Grade Two Social Studies, Unit 1: Canada’s dynamic communities
Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how geography, culture, language, heritage, economics and resources shape and change Canada's communities.
The World’s Family
Introduces children to various cultures, religion and basic geography concepts.
Introduces children to various cultures, religion and basic geography concepts.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the physical and human geography of the communities studied. Physical geography and how it shapes a community/ value oral history and stories about the land (Indigenous world views)/ historic sites and caring for the land
- 2.2.4 - Appreciate how connections to a community contribute to one's identity - Suggested use:
- Have students explore their own identities relating to aspects of this book (i.e. how to say hello or greetings, pets they might have, traditions/holidays/celebrations they may honour, etc) then have students write about themselves to create a classroom book or art project showcasing their own unique identities - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation
Orange Shirt Day is an annual event held each year on September 30th in remembrance of the Canadian Residential School system and the impact of this government policy on First Nations. Phyllis Webstad presents her memories of Residential schools and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.
Phyllis Webstad, Orange Shirt Society, PO Box 4240, Williams Lake, BC V2G2v3
Orange Shirt Day is an annual event held each year on September 30th in remembrance of the Canadian Residential School system and the impact of this government policy on First Nations. Phyllis Webstad presents her memories of Residential schools and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography). Stories and traditions/ languages connect to Canada’s greater identity
- 2.2.1 - Appreciate how stories of the past connect individuals and communities to the present - Suggested use:
- Show video as a way to introduce students to the founder of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad, and her particular story which started the Orange Shirt Day foundation and day of remembrance. Use in combination with other resources to teach about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools in Canada
- Write a class letter to Phyllis Webstad about what students have learned, and to show gratitude for sharing her story
Phyllis Webstad, Orange Shirt Society, PO Box 4240, Williams Lake, BC V2G2v3
- Accessibility:
- Transcription available
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal; no descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
How to Pow Wow
A short video on CBC kids about "Cottonball", the puppet that learns about the history of Pow Wows - what they are, who can attend, and the significance behind them.
A short video on CBC kids about "Cottonball", the puppet that learns about the history of Pow Wows - what they are, who can attend, and the significance behind them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography). Stories and traditions/ languages connect to Canada’s greater identity
- 2.2.2 - Appreciate how Indigenous and Francophone peoples have influenced the development of the student's community - Suggested use:
- Use as part of a discussion around diverse cultural traditions, clothing, foods, and activities. Discuss traditional foods, celebrations, traditions, and activities that students honour in their own families - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
The Longest Named Place In Canada
An animated song celebrating the Cree language and how it’s the root of many of the names of Canadian places, including Pekwachnamaykoskwaskwaypinwanik Lake.
An animated song celebrating the Cree language and how it’s the root of many of the names of Canadian places, including Pekwachnamaykoskwaskwaypinwanik Lake.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography). Stories and traditions/ languages connect to Canada’s greater identity
- 2.2.2 - Appreciate how Indigenous and Francophone peoples have influenced the development of the student's community - Suggested use:
- Have students make their own town names which relates to something about them being unique - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Canada's Diversity
Canada is known for its great diversity and this animated rap, calls attention to all the different religions and nationalities that make up our great country.
Canada is known for its great diversity and this animated rap, calls attention to all the different religions and nationalities that make up our great country.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Have students make a rap about the diversity and uniqueness of their class - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Cottonball Builds a Teepee
Watch one little cat build one huge teepee.
Watch one little cat build one huge teepee.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Cottonball Learns about Throat Singing
Learn about Throat Singing.
Learn about Throat Singing.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
3 Cool Facts About Totem Poles
Janaye learns about Totem Poles with Master Carver Keith.
Janaye learns about Totem Poles with Master Carver Keith.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Indigenous History Month
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with a rap about Indigenous change-makers Jeremy Dutcher, Dr. Stanley Vollant, Jesse Cockney, and Alanis Obomsawin. The term Indigenous represents First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with a rap about Indigenous change-makers Jeremy Dutcher, Dr. Stanley Vollant, Jesse Cockney, and Alanis Obomsawin. The term Indigenous represents First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
The word Indigenous - explained
Indigenous people are the first people to live in a place. In Canada, Indigenous people belong to a number of different communities or nations. CBC Kids News’s Sid and Ruby explain.
Indigenous people are the first people to live in a place. In Canada, Indigenous people belong to a number of different communities or nations. CBC Kids News’s Sid and Ruby explain.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Today's Thing: Hoop Dancing
Janaye learns about Hoop Dancing from Emilee Ann.
Janaye learns about Hoop Dancing from Emilee Ann.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Today's Thing: Fancy Shawl Dancing
Niimin shows Janaye some Fancy Shawl Dancing footwork, and shows off her skills in Studio K.
Niimin shows Janaye some Fancy Shawl Dancing footwork, and shows off her skills in Studio K.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.3 - Cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a prairie community in Canada (human geography) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- Closed captioning available on video
- No descriptive captioning for visually impaired students
Multicultural Paper Dolls
Students create paper dolls and dress them based on traditional clothes worn by their families’. Students learn about their own culture through creating the dolls and the cultures of their classmates at presentation time.
Students create paper dolls and dress them based on traditional clothes worn by their families’. Students learn about their own culture through creating the dolls and the cultures of their classmates at presentation time.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, nonverbal
- Additional supports and accommodations required for visually impaired students
Activities that Promote Racial and Cultural Awareness
Children develop their identity and attitudes through experiences with their bodies, social environments, and their cognitive developmental stages (Derman-Sparks, 1989). As these three factors interact, young children progress through certain stages of racial and cultural awareness. This resources lists the stages of racial awareness in children, and several classroom activities they can engage in.
Children develop their identity and attitudes through experiences with their bodies, social environments, and their cognitive developmental stages (Derman-Sparks, 1989). As these three factors interact, young children progress through certain stages of racial and cultural awareness. This resources lists the stages of racial awareness in children, and several classroom activities they can engage in.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, nonverbal; some accommodations required
Multicultural Night Ideas for Elementary School
Whether you're a teacher, an administrator or a members of the public at an elementary school, consider organizing a multicultural night at your school. Such an affair celebrates the diverse cultures that likely make up your school, as well as the world.
Whether you're a teacher, an administrator or a members of the public at an elementary school, consider organizing a multicultural night at your school. Such an affair celebrates the diverse cultures that likely make up your school, as well as the world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use. Ensure activity is respectful and cultural appropriation does not occur. Here is a good resource to identify cultural appropriation and instead promote cultural appreciation - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
Passports Around the World
Create passports for a multicultural night (check with post office if replica passports can be created for educational purposes, otherwise Canva is a great option). Have the name of the school and "Passport Around the World" printed on the cover. Arrange to have the passports distributed to each guest upon their arrival. As guests proceed through booths or spaces that are set up to honour different cultures, they can have their passports stamped with each country's name by someone who is working in the area. These passports will add to the fun and serve as a memento of the event.
Create passports for a multicultural night (check with post office if replica passports can be created for educational purposes, otherwise Canva is a great option). Have the name of the school and "Passport Around the World" printed on the cover. Arrange to have the passports distributed to each guest upon their arrival. As guests proceed through booths or spaces that are set up to honour different cultures, they can have their passports stamped with each country's name by someone who is working in the area. These passports will add to the fun and serve as a memento of the event.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use. Ensure activity is respectful and cultural appropriation does not occur. Here is a good resource to identify cultural appropriation and instead promote cultural appreciation - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
Multicultural Food Day
Serve a menu of international foods at your multicultural night. Have the affair catered, or ask parents, administrators, teachers and other personnel to make dishes from a specific culture. To celebrate Mexican culture, make tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. For Italian culture, serve different types of pasta. To pay tribute to Jamaican culture, serve fried plantains and aki and saltfish etc. Each culture has its own type of food, and serving samples of these different types of food can help guests expand their palates and perhaps taste food that they may have never tried.
Serve a menu of international foods at your multicultural night. Have the affair catered, or ask parents, administrators, teachers and other personnel to make dishes from a specific culture. To celebrate Mexican culture, make tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. For Italian culture, serve different types of pasta. To pay tribute to Jamaican culture, serve fried plantains and aki and saltfish etc. Each culture has its own type of food, and serving samples of these different types of food can help guests expand their palates and perhaps taste food that they may have never tried.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use. Ensure you are aware of students dietary restrictions and accommodate to their needs (there should be options that cater to their needs) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal
Puppet Show
Students design, create and perform a puppet show to teach others about a diversity, anti-bias or social justice theme from the central text.
Students design, create and perform a puppet show to teach others about a diversity, anti-bias or social justice theme from the central text.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, nonverbal presentation requires accommodation
Peer Tutoring Activity
Older students can study a variety of world cultures, then design and facilitate presentations and activities for the younger students during such observations as Asian New Years, Cinco de Mayo, and Earth Day. For their part, the 2nd graders can learn numbers and basic greetings in several languages and teach these to the older students. As they progress through their project, all the students involved can develop and maintain a resource file. They can stored copies of their research, activity plans, and contacts from which community members can draw.
Older students can study a variety of world cultures, then design and facilitate presentations and activities for the younger students during such observations as Asian New Years, Cinco de Mayo, and Earth Day. For their part, the 2nd graders can learn numbers and basic greetings in several languages and teach these to the older students. As they progress through their project, all the students involved can develop and maintain a resource file. They can stored copies of their research, activity plans, and contacts from which community members can draw.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has variety of multicultural activities and traditions to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal (individual activities will require accommodations for students ability)
A Box of Crayons Drawing Activity
Inspired by the book The Crayon Box That Talked, this lesson will show children that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colourful. Children draw their portraits on a crayon cutout. All the crayons are places into a giant box of crayons - and either hung up around the classroom or showcased.
Inspired by the book The Crayon Box That Talked, this lesson will show children that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colourful. Children draw their portraits on a crayon cutout. All the crayons are places into a giant box of crayons - and either hung up around the classroom or showcased.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1.1 - Appreciate the diversity and vastness of Canada’s land and peoples - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for non verbal, hard of hearing; some accommodation required