REVIEWS


Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack is immortalized in Secret Path, the graphic novel and 10-song al- bum by musician Gord Downey and author Jeff Lemire. Secret Path sheds light on one boy’s tragic story, the story of one of thou- sands of residential school survivors. Haunting visuals and moving song lyrics


SECRET PATH Jeff Lemire, music by Gord Downie Simon and Schuster Canada, 2016 96 pages, $26.99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Kareena Butler


capture 12-year-old Chanie’s feelings of de- spair and hope as he escapes from Cecilia Jef- frey Indian Residential School. We experience his emotional journey, alone and scared, along the tracks, in the forest of northern Ontario. Each step away reveals the suffering and trau- ma witnessed first-hand at school. Yet each step away also brings him closer to the safety of his family. Memories of his almost forgot- ten way of life flash in his mind and brighten his thoughts, giving him strength to endure the cold, freezing rain and ice. If he listens to the feeling in his heart, he knows he is not alone. Even in his death, he is not alone. By exploring this tragic part of Canadian


history, students will gain a deeper under- standing of the short- and long-term conse- quences of residential schools. This graphic


Student Diversity is a resource for a wide au- dience of teachers. Although the authors ad- vocate a “non-categorical model of resource support,” this is not a choice classroom teach- ers can make. Resource support is a decision made at the board level, not by individual teachers or schools. The authors state their beliefs clearly about


inclusive education. They list their key points (collaborating, using data to inform instruc- tion, helping students feel safe and engaged, offering voice and choice to students, making connections and taking time) at the beginning and end of the book. They then explore specific case studies


STUDENT DIVERSITY, 3RD EDITION:


Teaching Strategies to Meet the Learning Needs of All Students in K-10 Classrooms Faye Brownlie, Catherine Feniak and Leyton Schnellert Pembroke Publishers, 2016 160 pages, $24.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Marlene Sutton


showing a sequence of steps used to teach a concept in a particular classroom and sub- ject area. Teachers can use these case studies to rethink and plan for their own classrooms. For example, there is a chapter on using novel studies in a different way than have tradition- ally been used. Most chapters focus on language arts. If


you could benefit from a renewed focus on literacy, this book is for you. It contains many ideas to support ELL and less fluent readers, as well as containing suggestions for allowing faster readers to go at their own pace. The au-


ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 45


novel can be integrated into a variety of sub- ject areas beyond English, including Arts and Health. Students can examine how Lemire uses colour to communicate emotions and Downey uses lyrics to convey messages. Stu- dents can create meaning, examine biases and break down stereotypes. They can express their thoughts and emotions by creating and performing movement phrases, “living” art work, inspired by the images and/or the songs. Engaging in historical inquiries, encouraging discussions and acknowledging feelings might also encourage students to identify their role in reconciliation. Chanie Wenjack’s life meant something. told through images and


His tragic story,


songs, conveys powerful messages that will awaken your emotions and forever touch your heart. It is a story that must be remembered and shared so we can all heal and take steps along the path of hope, acceptance and recon- ciliation.


Kareena Butler is a member of the Ottawa Carleton Teacher Local.


thors emphasize the need to slow down and take time to develop key skills with students, to build success over time. I would not recommend this book for any-


one who teaches early primary grades. Many chapters contain examples from only the up- per grades and it would be too much of a stretch to make the suggestions fit for signifi- cantly younger students. This book would be helpful for anyone


who is in a role where they support teachers in a variety of grades and subjects. The phi- losophy behind the book is well explained, and the suggestions on how to include a range of learners is helpful.


Marlene Sutton is a member of Hastings and Prince Edward Teacher Local.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52