what this means to them. 

In my class we started by showing the kids a video on Orange Shirt Day:

Then after the video there was a discussion on the importance and meaning behind wearing an orange shirt on this day and why. Student’s could then fill in a sheet with some discussion questions as well as an opportunity to colour a new shirt design for Orange Shirt Day. 

I found student’s really engaged in this and asking thoughtful questions as well as coming up with ideas on how they would remember this day. Many students were aware of Orange Shirt Day already and some were surprised at this history as well. 

I was happy to see student engagement with this topic and I think having these open discussions in schools is so important. I have looked into a few student resources on this topic and I hope to incorporate them into my classroom in the future. 

Books for Kids

Teacher Resources

Learn More Here: Orange Shirt Day Website

 

Julia