Nearing the end of January, Land-Based Learning Instructor Michael Abitong brought in an amik (a beaver) to allow students at Biidaaban an 'up-close-and-personal' look at the semi-aquatic 'rodent'. In its 'frozen solid' state, the kids could come nose to nose with the beaver, quite literally, as the table it was displayed on was at face height for the Early Learning students. Michael explained how he had located the beaver in a trap. By making his offering of tobacco and respect to Creator, he was able to remove it and bring it to Biidaaban as a tool for learning about the animal and to talk about its significance in Anishinaabe culture as the embodiment of the Grandfather teaching; Nbwaakaawin (Wisdom).
Several pictures of the beaver in its habitat demonstrated its life cycle and living quarters in the ecosystem, physical characteristics, behaviours, dietary preferences, habitat, role in the fur trade, and its uses in the modern world. The teaching tools were displayed on the table in an interactive, laminated sleeve so children could investigate them further as their wandering attention was directed to the many new stimulations. This class visiting the NEW Outdoor Learning space--designated to support Land-Based learning and erected over late December/early January––were among the first to walk from the school to the 'shed' and participate in an educational opportunity in the fresh, wintry air. You may have seen it; the building sits in the lower left parking lot if you're facing the school.
Michael also showed the children a beaver pelt hat, which he proudly said was his Grandfather's. He offered that his Grandfather had taught him about the land and the animals, the unique traditions, and how to respect and appreciate Mother Earth. The children could feel the soft fur around the ear flaps and make a connection between the animal and its uses. As the children circled the table, they asked Mr. Michael many questions. They could touch the beaver's fur, feet, and tail, an awesome sensory discovery. They noticed the feet were webbed, offering the beaver immense speed and power in the water. Although flat and textured, the tail was soft and leathery to the touch and very flexible, not as rigid as it might appear. The class listened while Michael talked about how the beaver slaps its tail on the water, how you come to hear and know its discernable sound, and that they do so as a warning signal when frightened or threatened by an intruder.
The class was exposed to a lot of teachings in this singular session, a positive first-time exposure to the new land-based learning structure, and its ability to offer several layers of learning opportunities for Biidaaban and Daycare students, both present and future.
