Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 at Hugh Cairns School in Saskatoon worked with illustrator and author of The Giving Tree Leah Marie Dorion to create a permanent Giving Tree mural in their school library and a book trailer for Leah's book. The students also learned a various cultural dances which they presented at the unveiling celebration of The Giving Tree mural. 

The entire project, which exposed students to artist-quality materials and involved the extended community, improved students' understanding of Métis culture while strengthening their literacy skills. 

The cultural dances varied from Latin American (Zumba), Ukrainian, Indian and Metis cultural dances. Leah taught the school that by dancing in the shoes of another culture, the students learn about that culture and also deepen their understanding of their own culture. Through this visual representation of culture the students were able to share their gifts with their friends and families. 

As a final connection to the story of The Giving Tree, at the celebration, the school community shared some homemade bannock and jam which was "a scrumptious way to finish such an enriching experience- one the whole school community will never forget!"

See the Hugh Cairns Giving Tree blog here >

See The Giving Tree book trailer here (YouTube) >