A Journey North: CJA Grade Two students learn about Indigenous culture

By Joseph Tappenden

(Calgary) – Grade two students at CJA recently completed a cross-curricular project that combined art and social studies. The project focused on Iqaluit, a city located in the north of Canada, and was inspired by the famous Canadian artist, Ted Harrison.

Through the project, students learned about the unique weather patterns of the north, Indigenous culture and traditions, and the significance of an Inukshuk. They also had the opportunity to explore different painting techniques using watercolors, identify warm and cool colors, and practice Ted Harrison’s unique painting style.

Ted Harrison was one of Canada’s most beloved artists, known for his love of the land and people of the Yukon. His style is recognized by bold and simple colors, and his art highlights warm and cool colors beside each other with lines to outline the land and sky.

The students were inspired by Ted Harrison’s art and used it as a reference to create their own paintings of Iqaluit. They started by researching the city and learning about its unique geography and climate. They then used their knowledge to create their own artwork, using a combination of warm and cool colors to represent the land, sky, and water.

The students also learned about the Inukshuk, which is a traditional Inuit structure made of stacked stones. They discovered that the Inukshuk is used as a directional marker and as a symbol of hope and friendship. The students then created their own Inukshuk using stones and incorporated it into their artwork.

Overall, the project was a great success, as it allowed the students to combine different subjects and skills. They were able to learn about a new city, explore different painting techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions. The project also allowed the students to express their creativity and showcase their artwork, which was proudly displayed in the classroom.

The CJA grade two class enjoyed this inventive project that combined art and social studies. Through a Ted Harrison art focus, the students learned about Iqaluit, the unique weather patterns of the north of Canada, Indigenous culture and traditions, as well as the significance and meaning of an Inukshuk. The project allowed the students to explore different painting techniques and express their creativity, while also gaining a deeper understanding of important topics. It was a wonderful example of how combining different subjects and skills can lead to a meaningful and enriching learning experience.

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