Learning on the Land 

At Dr. Freda Miller School we place a high value on learning from and on the land, regularly engaging with the natural world from multiple perspectives.  Close proximity to Fish Creek Park affords us many opportunities to learn about the natural environment and engage in Indigenous land based learning. For us this means

• we learn outside on the land at least once a week
• we practice how to engage in mindful reflection and stillness at our favourite “sit spots” 
• we show respect for the land by taking care of "mother earth"
• we leave only footprints
• we observe seasonal changes and integrate the importance of the solstice in our learning
• we engage and culturally responsive learning tasks both in the classroom and on the land
• we know the significance of land acknowledgements
• we are learning about the beautiful and rich contributions of Indigenous people who have inhabited this land since time immemorial

Connecting to Spirit 

When connecting to one's spirit, a circle allows for the fluidity needed to evolve, change and grow in different situations. One strategy or aspect of the framework is not more superior over the other, the components work in balance to connect to one's self, which is our ultimate goal at each stage in the circle of life. 

We understand that in order for students to learn, they need to feel safe and regulated. To support child development, the Connecting to Spirit Framework considers the holistic aspects of one's self, including the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental.  We use the Connection to Spirit Framework developed by the Niitsitapi Learning Centre.

What is Regulation?

Regulation is the ability to recognize and manage energy states, emotions, behaviours, and attention to help optimize learning, relationships, and overall wellbeing. 

What is Spirit?

Elder Kerrie Moore helped to guide our understanding of our Spiritual aspect. Connecting to your spirit is knowing who you are; it’s your resting calm state.  Spirit may be interpreted as different things to different people; however, once in our spirit we can begin to understand our values and sense of self, our sense of purpose and meaning in life, and relate to the world around us with confidence in who we are.