aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Braiding Sweetgrass Book Study
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Introductory Activity for "Braiding Sweetgrass" Book Study

Objective

Begin the lesson with an engaging and thoughtful activity that sparks curiosity about the themes in "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Activity: Nature's Gifts - A Leaf Exploration

Materials Needed

• A selection of leaves from different trees and plants (real or printed photographs)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Large sheets of paper
• A whiteboard or chart paper for group reflections

Introduction (5 minutes)

Start the lesson by introducing the concept of interconnection in nature, a key theme in “Braiding Sweetgrass.” Ask the students:

"What do you think it means to be connected to nature, and why might that be important?"

Encourage a few brief responses to set the stage for the exploration of the interconnectedness the author highlights.

Part 1: Leaf Exploration (15 minutes)

1. Distribute Materials: Hand out a different leaf to each student, or place several options on their desks for selection.

2. Observation: Ask students to take a few minutes to observe their leaf closely. They should note:

   • The shape, color, and texture of the leaf.
   • Any markings or unique features.
   • The plant or tree it belongs to (if known).

3. Reflection: Provide each student with a large sheet of paper. They will create a visual representation of their leaf, focusing on the details they observed.

4. Response Prompt: As they work, ask them to think about the following question:

   "What story does your leaf tell? How might it connect to the world around it?"

Part 2: Group Sharing (15 minutes)

1. Share and Discuss: Invite students to share their leaf artwork with the class. They should explain:

   • What they noticed about their leaf.
   • Any connections they thought of between their leaf and the broader environment.

2. Chart Reflections: As students share, write key phrases and themes on a whiteboard or chart paper, highlighting ideas such as "interconnection," "story of nature," and "appreciation for the natural world."

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Wrap up the activity by reinforcing the importance of observing and connecting with nature, just like Robin Wall Kimmerer does in "Braiding Sweetgrass."

"As we begin our journey through this book, remember how every leaf, every being, has its own story to tell. Let's open up to these stories and see what wisdom they may hold for us."

Transition

Now, invite students to open their copies of "Braiding Sweetgrass" and discuss their expectations and ideas about what they might learn from the book.

This engaging activity not only sets an inviting tone for the book study but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the themes of connection and gratitude that Kimmerer beautifully illustrates in her writing.