Picture 2 – I think that schools allowing students to help contribute to their own safe and inclusive space, receives a better response from those students. If I were young and asked to contribute my ideas and effort into building something for the community I would be much more engaged in learning what those issues mean and feel a better sense of belonging within the community. The effect of a space like this is a lasting one for the students involved in its creation. Not only is it doing good for the community but is creating those meaningful moments for students to become well contributing members in the future. More schools can do projects like this to use for so many teachable moments. 

Picture 3 – This is a very powerful example of community belonging and identity. I did not know that these types of places existed, or that you can rent out plots of land to grow your own. I wish my community had something like this. Maybe even schools can offer these types of space for students and their families. Such good learning moments can come through gardening. I have a personal connection to gardening and growing vegetables as for my grandparents it was a way of life to feed them. Unfortunately, it’s not a skill that comes naturally despite my enjoyment of doing it. 

Picture 4 – I also chose to include a photo of a passport but did not think of including the idea of the coat of arms and the symbolism It represents for Canada. I also thought your connection with the projectile point made it a more personal association. The ways and methods in which things were done in past or even different cultures today can helps students engage and get hands on learning. They can see how difficult certain tasks would be from today, the advancement and benefits of technology over time, or even just different perspectives today. Hands out activities, like creating a projectile point, I would think would be a very engaging way to learn about different cultures. Activities can be memorable teaching moments. I think it’s important that you connected the official government coat of arms with the projectile point as education today is moving so much towards inclusion of aboriginal ways of knowing. Students will need to make similar connections in their everyday learning.