Lawrence’s Learning

At the end of the chapter, have a class discussion about who Lawrence’s teachers are and where he goes to school. As you read through the book, keep coming back to the idea that Lawrence and his siblings learn from their family members and the environment.

Discussing Residential Schools, Chapter 1

Read to the part where Lawrence wonders what his mother means when she compares school to a prison. Have a brainstorming session with students to collect their thoughts towards this idea. Some students might make a connection to their previous knowledge of residential...

About the Main Character

What does it mean when Lawrence’s papa thinks, “Lawrence was small for a ten-year-old boy, but he was already wise in the ways of their people”?

Disappearing Way of Life

Read the dedication on the first page and ask the students what they think the author means by a way of life that is disappearing.

English and Cree Vocabulary

Introduce new vocabulary, including both English and Cree words. You may wish to create individual booklets so that students can add new terms and meanings, or co-construct a class word wall. Introduce new terms before reading each chapter. English Words Cree Words...