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Commitment to Learning
Definition of Commitment to Learning
Commitment to learning means that the child has goals and believes that s/he
can achieve them, has a positive relationship with their school, enjoys being
read to, and cultural activities (crafts, language, ceremonies, etc.) are integrated
in their life.
The Elders Say...
Make opportunities for children to learn to speak the Ojibwe language.
“The language keeps people straight because the meanings and feelings of the language stress the good life – the red road.”
“They have to have the language spoken to them”
“Maintaining the culture is important to survival, and we have to use our Ojibwemowin language when we talk to the Creator.”
Help children to understand their connection to the living world.
“Today the kids do not grow up with knowledge on how to raise, love, or care for animals. When kids are allowed to disrespect the animals, we as a people lose a lot. Those kids are unaware of the connection between the animals and us. Many kids are unaware that the food they eat and the clothes they wear come from the animals.”
Parents should be involved as their children are engaged in school learning as well as traditional Ojibwe learning.
“As a healthy person, my formal education gave a foundation to live by. However, my real education came from my grandparents’ traditional teachings. They taught me things that formal education never taught.”
“Be firm – make sure your kids get their schoolwork done. ‘Get your homework done or I’m coming to class with you!’”
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