Days of the week

Learning the days of the week in Cree

To teach the days of the week to primary grade students I use hand gestures as I say the Cree words to the students and demonstrating to the students is always best first.

 

Sunday – Ayamihew kisikaw
Monday – Ponayamihew kisikaw
Tuesday –Niso kisikaw
Wednesday – Nisto kisikaw
Thursday – Newo kisikaw
Friday – Niyano kisikaw
Saturday – Nikotwasi kisikaw

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Simple Phrases and Simple Commands

In this lesson you will learn simple phrases and simple commands.

Responses may vary in these simple phrases:

Hello – Waciye

When you are greeting in Cree the proper response would be to say “waciye” back to the person and also to shake their hand as well.

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How are you? – Tanisi kiya

When you are asked about your well being the proper response would be to say “namoya nanitaw” if you are doing fine or “kewey” doing ok. Also it is proper protocol to ask the other person about their well being “Kiya maka”-what about you?

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Who are you? – Awina kiya

Only older people ask about you, you respond by saying “niya________” you explain where you come from but you do not ask them who they are as it is inappropriate.

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Where are you from? – Tanite ohci kiya

I am from Bear Hills – Maskwacisihk ohci niya

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Where are you going? – Tanite ewi tohteyin

I am going into town – Otenahk ewi tohteyan

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Simple commands you will learn:

When you have visitors arrive at your home.        Welcome come in, there is room – Tatawaw pihtakwe

Usually used when children are misbehaving        Go away – awas

Used when you call to someone                             Come over here – astam otey

Used when you want someone to sit down, usually children             Sit down here  – apih ota

Used when you want someone to stand, usually children                  Stand up – nipawih

Used when you want someone to get up, usually children                 Get up – pasikoh

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Numbers to 10

Lesson on Ahkichikewina

In this lesson you will learn to count to ten in Cree. I find that counting to ten on a daily basis during circle time helps the children learn the numbers faster.

Using your fingers is the best way to learn the numbers to ten in Cree. Using manipulatives is also a good exercise in learning the numbers in Cree.

One 1 – peyak

Two 2 – niso

Three 3 – nisto

Four 4 – newo

Five 5 – niyanan

Six 6 – nikotwasik

Seven 7 – tepahkohp

Eight 8 – ayinanew

Nine 9 – kekamitataht

Ten 10 – Mitataht

Ekwa – and                      Mina-also                        Ekota isko nitakichikan – I can count up to there

Extended exercise can be Brian MacDonald’s counting song;

Peyak, niso. nisto, newo, niyanan, nikotwasik ekwa tepahkohp, ayinanew, kekamitataht mina mitataht ekota isko nitakichikan( repeat again)

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