9. Exploring holistic learning

Show the overhead of the medicine wheel. Discuss the importance of involving body, mind, emotions and spirit in learning.

Show the overhead The Whole Person. Discuss how violence can affect aspects of the whole person.

Reflection

As I understand it, the medicine wheel is a symbol to help us understand ourselves and to help us try to find balance among body, mind, spirit and emotions in all that we do. One of my friends at the local High School is from the Pikani First Nation so I quizzed her about the Medicine Wheel. She used the image of a beautiful flower growing that needs to be nourished under the ground, on the ground and above the ground. If all needs are met, the flower blooms. I love the picture and focusing on the hope of every individual blossoming.

10. Bringing the whole self to learning

Reflection There wasn't time for this activity in the Edmonton workshop. The groups in Pincher Creek came up with a number of ideas. (See p. 140.)

Draw the medicine wheel on a flip-chart page. Participants divide into groups. Each group focuses on one area of the medicine wheel (body, mind, spirit, emotions). Participants discuss what they could do to encourage students to learn through the area they are focusing on. Ask participants to report their ideas to the whole group. Write their ideas on the medicine wheel.