Resources for the Week of June 22 – 26, 2020
Our final 2019-20 school-year selection of at-home learning resources include: John Shiwak, Tommy Prince, and Operation Husky.
John Shiwak (60+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Shiwak” PDF
This activity explores Lance Corporal John Shiwak, a skilled sniper and Inuk member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who died in France during the First World War. Activities include a short YouTube video and then a creative response to what students learned about Shiwak’s time in France.
Tommy Prince (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about Tommy Prince of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, who was a member of the First Special Service Force during the Second World War. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Prince” questions (PDF).
Operation Husky (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943, codenamed Operation Husky. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Operation Husky” questions (PDF).
A coloured image of Lance Corporal John Shiwak (Credit: Canadian Virtual War Memorial, Veterans Affairs Canada).
Resources for the Week of June 15 – 19, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Women in War (Pt.4): Letters, Alannah Gilmore, Molly Bobak, and Joseph Keeper.
Women in War (Pt.4): Letters (60+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Student Letters” PDF; “Teachers Letters” PDF
In this activity, students will compose letters either “to” or “from” a female soldier from an era in history of their choosing. Questions prompts are provided in the Student Letters PDF to assist students.
Alannah Gilmore (60+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Gilmore and Mitic” PDF
This lesson explores the story of Canadian Forces sniper Jody Mitic and medic Alannah Gilmore. Students will watch a short documentary and then discuss important concepts, such as “service” to one’s country and “purpose” in life. The lesson finishes with a KIM (Keep in Mind) activity.
Molly Lamb Bobak (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about the first Canadian female war artist, Molly Bobak. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Bobak” questions (PDF).
Joseph Keeper (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about Olympian and First World War soldier, Joseph Keeper. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Keeper” questions (PDF).
Molly Lamb Bobak, war artist in the CWAC. Photo taken in London, England, 12 July 1945 (Credit: LAC M# 3191978).
Resources for the Week of June 8 – 12, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Métis Paratrooper Anderson on D-Day, D-Day Video Analysis, 20 Questions (D-Day), and General Crerar.
D-Day Video Analysis (75+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “D-Day Video Analysis” PDF
This activity involves a short video clip, then completing one (or more) of three activities described in the PDF (Think-Pair-Share, KWL, Crossword). Students will also learn about Sgt Bill Grant (the man who took the video) and the context within which the video was filmed.
20 Questions (D-Day) (60+ min.; Gr. 10 and up)
Click to download the “D-Day 20 Qs” PDF
In this activity, students will watch three YouTube video clips (1, 2, 3) to understand Canada’s role on D-Day. Students will explore each of the 20 questions provided, review the associated research/discussion questions, and then further investigate a D-Day/Normandy topic that interests them.
Métis Paratrooper Anderson on D-Day (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about Métis Paratrooper Raymond Anderson and his involvement on D-Day. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Anderson” questions (PDF).
General Crerar (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about General Harry Crerar and his role during the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Crerar” questions (PDF).
Paratroopers of the 1st Canadian Parachute battalion on a Churchill tank in early 1945 (Credit: C. H. Richer, DND, LAC M#3525208).
Resources for the Week of June 1 – 5, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: D-Day Crossword, the Royal Canadian Navy on D-Day, Star Trek’s Scotty (D-Day), and Women of the Bombes.
D-Day Crossword (75+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “D-Day” PDF
This lesson involves various forms of media to enable students to understand events related to D-Day. The activity focuses on the Telegraph Crossword Mystery. A crossword puzzle activity is also provided.
D-Day: Royal Canadian Navy (60+ min.; Gr. 10 and up)
Click to download the “RCN-Operation Neptune” PDF
This lesson explores the role of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Operation Neptune and the events on, and surrounding, D-Day. Students will watch a YouTube video and take notes about what they learn in the video. The activity consists of answering questions and discussing the difference between ‘the past’ and ‘history.’
D: Day: Star Trek’s Scotty (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about D-Day soldier James Doohan, the actor that famously played engineer Scotty on Star Trek (1966-1969). A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Star Trek Scotty” questions (PDF).
Women of the Bombes (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article about the enigma machine and the bombes as well as the two Canadian women who were involved in breaking the enigma code at Bletchley Park. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Women of the Bombes” questions (PDF).
The 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade moving ashore at Nan White at Juno Beach after leaving the LCI(L)s, June 6, 1944 (Credit: IWM A23938).
Resources for the Week of May 25 – 29, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Forgotten Fallen, Peacekeeping, Canada in Rwanda, and the Louie Brothers.
Forgotten Fallen (60+ min.; Gr. 8 and up)
Click to download the “Forgotten Fallen” PDF
In this activity, students will watch a YouTube video about four Canadians – Thomas Riley, Talbot Papineau, Margaret Fraser, and John Shiwak – who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War, and whose bodies were never found. Students will discuss the importance of history in relation to their daily lives.
Peacekeeping: Making a Peacekeeper Doll (60+ min.; Gr. 4 and up)
Click to download the “Peacekeeping” PDF
In this activity, students will become familiar with Canada’s peacekeeping role and the use of Izzy Dolls. Then, students can design and create their own dolls.
Canada in Rwanda (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes Canada’s participation in Rwanda in the 1990s. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Rwanda” questions (PDF).
The Louie Brothers (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the life of two Chinese Canadians brothers, Wee Tan and Wee Hong, both of whom served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Louie Brothers” questions (PDF).
Canadian soldier cleaning a boy in Rwanda. (Credit: VA Canada/DND Img0059).
Resources for the Week of May 18 – 22, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: War Monuments, Matron Margaret Fraser, Canadian Corps Reunion in ‘34, and Dunkirk.
War Monuments (60+ min.; Gr. 4 and up)
Click to download the “Monuments” PDF
In this activity, students will take a closer look at the monuments that we find across Canada and in our communities. The historical significance of events and figures, as well as the purpose of memorialization, will be explored.
Matron Margaret Fraser (45+ min.; Gr. 8 and up)
Click to download the “Matron Fraser” PDF
In this activity, students will learn about Nursing Sister Margaret Fraser, who was aboard HMHS Llandovery Castle when it was hit by a German U-boat in 1918. Students will also view a 6m:18 segment of our award-winning Forgotten Fallen documentary about Matron Fraser and discuss the role of women in the First World War, as well as war atrocities.
Canadian Corps Reunion in 1934 (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the events of the 1934 Canadian Corps Reunion. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Corps Reunion” questions (PDF).
Dunkirk (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the events and importance of the evacuation at Dunkirk in 1940. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Dunkirk” questions (PDF).
The brutal aftermath of Dunkirk (Credit: Maclean’s).
Resources for the Week of May 11 – 15, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Write to the Troops, Captain Nichola Goddard: A Case Study, VE-Day, and Isabel McDonald.
Writing to the Troops (45+ min.; All ages)
A letter or short message will be written and sent to a current Canadian soldier. Students will practice and further develop their writing skills while boosting the morale of a soldier who is currently away from their family and loved ones. (This activity can take as little as 10 minutes, the length being dependent upon the writing ability of the writer). Click to visit the Government of Canada’s (GoC) “Write to the Troops” page and follow the directions.
Note that there are two writing options to choose from:
(1) a short message (1,500 character max.) posted onto the GoC webpage, or
(2) a longer letter using the postal system (see GoC’s directions).
Women in War (Pt. 3): Nichola Goddard: Case Study (60+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Nichola Goddard Case Study” PDF
This lesson provides information on the life and legacy of Captain Nichola Goddard. Various forms of media are used to initiate a discussion of loss, women in the military, and the legacy of soldiers.
VE-Day (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the importance of Victory in Europe Day. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “VE-Day” questions (PDF).
Isabel May McDonald (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes McDonald’s work as a signal’s intelligence officer in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS). A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “McDonald” questions (PDF).
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) celebrations (Credit: Library and Archives Canada, MIKAN no. 3193130).
Resources for the Week of May 4 – 8, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: The Royal Canadian Legion, Thomas Riley, General Currie, and Peggy Lee.
The Royal Canadian Legion (45+ min.; Gr. 4 and up)
Click to download the “Royal Canadian Legion” PDF
This lesson explores the history and significance of the Royal Canadian Legion. This activity involves viewing a video (17m:28) and exploration of the Legion’s past and present role, plus collective acts of remembrance.
Pte. Thomas Riley (45+ min.; Gr. 8 and up)
Click to download the “Pte. Riley” PDF
This lesson explores Private Thomas Riley and trench warfare. This activity involves viewing a short video segment (4m:30) that tells the story of Private Riley. Passchendaele and trench warfare are looked at in more detail.
General Arthur Currie (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the Sir Arthur Currie’s life and his contributions during the First World War. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Currie” questions (PDF).
Peggy Lee (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that briefly describes the life of Chinese Canadian Peggy Lee and her service during the Second World War. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Lee” questions (PDF).
General Currie with British Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig (Credit: Canadian Encyclopedia).
Resources for the Week of April 27 – May 1, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Commander ‘Chuck’ Mawer, Kapyong (Korea): 20 Qs, HMCS Haida, and WO H. Peterson.
Commander ‘Chuck’ Mawer (45+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Commander Mawer” PDF
This lesson explores the life and experience of Commander Charles ‘Chuck’ Mawer aboard HMCS Haida (pre-D-Day). The activity involves viewing a short video (4m:36) and discussion of the traits and qualities of a heroic person.
Kapyong: 20 Questions (60+ min.; Gr. 10 and up)
Click to download “Kapyong: 20 Qs” PDF
This lesson is the second part of an exploration into the Canadian experience in the Korean War. This activity involves viewing a short video (8m:48), reviewing question cards, and building understanding about the Korean War.
HMCS Haida (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Haida and what makes her special. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Haida” questions (PDF).
WO Herbert Peterson (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that briefly describes the life and Halifax Bomber experience of WO Herbert Peterson, DFC. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Peterson” questions (PDF).
A Halifax Bomber and Peterson (3rd from right) with crew (Credit: RCAF 425 Les Alouettes; Archie RAF).
Resources for the Week of April 20 – 24, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: General Sir Arthur Currie, ‘Doc’ Seaman, Battle of Kapyong (Korea), and the Red River Flood ‘97.
General Sir Arthur Currie (45+ min.; Gr. 8 and up)
Click to download the “General Sir Arthur Currie” PDF
This lesson explores the life and experience of Monumental Canadian: General Sir Arthur Currie. The activity involves viewing a short video (8m:52) and Interpretation & Evidence.
“Doc” Seaman (60+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download “Doc Seaman” PDF
This lesson explores the life and experience of Daryl “Doc” Seaman. The activity involves viewing a short video (8m:17) and exploring the themes of leadership and community service.
Battle of Kapyong (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the Korean War: Battle of Kapyong. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Kapyong” questions (PDF).
Red River Flood, 1997 (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that briefly describes the Canadian Forces in Manitoba during the Red River Flood of 1997. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Red River Flood of 1997” questions (PDF).
Lt. Mike Levy and the 2nd PPCLI on patrol in Korea (Credit: WordPress).
Resources for the Week of April 13 – 17, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Perspectives: Women in the Infantry, Exploring WW1, Adelaide Sinclair, and the Fenian Raids.
Perspectives: Women in the Infantry (50+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Women in the Infantry” PDFs 2, 3, 4
This lesson introduces students to the issue: Should women be allowed in the infantry?
Exploring WW1 (60+ min.; Gr. 10 and up)
Click to download “First World War: 20 Q’s” PDF
This lesson explores the Canadian experience of the First World War. Different pieces of media will be viewed in order to guide learning.
Adelaide Sinclair (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the life and experience of Adelaide Sinclair. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Adelaide Sinclair” questions (PDF).
Fenian Raids (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that briefly describes the Fenian Raids. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Fenian Raids” questions (PDF).
The charge of the Fenians (green) at the Battle of Ridgeway, near Niagara, 2 June 1866 (Credit: LAC Canada).
Resources for the Week of April 6 – 10, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: The Home Front: Making Jam Tarts, Captain Nichola Goddard, Vimy Ridge, and Operation MEDUSA.
On the Homefront: Wartime in the Kitchen (55+ min.; Gr. 4 and up)
Click to download the “Homefront” PDF
This lesson introduces students to the impact that war overseas has had on those in Canada. Rationing, recycling, “Victory Gardens”, and jam tarts will be presented.
Captain Nichola Goddard: A Legacy of Service (60+ min.; Gr. 8 and up)
Click to download “A Legacy of Service” PDF
This lesson explores the life of Captain Nichola Goddard and her tragic death in Afghanistan. The activity involves “Afghan Chai” tea, this YouTube video clip (6m:19), and a selection of Goddard’s Letters. Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, equality of opportunity in the Canadian Forces, and life & legacy are other topics for discussion.
Battle of Vimy Ridge (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the counterbattery and barrage at Vimy. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Vimy Ridge” questions (PDF).
Operation MEDUSA (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that briefly describes a portion of the 2006 Canadian action in Afghanistan. A set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Operation MEDUSA” questions (PDF).
On patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Acrylic on Canvas (Courtesy of Keith Mac Innis).
Resources for the Week of March 30 – April 3, 2020
This week’s selection for at-home learning include: Photo Analysis: Canadian Women at War (Part 1), Major Talbot Papineau, and Matron Fraser.
Women in War (Pt.1): Pictures (45+ min.; Gr. 6 and up)
Click to download the “Women in War: Introduction”
Images of Women in War will be analyzed. This visual information will help the student formulate a character for their letter.
Click to download: 1. Teacher’s “Pictures” PDF 2. Student “Pictures” PDF 3. “10 Photos” PDF
Major Talbot Papineau (60+ min.; Gr. 10 and up)
This lesson explores Major Talbot Papineau, a French-Canadian Major during the First World War. Valour Canada’s Forgotten Fallen video will be watched, questions about Talbot’s life and military service will follow, and the activity will close with a R.A.F.T assignment.
Click to download the “Papineau” PDF.
Matron Margaret Fraser (45+ min.; All ages)
We provide a short article that describes the life of Matron Fraser and a set of questions follows the reading.
Click to download the “Matron Fraser” questions (PDF).
Propaganda poster: I’m Making Bombs And Buying Bonds! (Credit: Canadian War Museum 19920196-077).
Resources for the Week of March 23 – 27, 2020
Our introductory activity for at-home learning is: Write a letter or message to the Troops (via the Government of Canada)
Write to the Troops (Adaptable for all ages)
In this activity students will write a letter or short message and send it to a currently serving Canadian soldier. Students will practice and further develop their writing skills while boosting the morale of a soldier who is currently away from their family and loved ones. (This activity can take as little as 10 minutes, the length being dependent upon the writing ability of the writer).
Click to visit the Government of Canada’s (GoC) “Write to the Troops” page and follow the directions.
Note that there are two writing options to choose from:
(1) a short message (1,500 character max.) posted onto the GoC webpage, or
(2) a longer letter using the postal system (see GoC’s directions).
Canadian soldiers at Vimy Ridge in May 1917 (Credit: LAC M#3521926).
This webpage has been designed to assist parents, caregivers, and guardians, in their efforts to educate their children during Covid-19 social distancing.
Design of the downloadable activities available on this page are guided primarily by two learning theories:
Bloom’s Taxonomy (Revised in 2001: Anderson and Krathwol) and Six Historical Thinking Concepts (Seixas and Colyer)
– see this University of Waterloo page (Bloom’s Taxonomy) and the Historical Thinking Project’s page for more information.