The fascinating outcome of emergent curriculum is that it is often occurs spontaneously and unexpectedly. Our Red River College student, Michelle, was wearing a pair of beaded earrings one day that piqued the interest of the children. They had many questions about where they came from. When she explained that she purchased them from a traditional aboriginal pow-wow, there was a whole new flood of questions about her native background and what a pow-wow was.

All of this interest from the children created an atmosphere for them to learn about traditional aboriginal teachings and to make connections that are relevant to their own experiences. The first activity was for children to make their own dream catchers. Michelle explained the background story about the significance of the dream catcher so they had an understanding of the meaning behind their craft.

The children were also introduced to the importance of the medicine wheel. She explained that it is believed to be the Circle of Life and that all living things are represented in the medicine wheel. They were intrigued with the significance of why the circle shape was chosen which Michelle explained that the Earth is a circle, and the sun and the moon were circles. One of the children observed that the “wind” also moves in a circle!

Michelle explained to the children that the medicine wheel holds many symbols. The wheel is divided into four quadrants, each with a different colour; white, red, yellow and black. After explaining the meaning behind the colours, the four directions, four sacred medicines, and the animals associated with them, the children were invited to create their own medicine wheel.

To enhance the children’s interest, Michelle also brought in some traditional clothing (with meanings explained) to show the children, and set up a tepee in the Tropical Jungle room.

We never know where the children’s natural curiosity will take us. Sometimes it is sparked by the natural environment, events that occur in the lives of the children or, in this case a pair of earrings worn by an educator. It is always more meaningful when there is context involved with planned activities for children to gain a better understanding of the world in which they live in.

Jean Chorney