Division 7 did an inquiry into their family backgrounds to understand more about their identites.  They used the book "We Are All Related: A celebration of our Cultural Heratige" by the students of G.T. Cunningham Elementary School (1996) as inspriation to intevew relatives and make connections to themselves.

Reflection...

They are able to identify something in themselves that made them unique.  Mostly showed a basic view of what shapes their identity. Some shared their cultural backgrounds and what they like to do, but not in a lot of detail.   "That I'm the only one that's from Czech.  And I'm the only one that wears high heels."     "I'm from Brazil and I'm fast."   "That I do different things then other people and that we have different beliefs." 

The evidence tells us that students are able to connect one idea that makes them unique and lot of them focused on something they do, such as a club that they are in or something they like to do a lot (reading, art).

They are able to relate family background and history to who they are as people as part of their understanding of identity.  "Identity means who you are, and where you're from.  Identity also means that makes each and every one of us so different and special."     "Identity means yourself and your strengths and your background your personality and your thoughts."   "To me identity means what makes me who I am." 

The evidence shows that because part of our work this year is focused on cultural backgrounds, many students were able to name cultural backgrounds as a big part of their identity.

Some focused on the organized part of community, such as organized events and school.  Some were able to identity relationships within the community such as sharing and helping others.  Many also said family is a big part of their community.   "Community means a group or tribe or a whole bunch of people who live togethe rand help each other.  Oh! And also teamwork."   "Friendship, including everyone."   "Community means a large group of people as one."  "What community means to me...I think community means helping others around you when they need help caring about others, collaborating with them, team work, saying hello if you see them on the street, nice neighbors and kindness."   "It means a organization or a small part of somewhere that your part of." 

The evidence tells us that many of the learners do have an understanding of community in structures and places.  Some also show an understanding of how interactions and relationships form community.

Many students listed specific locations and what they do within their community.    "I go to church and swimming."   "I like going ot the library and going to the thompson park." -   Some were able to identity how they are able to create a positive community. "I connect with others by saying hello! I connect with tohers by helping people that has dissabilities."    "Say hello, be respectful, help them with groceries, invite neighbors over for dinner, try to be friendly and be kind."

The evidence tells us that many do not understand the connection between the community and themselves.  A community is more like a community center where they can take programs.  Some others have an understanding that community means the relationship between themselves and others.