Using the Cree Language in Mathematics

Using the Cree Language in Mathematics

by Jessica Wesaquate and Andrea Rogers

Addition and Subtraction using Cree Numbers 1-10

Grade Level:

One / Two / Three

Objectives
(Evergreen Curriculum):

Using the Cree language:
Students will be able to state the whole number sequence from one to ten.

Students will be able to state the whole number that comes before a given number from one to ten.

Students will be able to recite the whole number names from a given number to any stated number using visual aids (use culturally appropriate pictures)

Students will be able to complete addition questions using Cree numbers one through ten.

Students will be able to complete subtraction questions using Cree numbers one through ten.

Students will be able to decipher odd and even numbers in a list of Cree numbers.

Students will be able to list the odd and even numbers in Cree from one through ten.

Students will be able to indicate odd and even numbers, as well as put them in a list.

Pre-requisite Knowledge:

counting, adding/subtracting, odd/even numbers

Materials:

culturally appropriate visuals, questions on handout

Cree Numbers:

1-Peyak
2-Niso
3-Nisto
4-Newo
5-Niyanan
6-Nikotwasik
7-Tepakohp
8-Ayinanew
9-Kikamitataht
10-Mitataht

Introduction Activity:

You can practice counting from one to ten in Cree with your students.  You can put the numbers on chart paper, on construction paper, make them into posters, make a number wall, etc. Be creative!

Have students recite from one number to another number using visuals.  Some examples:

• From one boy/girl to seven boys/girls, incorporating diverse pictures of children, including Métis and Aboriginal children
• You can use a variety of other visuals, but it is essential the children be taught the background of the visual if you use something such as traditional regalia.

Adding and Subtracting Using the Cree Language:

Addition Questions:

Peyak + Peyak = __________

Niso + _________ = Newo

_________ + Tepakohp = Mitataht

Nisto + _________ = Kikamitataht

_________ + _________ = Niyanan

Tepakohp = _________ + Peyak

Create your own: _________ + _________ = _________

Subtraction Questions:

Niyanan - Newo = _________

Mitataht - _________ = Kikamitataht

_________ - Ayinanew = Niso

Kikamitataht - __________ =  Tepakohp

_________ - Niso = Newo

_________ - _________ = Nisto

Peyak = _________ - __________________

Create your own _________ - _________ = _________

Exploring Odd and Even Numbers using the Cree language

Circle the odd numbers and underline the even numbers.

niso, niyanan, mitataht, tepakohp, peyak

List the odd numbers from one to ten in Cree: ________________________

List the even numbers from one to ten in Cree: _______________________

Assessment:

oral quiz, handout

Aboriginal Perspectives is supported by the University of Regina, the Imperial Oil Foundation, the Canadian Mathematical Society and the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.