Teachers
Guide to "When I Was Eight"
Synopsis:
This story is about an 8-year-old girl named Olemaun (later known as Margaret) and her desire to go to a residential school to learn to read. It is a picture book that depicts this true story and the many hardships the little girl has to endure during her time at residential school. It tells a tale of how her spirit would not be broken despite those broken around her and how she persevered in the face of obstacles.
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Background Information:
This story is adapted from the novel, "Fatty Legs," also by the same authors. This picture book makes the story more relatable for a younger audience while still maintaining the message of the story. It is recommended for Grades 1-4.
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For more information and resources about Residential Schools please visit the About section of this website.
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Lesson
For discussion questions with this story please visit the Students page.
To access this resource created by Cowie's Class visit their TeachersPayTeachers store.