First Voices is a great, self-guided language program that currently houses 57 First People’s languages and is geared towards adults as well as children. Grade 6/7 students are typically able to navigate the program independently, K-5 will require adult guidance/participation depending on the student’s reading level and familiarity with navigating a website. Access to a webtool such as this is a step towards revitalizing aboriginal peoples culture as so much of their respective languages were lost due to residential schooling.
It is also available in iOS and Android as a free app.
In a school or virtual school setting this website can be used to power a language club for your aboriginal students. With my grade 6/7 students I had them start with reading the history of their band and its language and then I had them share with me what they had learned in an informal, conversational manner. After that I gave them a few sessions to play around and explore the website, once they were more confidant we then began discussing what their individual learning goals would be and how they wanted to demonstrate their learning. For example, one of my students is planning on making a dictionary for herself. Another student’s goal is to phone her grandmother and say a few words to her in her traditional language.
I believe it is important to ensure your student and their family has a voice in how they want to learn and share their new found knowledge of their traditional language. For younger students in particular you will need to seek out the parent or guardian’s advice on how to proceed with assessment.
How would you integrate this resource into your teaching or home practice?
Cheerio!
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