The Métis Nation is still vibrant and thriving today, and has called Canada home since the 1700s. In this activity students will create a spider map that highlights the Métis Nation of Canada. Their maps will describe the environment, physical features, and the culture and traditions of the Métis people. They may also describe any other cultural traditions or interesting information.
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes the lives and traditions of the Métis Nation of Canada.
Student Instructions:
Combine social studies with language arts, art, or technology by having students explore the Métis Nation through multiple subjects. This approach deepens understanding and helps students make real-world connections.
Teach students to identify trustworthy online and print sources by looking for reputable organizations, authors, and up-to-date information. Discuss why source credibility matters, especially with Indigenous topics.
Discuss with students how to avoid stereotypes and honor Métis traditions by using accurate images, language, and context. Model respectful language and provide vetted resources for reference.
Organize a class gallery walk or virtual showcase where students present their spider maps and reflect on what they learned. This fosters pride, listening skills, and deeper cultural appreciation.
The Métis Nation of Canada is a distinct Indigenous group with unique traditions, history, and connections to the land. Learning about their culture helps students understand diversity, respect Indigenous perspectives, and appreciate Canada's rich heritage.
Engage students by having them create spider maps that illustrate the Métis Nation's environment, physical features, and cultural traditions. Collaborative activities and visual storytelling foster deeper understanding and active participation.
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually organize information about a topic. It allows them to connect aspects of the Métis Nation's environment and culture, making learning more interactive and memorable.
Students should include traditional music, clothing (like sashes), language (Michif), celebrations, and the Métis connection to the land. Emphasizing these aspects helps celebrate their unique identity and contributions to Canadian culture.
To enable real-time collaboration on Storyboard That, go to the "Edit Assignment" tab and turn on collaboration. This lets students work together on the same storyboard, improving communication, creativity, and teamwork.