The Sharing Circle

Gr 1-3–On a beautiful day in the Great Plains, among the many animal friends, two best friend foxes get caught in a conflict. This causes the community to pick sides based on each friend’s feelings. Reconciliation is sought by the elder buffalo by making an offering of a blade of sweetgrass to wise Kokom, a great horned owl. All of the animals soon gather in what is called a sharing circle, where they respectfully listen to one another and share different perspectives. This space allows the animals to be heard and find a place of understanding. Cree customs are embedded throughout this adorable, bubbly illustrated lesson. There is great value in being allowed to be vulnerable while sharing differing feelings. Back matter includes guidance on the expectations of a sharing circle, how to make a talking stick, conversation starters, and the phonetic pronunciations of the names of Plains Cree animals.