Katya Adamov Ferguson
Katya Adamov Ferguson is a dedicated early-years educator and a graduate student in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning studying toward her Masters of Education at the University of Manitoba. Her special research interests include teacher development, multi-modal literacies, English as an Additional Language, and Indigenous education. She works as a literacy and numeracy support teacher in the heart of Winnipeg’s inner city. Katya is recognized as an artist who shares her passion for the visual and performing arts with children in extra-curricular programs.
Books (3)
Synopsis:
This teacher’s guide is designed to help classroom teachers use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David A. Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners. It is organized into three sections.
The first section includes:
- general instructional ideas for deepening readers’ comprehension of text.
- a framework to further develop students’ thinking about history.
- information about aspects of graphic novels and how to use them in the classroom.
The second section includes:
- specific instructional ideas and suggestions.
- an overview.
- detailed teaching and learning sequences (before-, during-, and after-reading format).
The appendix includes:
- strategies and reproducible classroom materials that support and stimulate student learning.
- historical images that may be reproduced.
Additional Information
74 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"
Synopsis:
From the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning Through Ceremony, the Sḵ'ad'a Stories series brings intergenerational learning to life. Haida children learn important life lessons from their Elders through real-life situations, cultural traditions, and experiences out on the land.
Written by Sḵ'ad'a Stories author Sara Florence Davidson and educator Katya Adamov Ferguson, the Teacher Guide for the Sḵ'ad'a Stories helps teachers engage their students through the lens of intergenerational learning and authentic experiences. This guide:
- outlines the Sḵ'ad'a principles found in the stories
- shows how to use the Sḵ'ad'a principles in your classroom
- provides the behind-the-scenes thinking of the authors and illustrator
- explains the significance of this series as part of Haida cultural resurgence and preservation
- provides critical perspectives on the impact of colonialism on Haida knowledges
- includes resources and inspirations for educators
This teacher guide is appropriate for all grade levels.
Educator Information
Table of Contents
Introduction
About the Sḵ’ad’a Stories Series
About This Guide
Part 1: Teacher Preparation: Understanding Cultural Contexts and the Emergence of Sḵ’ad’a
Haida Culture and Knowledges
- Haida Gwaii
- Silencing the Haida
- Thriving Haida Communities
Understanding Sḵ’ad’a
- Conversation With Sara
- Branch of Davidson Family Tree
Becoming “Story-Ready”
- Holistic Engagement with Stories
Part 2: Teacher Learning: Sḵ’ad’a for Educators
Significance of Series
Intergenerational Stories
Sḵ’ad’a for Educators and Professional Learning Communities
Sḵ’ad’a Principles
Part 3: Teacher Practice: Ideas for Engaging With the Sḵ’ad’a Stories
Sḵ’ad’a Principles in Practice
Themes and Connections
Engaging Sḵ’ad’a Stories With Students
- Interactive Read-Alouds
- Making Meaning From Stories
- Mentor Texts
- Critical Literacy
- Artifactual Literacies
Sampling of Sḵ’ad’a Activity Ideas
Book-Specific Supports—Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii
Book-Specific Supports—Learning to Carve Argillite
Book-Specific Supports—Returning to the Yakoun River
Book-Specific Supports—Dancing With Our Ancestors
Resources
References
Additional Information
48 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Designed to help teachers in early years classrooms use The Seven Teachings Stories series, by Katherena Vermette, this guide provides the framework and key ideas educators need to become participants in a culturally responsive classroom community and to deepen their understanding of the Seven Teachings. With these stories, educators can create a space to discuss diverse perspectives, experiences, and traditions with young readers, and to foster a deeper understanding of ourselves as human beings and of our relationships with others.
This guide is presented in three sections and includes:
Key information about the Seven Teachings, Anishinaabe vocabulary, and the characters in each story.
Ideas to guide student learning.
Approaches and suggestions that teachers can apply to any of the seven stories.
Strategies and activities to deepen readers’ understanding of the abstract concepts addressed in the stories.
An appendix of reproducible classroom materials.
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"
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