Objective:

Students will learn about Mètis culture as they hear a story about a Mètis family, listen to Mètis music and learn to play the spoons:

Resources

• Fiddle Dancer book and CD
• Sierra’s Song – Metis Fiddle Music
• How to Play the Spoons

I began this lesson by playing a reading of the book Fiddle Dancer by Anne Patton and Wilfred Burton (while using a document camera to show the pictures).

This is a great story that “tells the tale of a young Métis boy, Nolin, and his growing awareness of his Métis heritage and identity while his “Mooshoom” or grandfather, teaches him to dance. Authors Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton masterfully weave a childhood story rich in Métis culture and language. This delightful story captures the importance of Elders as role models, a child’s apprehension at learning new things, and the special bond between grandparents and children.”

Then I showed the video Sierra’s Song – Metis Fiddle Music to hear some Mètis music and a description of the music.  It is a great two minutes for students to hear and watch someone playing the fiddle and spoons.

Then I handed out two spoons to each student.  I bought 60 teaspoons from a second hand store.  They worked out very well.  I will buy an extra 10, so students can switch them if they don’t match well.

The teacher in How to Play the Spoons is an excellent teacher.  After 9 minutes, all twelve of my classes were playing the spoons!  The only advice I give students is to play softly on their fingers.  They often hurt themselves during the third step.

Once he finished teaching us, we played the three songs that were played during the original story, “Fiddle Dancer.”

To keep it interesting, I say nothing during the first song.  During the second song, I give the instructions at random times:

• Switch to your left leg
• Fingers
• Switch to your right leg

We really enjoyed this lesson.  It takes about 40 minutes.  It is impressive how many students have no idea how to play the spoons and 30 minutes later, they are playing with great energy (especially if their classroom teacher comes to watch – an authentic audience!)