The Seven

Grandfathers:

Teaching Values To Early Learners

The Seven Grandfather Teachings are among the most important values carried within Anishinaabe culture. They are more than words or lessons; they are a way of living. For generations, these teachings have helped children, families, and communities understand how to live in balance with themselves, with each other, and with all of Creation. This framework was created to support educators (both Indigenous and non- Indigenous) who are responsible for teaching and caring for young children. It is designed for use in Anishinaabe early learning programs, but it can also be used in other early years and kindergarten classrooms. While some children may already hear these teachings at home or in community, many will not. It is the role of educators to make sure all children in their care have the opportunity to experience these values in clear, meaningful, and age appropriate ways.

About This Curriculumn

Summary for Digital Download: The Seven Grandfathers: Teaching Values to Early Learners

This comprehensive framework introduces educators to the Seven Grandfather Teachings, core Anishinaabe values that guide children in living with wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth. Designed for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners, the curriculum provides age-appropriate lesson plans, storytelling guides, and hands-on activities to help children embody these teachings in their daily lives.

Key Features:

Cultural Foundations: Learn the significance of the Seven Grandfathers and their connection to Anishinaabe traditions, animals, and nature.
Books and Teaching Guides: Includes four storybooks—The Seven Grandfathers, When We See It, When We Don’t See It, and Nanaboozhoo’s Journey—paired with educator guides to deepen understanding.
Lesson Plans: 168 detailed plans across eight domains (literacy, numeracy, outdoor, gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, dramatic play, creative) tailored for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.
Behavior Change Model: Strategies for recognition, rewarding, redirection, and modeling to help children internalize values.
Interactive Activities: Engage children through storytelling, art, pretend play, nature walks, and problem-solving games.
Flexible Implementation: Adaptable to diverse communities and classrooms, honoring local traditions and voices.

Why It Matters:

The Seven Grandfather Teachings nurture emotional, social, and moral development, fostering kindness, balance, and respect for all of Creation. This framework equips educators to create inclusive, values-driven classrooms where children learn to live with integrity and care for themselves, others, and the world around them.

Perfect for early learning programs, Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, and anyone seeking to integrate cultural teachings into their curriculum.

The Seven

Grandfathers:

Teaching Values To Early Learners

About This Curriculumn

Key Features:

Why It Matters:

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The Seven Grandfathers in Early Learning

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