Orange Shirt Day quotes in the classroom
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 11, 2023
Orange Shirt Day 2023 is only a few short weeks away, and serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of teaching students about the past in order to avoid similar mistakes in the future. I love using Orange Shirt Day quotes in the classroom as a way to promote classroom discussion around this dark period of Canadian history.
Looking for some print and go resources to help you incorporate Orange Shirt Day quotes in the classroom? Click on the link or button below to snag some great resources!
Benefits of using Historical Quotes in the Classroom
Quotes are powerful tools for teaching students about history because they encapsulate the essence of an era, an event, or an individual’s perspective in a concise and memorable manner. They serve as windows into the past, offering insights into the thoughts, emotions, and motivations of historical figures.
By analyzing historical quotes, students can develop critical thinking skills as they examine the context, bias, and significance of these statements. Quotes also make history more relatable and personal, connecting students on a human level to the individuals who shaped the course of history.
Historical quotes also encourage empathy and understanding as students consider the diverse voices and viewpoints that have contributed to the complex tapestry of human experience.
Ultimately, quotes serve as bridges between the past and the present, inspiring thoughtful reflection and discussion, and helping students appreciate the enduring relevance of historical events and ideas in today’s world.
Meaningful Quotes about Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation
I have curated some of my favorite Orange Shirt Day quotes below. These make excellent starting points for meaningful classroom discussions or individual reflection on Orange Shirt Day, the history of residential schools in Canada, and the importance of truth and reconciliation.
“Reconciliation is not an aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us.” – Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
“The truth is not yet fully told.” –Phyllis Webstad
“We have to recognize and navigate the darkness before we can see the light.”-Shayla Stonechild
“Reconciliation begins with the acknowledgment of the wrongs done and a genuine desire to set things right.” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Let us work together to build a shared future of prosperity, opportunity, and well-being for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.” – Governor General David Johnston
“We have not only opened people’s eyes, but we have turned people’s heads. The ones who would look away now can no longer look away.” -Justice Murray Sinclair
“The past cannot be changed, but the future is in our hands to shape.” – Chief Wilton Littlechild, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner
“Healing and reconciliation are not just for Indigenous peoples. They are for all Canadians.” – Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
“Reconciliation means recognizing the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples and ensuring they are never again denied their heritage.” – Governor General Julie Payette.
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Activities for Using Orange Shirt Day Quotes in the Classroom
Looking for ways that you can use historical quotes to help you teach about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools in Canada? I have rounded up some of my very favorite activities to get students engaged and talking about this important topic.
Quote Reflection Gallery Walk
Hang Orange Shirt Day quotes up around your classroom, hallway, or outdoor space. Have students quietly walk around and record their reflections about each quote. Encourage students to share their reflections with the class when complete. This is a great activity to get students up and out of their desks!
Quote Graffiti Activity
Write Orange Shirt Day quotes on separate sheets of chart paper. Hang the papers up around your classroom, hallway, or outdoor space. Give each student a marker, and have students quietly walk around and record their reflections on the different chart papers. Encourage students to question, add to, and respond to each other’s comments. This is a great activity often leads to powerful classroom discussions!
Group Reflection
Put students into small groups and pass each group a variety of Orange Shirt Day quotes. Have groups discuss each quote and record responses. When done, have students share their reflections with the class.
Looking for more Orange Shirt Day activities? Check out this post.
Looking for resources to use along with these Orange Shirt Day Quote Activities?
Click here or on the image below to snag this COMPLETE Orange Shirt Day Quotes resource from my TPT shop. It comes with a full set of Posters featuring Orange Shirt Day quotes, Student Quote Cards, Reflection Templates, and 5 differentiated activities!
Looking for additional information For teaching About Orange Shirt Day?
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Looking for meaningful resources for teaching about truth and reconciliation?
Creative Classroom Core has a wide variety of engaging, no-prep resources for elementary and middle school to help you teach about this important topic. Click on the image below to see all of the resources available.
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