Reconciliation/Letting in Light program - Sun catcher activity for young families

Author

Catherine Howett

Description

Letting in  Light (PreK/K): 1 - Butterfly sun catchers
Letting in  Light is a series of reconciliation programming templates designed for Saskatchewan public libraries.
Based on Giniigaaniimenaaning (Looking Ahead), by Christi Belcourt, the stained glass window in Parliament commemorating the legacy of Indian residential schools, these age-appropriate programs use a range of stained glass/sun catcher activities as a defining concept for talking about the history of residential schools.

·       This is a simple, inexpensive and familiar activity for pre-K /Kindergarten or families with young children.  
·       In this activity we explore visual symbols and symmetry, and practice fine motor coordination.
·       Some things to talk about are: family, letters, colours, light effects, butterflies, what a stained glass window is, what an apology is, the concept of change (transformation), or the pictures in the INAC colouring book or brochure.
·       In some aboriginal cultures the butterfly is a symbol of childhood and in many cultures butterflies mean hope, rebirth, transformation and transcendence.
·       This sun catcher program is a reconciliation activity designed to honour children who were taken away.
Materials:
A copy of the colouring book, brochure about the commemorative stained glass window. (attached pdf)
Giniigaaniimenaaning (Looking Ahead) | Christi Belcourt
Coloured construction paper, wax paper, coloured tissue paper, safety scissors, small paintbrushes, white glue.
 

 

Resource Topic