Grade Five: English Language Arts
Students will develop an understanding five general outcomes: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences. Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts. Manage ideas and information. Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication. Respect, support and collaborate with others.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
A Stranger at Home: A True Story
In this sequel to Fatty Legs, Margaret Pokiak is now 10 years old and can hardly wait to return home from residential school. But her homecoming is not what she hopes for. "Not my girl," is what her mother says when she arrives. The story follows Margaret as she moves through feelings of rejection and tries to reconnect with her family, language and culture.
A Stranger at Home: A True Story
In this sequel to Fatty Legs, Margaret Pokiak is now 10 years old and can hardly wait to return home from residential school. But her homecoming is not what she hopes for. "Not my girl," is what her mother says when she arrives. The story follows Margaret as she moves through feelings of rejection and tries to reconnect with her family, language and culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential school has impacted identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on residential school survivors and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged
Book about a Nova Scotia woman who refused to move seats in a segregated movie theatre in 1946.
Book about a Nova Scotia woman who refused to move seats in a segregated movie theatre in 1946.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud and discussion about concepts of diversity, respect, race, self-identity, being unique, confidence, and inclusion
- Class discussion on race and segregation, talk about how Viola felt when she was treated unfairly and hurtfully by the movie theatre, police, and the judges who heard her case. Discuss why the police and judges upheld the unfair segregation laws and why it is important for us to learn about this history
- Writing prompts about how words, actions, and unfair laws can make people feel about themselves, highlighting the importance of respect and speaking up when we see things that are unfair, even if they might not directly affect us (allyship)
- Use as part of a larger classroom focus on Canadian advocates/activists for racial justice and create a space in the classroom to display photos of these folks with materials for students to write about them - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Diwali: A Cultural Adventure
Diwali is the story of a brave hero, an evil villain, and an epic battle. Join Ram on his adventure to defeat darkness and despair. Journey through time in India to learn about why Diwali came to be and how we celebrate it today!
Diwali is the story of a brave hero, an evil villain, and an epic battle. Join Ram on his adventure to defeat darkness and despair. Journey through time in India to learn about why Diwali came to be and how we celebrate it today!
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Students can write a personal response about celebrations they have that are similar or different to Diwali, share personal experiences with the class to build classroom community - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Midnight's Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India's Partition
The author examines the hopes of the leaders of India and Pakistan, juxtaposing these with the actual events. In doing so, Hajari paints the sad picture of two countries who eventually became consumed by hatred. Hajari gives a look at what could have been, and the depressing reality that India and Pakistan are now confronted with. This is a great book for those with no knowledge of India, as well as those who have read a thing or two on the region.
The author examines the hopes of the leaders of India and Pakistan, juxtaposing these with the actual events. In doing so, Hajari paints the sad picture of two countries who eventually became consumed by hatred. Hajari gives a look at what could have been, and the depressing reality that India and Pakistan are now confronted with. This is a great book for those with no knowledge of India, as well as those who have read a thing or two on the region.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud paired with reader responses on themes of conflict
- Read sections to class to build background knowledge on history of India and Pakistan
- Resource for teacher looking to develop more background knowledge - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
As Long as the Rivers Flow
Cree author Larry Loyie writes about his last summer with his family before going to residential school, in Northern Alberta in 1944. Lawrence learns things like how to care for a baby owl, and how to gather medicinal plants with his Kokom. Loyie's story highlights how his education at home was disrupted by the residential school system.
Cree author Larry Loyie writes about his last summer with his family before going to residential school, in Northern Alberta in 1944. Lawrence learns things like how to care for a baby owl, and how to gather medicinal plants with his Kokom. Loyie's story highlights how his education at home was disrupted by the residential school system.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential school has impacted identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on residential school survivors and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by Traci Sorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Frané Lessac, this nonfiction look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by Traci Sorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Frané Lessac, this nonfiction look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read when studying traditions and celebrations, make connection to gratitude, possibly Thanksgiving if relevant
- Connect to Indigenous languages spoken in your school's community (i.e. Calgary (Mokhinstis): Blackfoot, Cree, etc). Learn Indigenous words and use them in daily classroom discussions and writing tasks
- Make connections to land based learning and land acknowledgements & the importance of honouring traditional territory & caring for the land - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
My Name is Seepeetza
Written in the form of a diary, My Name is Seepeetza recounts the story of a young girl taken from home to attend the Kamloops Indian Residential School in the 1950s. Sterling's award-winning book has been described as an honest, inside look at the residential school experience - one that highlights the resilience of a child in a place governed by strict nuns, and arbitrary rules.
Written in the form of a diary, My Name is Seepeetza recounts the story of a young girl taken from home to attend the Kamloops Indian Residential School in the 1950s. Sterling's award-winning book has been described as an honest, inside look at the residential school experience - one that highlights the resilience of a child in a place governed by strict nuns, and arbitrary rules.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential school has impacted and impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on residential school survivors and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
We Feel Good Out Here = Zhik gwaa'an, nakhwatthaiitat qwiinzii (The Land is Our Storybook)
We Feel Good Out Here offers a personal account of Julie-Ann André's family story that includes a discussion about her residential school experience. She also shares the story of her land, Khaii luk, the place of winter fish. She writes in the book, "The land has a story to tell, if you know how to listen. When I travel, the land tells me where my ancestors have been. It tells me where the animals have come and gone, and it tells me what the weather may be like tomorrow."
We Feel Good Out Here offers a personal account of Julie-Ann André's family story that includes a discussion about her residential school experience. She also shares the story of her land, Khaii luk, the place of winter fish. She writes in the book, "The land has a story to tell, if you know how to listen. When I travel, the land tells me where my ancestors have been. It tells me where the animals have come and gone, and it tells me what the weather may be like tomorrow."
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential school has impacted and impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on residential school survivors and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency
- Connections to land based learning, i.e. student sit spots on the land, journaling, sketching, storytelling about the land, land acknowledgements, phenology calendars, seasonal & year long opportunities for land based learning - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Martí’s Song for Freedom
As a boy, José Martí believed freedom was the inherent right of all men and women. But his home island of Cuba was colonized by Spain, and some of the people were enslaved by rich landowners. Enraged, Martí took up his pen and fought against this oppression through his writings. By age seventeen, he was declared an enemy of Spain and forced to leave his beloved island. Martí traveled the world, speaking out for Cuba’s independence. But throughout his exile, he suffered from illness and homesickness. He found solace in New York’s Catskill Mountains, where nature inspired him once again to fight for independence.
As a boy, José Martí believed freedom was the inherent right of all men and women. But his home island of Cuba was colonized by Spain, and some of the people were enslaved by rich landowners. Enraged, Martí took up his pen and fought against this oppression through his writings. By age seventeen, he was declared an enemy of Spain and forced to leave his beloved island. Martí traveled the world, speaking out for Cuba’s independence. But throughout his exile, he suffered from illness and homesickness. He found solace in New York’s Catskill Mountains, where nature inspired him once again to fight for independence.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Group discussion and writing responses focused on resilience & resistance in response to oppression
- Experiment with letter writing activism and identify equity & justice issues within their own communities that could gain awareness or support in the form of letter writing campaigns - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I'm New Here
Maria is from Guatemala, Jin is from Korea, and Fatima is from Somalia. All three are new to their American elementary school, and each has trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, language, and identity. Also comes with a teacher guide.
Maria is from Guatemala, Jin is from Korea, and Fatima is from Somalia. All three are new to their American elementary school, and each has trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, language, and identity. Also comes with a teacher guide.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud to build empathy for students new to Canada
- Writing with the purpose of sharing about different cultures, writing with the purpose to help others
- Personal response to reflect on how starting school in a new country has impacted and impacts identity & relationship, families & culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All
In poetic stanzas, IntersectionAllies introduces the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. Authors Carolyn Choi, LaToya Council, and Chelsea Johnson use each character’s story to explain how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship—what is known in academic and activist circles as “intersectionality.”
In poetic stanzas, IntersectionAllies introduces the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. Authors Carolyn Choi, LaToya Council, and Chelsea Johnson use each character’s story to explain how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship—what is known in academic and activist circles as “intersectionality.”
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Use to prompt students into discussion about how they can 'make room for all'
- Hook for beginning a project on advocacy - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, read aloud available
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Suki's Kimono
Suki's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her obachan, it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school --- no matter what anyone says.
Suki's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her obachan, it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school --- no matter what anyone says.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Self-reflection writing about cultural/family/community traditions and memories of these experiences and how they relate to self-identity and confidence
- Group discussions & writing prompts focused on developing empathy and respect for diversity - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Shi-shi-etko
In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school. A poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss -- a loss that native people have endured for generations because of the residential schools system.
In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school. A poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss -- a loss that native people have endured for generations because of the residential schools system.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential schools impacted and continue to impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Use for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on residential school survivors and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Shin-chi’s Canoe
This moving sequel to the award-winning Shi-shi-etko tells the story of two children’s experience at residential school. Shi-shi-etko is about to return for her second year, but this time her six-year-old brother, Shin-chi, is going, too.
This moving sequel to the award-winning Shi-shi-etko tells the story of two children’s experience at residential school. Shi-shi-etko is about to return for her second year, but this time her six-year-old brother, Shin-chi, is going, too.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential schools impacted and continue to impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Use for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on residential school survivors and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust
This book details how Jewish people were sheltered in the Grand Mosque of Paris and given aid with safe passage when the city was occupied by Nazis.
This book details how Jewish people were sheltered in the Grand Mosque of Paris and given aid with safe passage when the city was occupied by Nazis.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud, introduction to historical non-fiction genre
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of war/the holocaust and connections/parallels between colonization experiences of Indigenous peoples and experiences of Jewish people during the Holocaust
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up
Part of the Fighting for Justice Series, this book is a tale of discrimination and resistance. Fred Korematsu was jailed because he refused to go to the prison camps the U.S. government set up for Japanese Americans during the Second World War. Korematsu took his case to the Supreme Court, where he lost, though, in 1983 a federal court overturned his conviction. Korematsu was a life-long civil rights activist who fought on behalf of many other people who were unjustly treated.
Part of the Fighting for Justice Series, this book is a tale of discrimination and resistance. Fred Korematsu was jailed because he refused to go to the prison camps the U.S. government set up for Japanese Americans during the Second World War. Korematsu took his case to the Supreme Court, where he lost, though, in 1983 a federal court overturned his conviction. Korematsu was a life-long civil rights activist who fought on behalf of many other people who were unjustly treated.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how discrimination and oppression impacted and continue to impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of internment camps, self-identity and family
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism
Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Girl Rising
Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls' education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.
Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls' education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how access to education has impacted and continue to impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion on the impacts of education and how it can be a liberating experience or part of an anti-oppressive resistance to power
- Discuss ways that education has been used in various times & places for both positive and negative purposes (i.e. residential schools) and what makes education a meaningful tool for resistance, anti-oppression, and justice
- Connect to other resources about education and gender, like Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
How Dare The Sun Rise
This profoundly moving memoir is the remarkable and inspiring true story of Sandra Uwiringiyimana, a girl from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who tells the tale of how she survived a massacre, immigrated to America, and overcame her trauma through art and activism. Sandra was just ten years old when she found herself with a gun pointed at her head. She had watched as rebels gunned down her mother and six-year-old sister in a refugee camp. Remarkably, the rebel didn’t pull the trigger, and Sandra escaped. Note: Teacher should be prepared to discuss disturbing and potentially triggering content.
This profoundly moving memoir is the remarkable and inspiring true story of Sandra Uwiringiyimana, a girl from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who tells the tale of how she survived a massacre, immigrated to America, and overcame her trauma through art and activism. Sandra was just ten years old when she found herself with a gun pointed at her head. She had watched as rebels gunned down her mother and six-year-old sister in a refugee camp. Remarkably, the rebel didn’t pull the trigger, and Sandra escaped. Note: Teacher should be prepared to discuss disturbing and potentially triggering content.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how immigration, trauma and lived experience as a refugee has impacted and continue to impact identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of trauma
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on folks experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, resistance, and the power of the arts - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Breadwinner
Eleven-year-old Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city. Parvana's father — a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed — works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for the crime of having a foreign education, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food. Film version also available to rent or buy.
Eleven-year-old Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city. Parvana's father — a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed — works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for the crime of having a foreign education, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food. Film version also available to rent or buy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how trauma and lived experience in areas impacted by war has impacted and continue to impact identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of trauma
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on folks experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, resistance, and the power of the arts - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Nikki and Deja
This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life particularly friendships and cliques with finesse and humor.
This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life particularly friendships and cliques with finesse and humor.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting a Black main character; pair with reader response
- Highlight the science fiction genre and discuss and compare other books with BIPOC characters (ensuring to highlight BIPOC characters in everyday situations, not just overcoming trauma or racism)
- Students can share/write a story about their best friend - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
New Kid
A graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
A graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Use novel as a starting point or supplementary point to discuss systemic racism in school systems
- Discuss Jordan's experiences to build empathy and understanding
- Writing prompt where students share how new students should be welcomed into a classroom - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
President of the Whole Fifth Grade
When Brianna Justice's hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!
When Brianna Justice's hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting Black main character (ensuring to highlight BIPOC characters in everyday situations, not just overcoming trauma or racism)
- Discussion about following dreams, self-confidence and the pressures that students feel - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is the debut novel of Kwame Mbalia. Published in 2019 by Rick Riordan Presents, the middle grade novel is focused on African American folktales and West African mythology. The story follows teenager Tristan Strong, who is often urged to be a boxer by his family.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is the debut novel of Kwame Mbalia. Published in 2019 by Rick Riordan Presents, the middle grade novel is focused on African American folktales and West African mythology. The story follows teenager Tristan Strong, who is often urged to be a boxer by his family.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting a Black main character
- Introduction to researching folktales and mythology
- Write a response to the novel sharing their own cultural stories and legends - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Love Double Dutch!
From the creator of the popular Disney Channel original movie, Jump In! comes a double Dutch novel perfect for fans of stories about sports, summer, and friendship.
From the creator of the popular Disney Channel original movie, Jump In! comes a double Dutch novel perfect for fans of stories about sports, summer, and friendship.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting Black characters (ensuring to highlight BIPOC characters in everyday situations, not just overcoming trauma or racism)
- Novel for classroom library - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Under the Mesquite
Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's battle with cancer in this young adult novel in verse.
Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's battle with cancer in this young adult novel in verse.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.2: Clarify and Extend
- 1.2.1: Consider ideas of others - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting a Mexican-American main character
- Introduction to free verse poetry in the form a story
- Discussion about resiliency, overcoming challenges and dealing with the trauma of losing a parent
- Write a reflective response to the novel touching on the themes - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
I Am Not a Number
I Am Not a Number is the story of Dupuis’ then eight-year-old grandmother Irene, who is Ojibway. She was taken from her family to a residential school where she was made to use a number instead of her name, cut her hair and faced other abuses, all in the name of forcing her to forget her culture. Irene goes home on summer holiday, and her parents choose to keep her there, rather than send her back to the school. But there may be consequences for breaking the law.
I Am Not a Number is the story of Dupuis’ then eight-year-old grandmother Irene, who is Ojibway. She was taken from her family to a residential school where she was made to use a number instead of her name, cut her hair and faced other abuses, all in the name of forcing her to forget her culture. Irene goes home on summer holiday, and her parents choose to keep her there, rather than send her back to the school. But there may be consequences for breaking the law.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Reflective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 2 Comprehend and respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
Steamboat School
An African American school is shut down by a new law forbidding African American education in Missouri. Determined to continue teaching his students, Reverend John Berry Meachum decided to build a new school — a floating school in the Mississippi River, just outside the boundary of the unjust law. These illustrations bring to life Deborah Hopkinson's tale of a resourceful, determined teacher; his bright, inquisitive students; and their refusal to accept discrimination based on the color of their skin.
Steamboat School
An African American school is shut down by a new law forbidding African American education in Missouri. Determined to continue teaching his students, Reverend John Berry Meachum decided to build a new school — a floating school in the Mississippi River, just outside the boundary of the unjust law. These illustrations bring to life Deborah Hopkinson's tale of a resourceful, determined teacher; his bright, inquisitive students; and their refusal to accept discrimination based on the color of their skin.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Discussion & writing connections around concepts of equity, fairness, race & rights
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on racism and survivors experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Pony on the Twelfth Floor
A hilarious and charming story of a girl, a high rise, and one very inappropriate pet, from the author of the Mango & Bambang series.
A hilarious and charming story of a girl, a high rise, and one very inappropriate pet, from the author of the Mango & Bambang series.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1: Use strategies and cues
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting Black main character (ensuring to highlight BIPOC characters in everyday situations, not just overcoming trauma or racism)
- A novel for classroom library - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer reminds us that all children deserve to exist in magical spaces where their imaginations and familial bonds will them into heroism. When two adventurous cousins accidentally extend the last day of summer by freezing time, they find the secrets hidden between the unmoving seconds, minutes, and hours are not the endless fun they expected.
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer reminds us that all children deserve to exist in magical spaces where their imaginations and familial bonds will them into heroism. When two adventurous cousins accidentally extend the last day of summer by freezing time, they find the secrets hidden between the unmoving seconds, minutes, and hours are not the endless fun they expected.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1: Use strategies and cues
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting Black main characters (ensuring to highlight BIPOC characters in everyday situations, not just overcoming trauma or racism)
- Novel for classroom library - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Sweetest Sound
A story of family, faith, and following your heart. For ten-year-old Cadence Jolly, birthdays are a constant reminder of all that has changed since her mother skipped town with dreams of becoming a star. Cadence inherited that musical soul, she can't deny it, but otherwise she couldn't be more different - she's as shy as can be.
A story of family, faith, and following your heart. For ten-year-old Cadence Jolly, birthdays are a constant reminder of all that has changed since her mother skipped town with dreams of becoming a star. Cadence inherited that musical soul, she can't deny it, but otherwise she couldn't be more different - she's as shy as can be.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.1: Use strategies and cues
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting a Black main character
- Starting point for discussions and writing responses around family, dreams and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Dragons in a Bag
When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe. There are two rules when it comes to the dragons: don't let them out of the bag and don't feed them anything sweet. Before he knows it, Jax and his friends Vikram and Kavita have broken both rules! Will Jax get the baby dragons delivered safe and sound? Or will they be lost in Brooklyn forever?
When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe. There are two rules when it comes to the dragons: don't let them out of the bag and don't feed them anything sweet. Before he knows it, Jax and his friends Vikram and Kavita have broken both rules! Will Jax get the baby dragons delivered safe and sound? Or will they be lost in Brooklyn forever?
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Read aloud highlighting a Black main character; pair with reader response
- Highlight the science fiction genre and discuss and compare other books with BIPOC characters (ensuring to highlight BIPOC characters in everyday situations, not just overcoming trauma or racism) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Don't Touch My Hair!
It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she’s chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens…until, finally, Aria has had enough!
It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she’s chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens…until, finally, Aria has had enough!
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.3.3: Experiment with language - Suggested use:
- Group discussion on consent, respect, body positivity, and self-identity
- Creating visuals/posters/multi-media displays to spread awareness about consent, respect, body-positivity and self-identity among school community - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted--finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted--finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts - Suggested use:
- Discussion & writing connections around concepts of equity, fairness, race & rights, specifically in the Sciences
- Could be used for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on racism and survivors experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Read aloud available
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Shannen and the Dream for a School
13-year-old Shannen Koostachin and her classmates, who lived in the Cree community of Attawapiskat, in northern Ontario, were being taught in smelly and cold portables because of the condition of their school. They felt they deserved better, and thought that the federal government needed to stop discriminating against them by underfunding their education. So the group, led by Shannen, fought back. This award-winning book, which is part of Second Story’s Kids’ Power series, documents Shannen’s story, and is a way to introduce the idea that many Indigenous people in Canada continue to be discriminated against on a systemic level. Sadly, Shannen died in a car accident in 2010 at age 15, but her dream lived on, and a new school was built in 2014.
13-year-old Shannen Koostachin and her classmates, who lived in the Cree community of Attawapiskat, in northern Ontario, were being taught in smelly and cold portables because of the condition of their school. They felt they deserved better, and thought that the federal government needed to stop discriminating against them by underfunding their education. So the group, led by Shannen, fought back. This award-winning book, which is part of Second Story’s Kids’ Power series, documents Shannen’s story, and is a way to introduce the idea that many Indigenous people in Canada continue to be discriminated against on a systemic level. Sadly, Shannen died in a car accident in 2010 at age 15, but her dream lived on, and a new school was built in 2014.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Cross-curricular connection to Social Studies: Explore acts of reconciliation, connect to historical events
- Personal response to reflect on the impact of discrimination on identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Use for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on Indigenous resistance & activism and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism
- Participate in Shannen's Dream campaign - see website for many other ways to get involved & take action (i.e. write a letter to your MP on behalf of Shannen's Dream) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
The Kid's Book of Black Canadian History
From the first Black person who came to Canada about 400 years ago to the most recent wave of African immigrants, Black Canadians have played an important role in our country''s history. In this informative overview, kids will discover the inspiring stories and events of a people who fought oppression as they searched for a place to call their own.
From the first Black person who came to Canada about 400 years ago to the most recent wave of African immigrants, Black Canadians have played an important role in our country''s history. In this informative overview, kids will discover the inspiring stories and events of a people who fought oppression as they searched for a place to call their own.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on immigration, discrimination and oppression impacted and continue to impacts identity & relationship, families & culture
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, historical context - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Righting Canada's Wrongs: Residential Schools
Canada's residential school system for Indigenous young people is now recognized as a grievous historic wrong committed against First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. This book documents this subject in a format that will give all young people access to this painful part of Canadian history.
Canada's residential school system for Indigenous young people is now recognized as a grievous historic wrong committed against First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. This book documents this subject in a format that will give all young people access to this painful part of Canadian history.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Cross-curricular connection to Social Studies: Examine critically how the North West Mounted Police shaped ways of life in Canada, How have stories of the NWMP shaped Canadian identity - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
Bamboo People
Chiko isn’t a fighter by nature. He’s a book-loving Burmese boy whose father, a doctor, is in prison for resisting the government. Tu Reh, on the other hand, wants to fight for freedom after watching Burmese soldiers destroy his Karenni family’s home and bamboo fields. When Chiko is forced into the Burmese army and subsequently injured on a mission, the boys’ lives intersect. Timidity becomes courage and anger becomes compassion as both boys discover that everything is not as it seems. Mitali Perkins delivers a touching story about hopes, dreams, and the choices that define who we are.
Chiko isn’t a fighter by nature. He’s a book-loving Burmese boy whose father, a doctor, is in prison for resisting the government. Tu Reh, on the other hand, wants to fight for freedom after watching Burmese soldiers destroy his Karenni family’s home and bamboo fields. When Chiko is forced into the Burmese army and subsequently injured on a mission, the boys’ lives intersect. Timidity becomes courage and anger becomes compassion as both boys discover that everything is not as it seems. Mitali Perkins delivers a touching story about hopes, dreams, and the choices that define who we are.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Use to prompt personal reflection on how trauma and lived experience as in a country experiencing war has impacted and continue to impact identity & relationships
- Discussion about power, perspective
- Use to understand different narrative writing styles - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 3: Manage ideas and information
No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School
This collection of fictional stories of five children sent to residential school is based on real life experiences recounted by members of the Tsartlip First Nation in B.C. The children cope as best they can at Kuper Island Residential School but it's a far cry from the life they're used to.
No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School
This collection of fictional stories of five children sent to residential school is based on real life experiences recounted by members of the Tsartlip First Nation in B.C. The children cope as best they can at Kuper Island Residential School but it's a far cry from the life they're used to.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.4: Share and Review
- 3.2.1: Use a variety of sources - Suggested use:
- Personal response to reflect on how residential school has impacted identity & relationship, families & culture
- Group discussion prompt on lasting impacts of residential schools & reconciliation, self-identity and family
- Use for multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) and making connections to other resources that focus on Indigenous resistance & activism and their experiences of oppression, resistance and resiliency - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
Understanding My Family's History
After exposure to relevant literature in class, students will research their family history by interviewing their parents. They will use this information along with visual props to tell their story to classmates. At the end of the lesson, students will: gain a deeper understanding of their family’s history and heritage identify on a world map the countries from which their families originated; understand that immigrants from all over the world come to the United States/Canada to start new lives; enduring Understanding: Understanding your family history and background helps you better understand your heritage, customs, and family values. It also helps you understand the role of your culture’s roots in shaping North American culture.
Understanding My Family's History
After exposure to relevant literature in class, students will research their family history by interviewing their parents. They will use this information along with visual props to tell their story to classmates. At the end of the lesson, students will: gain a deeper understanding of their family’s history and heritage identify on a world map the countries from which their families originated; understand that immigrants from all over the world come to the United States/Canada to start new lives; enduring Understanding: Understanding your family history and background helps you better understand your heritage, customs, and family values. It also helps you understand the role of your culture’s roots in shaping North American culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
Restorative Justice, Empathy, and Loving Engagement
This lesson is most effective if students have already begun exploring social justice issues like racism or gender stereotypes. Students will be reflecting on the difference between what others might assume about them and how they truly are on the inside.
This lesson is most effective if students have already begun exploring social justice issues like racism or gender stereotypes. Students will be reflecting on the difference between what others might assume about them and how they truly are on the inside.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Activities are outlined in the resource - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal. Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
Different Colours of Beauty: Reflection
The goal of this lesson is to help students develop their racial or ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, and appreciate the broad spectrum of beauty in our diverse, multicultural world. This activity will help students: understand that no racial group is superior to any other; synthesize a variety of ways for understanding the importance of tolerance; appreciate the importance of reflecting on past work; see the development in their own and others’ thinking over time; apply knowledge and understandings gained to considering their role as activists in their school, home and community.
The goal of this lesson is to help students develop their racial or ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, and appreciate the broad spectrum of beauty in our diverse, multicultural world. This activity will help students: understand that no racial group is superior to any other; synthesize a variety of ways for understanding the importance of tolerance; appreciate the importance of reflecting on past work; see the development in their own and others’ thinking over time; apply knowledge and understandings gained to considering their role as activists in their school, home and community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Connect to a writing task such as writing a series of autobiographies or biographies for the class where each part relates to one of the lessons - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing, visually impaired, and nonverbal. Some accommodations required based on specific student needs, but generally accessible to all
Looking Closely at Ourselves
In this lesson, students explore race and self-identity by creating self-portraits. The lesson aims to help students develop detailed observational skills and use these skills in relation to themselves and others. It also begins constructing a vocabulary that is crucial in helping build community and discuss some of the more challenging aspects of race and racial identity formation.
In this lesson, students explore race and self-identity by creating self-portraits. The lesson aims to help students develop detailed observational skills and use these skills in relation to themselves and others. It also begins constructing a vocabulary that is crucial in helping build community and discuss some of the more challenging aspects of race and racial identity formation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
G.O 2: Comprehend & respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
Reconciliation Conversations - Language and Culture
Explore the Google slide as a group. Afterwards, ask students to reflect on the prompts below. They may write down some of their ideas. You may also decide to discuss these questions in small groups or as a large group. Discussion questions: How are your own language and culture linked? How might your language impact how you view the world? Is your language a part of your identity? In what way? When a language disappears, what do we lose? How can we ensure the survival of Indigenous languages? How is learning an Indigenous language an act of reconciliation?
Explore the Google slide as a group. Afterwards, ask students to reflect on the prompts below. They may write down some of their ideas. You may also decide to discuss these questions in small groups or as a large group. Discussion questions: How are your own language and culture linked? How might your language impact how you view the world? Is your language a part of your identity? In what way? When a language disappears, what do we lose? How can we ensure the survival of Indigenous languages? How is learning an Indigenous language an act of reconciliation?
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.2: Construct meaning from texts - Suggested use:
- Resource has details on how to use on page 22 of the PDF - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
G.O 3: Manage ideas and information
Who Is An Immigrant?
In this lesson, students examine themselves within various contexts—including family, culture and community—as a means to better understand who they are as individuals and who they are in relation to people around them.
Who Is An Immigrant?
In this lesson, students examine themselves within various contexts—including family, culture and community—as a means to better understand who they are as individuals and who they are in relation to people around them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.1: Plan and focus
- 3.1.2: Determine information needs and plan together - Suggested use:
- Resource provides activity plans - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
Joelito's Big Decision
Every Friday evening 9 year old Joelito goes with his family to MacMann’s for a juicy burger. But this Friday is different. This time, Joelito’s best friend Brandon is standing in a crowd protesting the low pay his parents earn at the fast food restaurant. Will Joelito cross the picket line for a tasty burger? Find out in Joelito’s Big Decision. Activity for the book can be found here.
Every Friday evening 9 year old Joelito goes with his family to MacMann’s for a juicy burger. But this Friday is different. This time, Joelito’s best friend Brandon is standing in a crowd protesting the low pay his parents earn at the fast food restaurant. Will Joelito cross the picket line for a tasty burger? Find out in Joelito’s Big Decision. Activity for the book can be found here.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Read aloud to spark discussion on economic inequality, especially with immigrant workers - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion) and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Activism Online
In this activity, students will be able to define ways in which they can engage in online activism, consider the strengths and challenges of using internet as a tool for online activism, and identify or work on a pressing problem within their school or community.
In this activity, students will be able to define ways in which they can engage in online activism, consider the strengths and challenges of using internet as a tool for online activism, and identify or work on a pressing problem within their school or community.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.3: Organize record evaluate
- 3.3.3: Evaluate information - Suggested use:
- Lesson on internet activism and how you can make a change using your voice on social media
- Can be adapted for students who are unfamiliar with or who do not use social media by using examples of how news articles are an important tool for activism - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students depending on reading abilities
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Exploring My Identity
In this lesson, students will describe aspects of their identities such as race, gender, ability, religion and more. Then after exploring Marley Dias' Black Girls Books campaign, students will analyze book illustrations and write their own book review noting how characters are similar and different from them.
In this lesson, students will describe aspects of their identities such as race, gender, ability, religion and more. Then after exploring Marley Dias' Black Girls Books campaign, students will analyze book illustrations and write their own book review noting how characters are similar and different from them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.3.3: Evaluate information - Suggested use:
- Lesson on students' individual identities with an opportunity to explore a variety of diverse texts to compare themselves with characters they see in their books
- Can be extended to a writing activity where students rewrite familiar/common stories to change characters to themselves/people they are familiar with to adapt the story with their own unique cultural lens - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Examining Identity and Assimilation
In this activity, students will examine identity and assimilation by engaging in written activities and discussion about whether there is any part of their identity which they have had to hide. They will read an essay called "Magic Carpet," where Mitali Perkins writes about learning to see her rich heritage through critical colonial eyes as a young girl in New York and her struggle to reclaim her history as an adult.
In this activity, students will examine identity and assimilation by engaging in written activities and discussion about whether there is any part of their identity which they have had to hide. They will read an essay called "Magic Carpet," where Mitali Perkins writes about learning to see her rich heritage through critical colonial eyes as a young girl in New York and her struggle to reclaim her history as an adult.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.3: Organize record evaluate
- 3.3.3: Evaluate information - Suggested use:
- Lesson on identity, culture, shame, and assimilation to 'fit in' or 'belong' - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Slavery
In this lesson, students will have a discussion on slavery and read a book related to slavery in Canada. After this, students create a mind map of keywords that jump out at them in bubbles on a blank 11 by 17 sized page. After reading, ask students to draw connecting lines between specific words that naturally fit together for them. Ask students to write their ideas on those lines to retell part of the story in their own words or explain how those two words are related.
In this lesson, students will have a discussion on slavery and read a book related to slavery in Canada. After this, students create a mind map of keywords that jump out at them in bubbles on a blank 11 by 17 sized page. After reading, ask students to draw connecting lines between specific words that naturally fit together for them. Ask students to write their ideas on those lines to retell part of the story in their own words or explain how those two words are related.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.1: Plan and focus
- 3.1.2: Determine information needs and plan together - Suggested use:
- Activities are outlined in the resource - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Different Colours of Beauty: Looking at Race and Racial Identity in Children's Books
In this lesson, students examine and talk openly about the concept of beauty, especially as it overlaps with race and racial identity. This activity will help students acquire vocabulary for orally critiquing author and illustrator choices; make text-to-self and text-to-text connections using picture and chapter books; talk about racial identity openly and consider the harmful potential of racial stereotypes; become active readers capable of finding and critiquing hidden messages in texts; develop a sense of belonging in relation to the literature in their school and classroom library, and; build a safe and supportive classroom community where students can engage in literacy development together.
In this lesson, students examine and talk openly about the concept of beauty, especially as it overlaps with race and racial identity. This activity will help students acquire vocabulary for orally critiquing author and illustrator choices; make text-to-self and text-to-text connections using picture and chapter books; talk about racial identity openly and consider the harmful potential of racial stereotypes; become active readers capable of finding and critiquing hidden messages in texts; develop a sense of belonging in relation to the literature in their school and classroom library, and; build a safe and supportive classroom community where students can engage in literacy development together.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.3: Organize record evaluate
- 3.3.3 evaluate ideas - Suggested use:
- Activities are outlined in the resource - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Family Colours: Interviewing Our Families
In this lesson, students will: understand and implement interviewing skills, including planning, asking questions, taking notes and reporting on interviews; consider issues from multiple viewpoints; make connections between their family’s values and the values of their school community; develop vocabulary for discussing race, skin color, beauty and history, and; gain oral language skills for reporting and discussing information. The goal of this session is to help students develop their racial and ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, while being aware of our diverse world.
In this lesson, students will: understand and implement interviewing skills, including planning, asking questions, taking notes and reporting on interviews; consider issues from multiple viewpoints; make connections between their family’s values and the values of their school community; develop vocabulary for discussing race, skin color, beauty and history, and; gain oral language skills for reporting and discussing information. The goal of this session is to help students develop their racial and ethnic identities in a safe and open classroom environment, while being aware of our diverse world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.4: Share and Review
- 3.4.1: Share ideas/information - Suggested use:
- Lesson on race and colour and how our family views/values them
- Should be used after previous discussions and lessons on race and how we identify ourselves
- Depending on classroom, lesson could be shared previously with families to let them know what the students are learning about to facilitate honesty/openness within families and teacher - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
G.O 5: Respect, support, and collaborate with others
Segregation
In this lesson, students will learn about racism through an interactive class activity. In the extension portion of this lesson plan, students will read 4 books focusing on racism and do written responses on these books.
Segregation
In this lesson, students will learn about racism through an interactive class activity. In the extension portion of this lesson plan, students will read 4 books focusing on racism and do written responses on these books.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Respect others and strengthen community
- 5.1.1: Appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Resource has details on how to use on page 3 - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion) and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Miscellaneous
I am Somebody: Story Poems for Pride and Power!
African American storyteller Linda Gorham tells this upbeat and moving celebration of Linda’s family tree and heritage. The lesson plan guides teachers to invite “pride poems” from their students.
I am Somebody: Story Poems for Pride and Power!
African American storyteller Linda Gorham tells this upbeat and moving celebration of Linda’s family tree and heritage. The lesson plan guides teachers to invite “pride poems” from their students.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Analyzing Gender Stereotypes in Media
This lesson helps students analyze and critique messages about gender that they get from various media. Students will focus on toys and toy advertisements, challenging themselves to think past what advertisements tell them about their gender identity.
This lesson helps students analyze and critique messages about gender that they get from various media. Students will focus on toys and toy advertisements, challenging themselves to think past what advertisements tell them about their gender identity.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (excluding discussion portion)
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Community Mural/Poster Campaign
Students create a large-scale artistic depiction in a community space. As an alternative to the community mural, students can create a set of informational posters that reflect a diversity topic or social justice theme.
Students create a large-scale artistic depiction in a community space. As an alternative to the community mural, students can create a set of informational posters that reflect a diversity topic or social justice theme.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1 Respect others and strengthen community: appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
Community Newsletter
Students compile and publish a showcase of artwork and nonfiction writing addressing issues found in the central text. The result is a creative representation of student learning, opinions and ideas.
Students compile and publish a showcase of artwork and nonfiction writing addressing issues found in the central text. The result is a creative representation of student learning, opinions and ideas.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1 Respect others and strengthen community: appreciate diversity - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students and visually impaired students
View other relevant short films in Grade 5 Social Studies section that can be used for English as well.
G.O 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences
The Friends of Kwan Ming
This animated short tells the story of Kwan Ming, a man who left China to live and work in the New World. Once at destination, Kwan Ming and three traveling companions look for work but find nothing. When opportunities finally arise, Kwan Ming lets his friends have the best jobs and takes a lowly position as helper to a mean storeowner. But his generosity pays off when his friends help him with a very difficult task.
The Friends of Kwan Ming
This animated short tells the story of Kwan Ming, a man who left China to live and work in the New World. Once at destination, Kwan Ming and three traveling companions look for work but find nothing. When opportunities finally arise, Kwan Ming lets his friends have the best jobs and takes a lowly position as helper to a mean storeowner. But his generosity pays off when his friends help him with a very difficult task.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and Explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on sacrifice, community, found family - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, this film follows a 13-year-old boy as he comes up with an ingenious way to save his Malawi village from famine. As well as being an uplifting and inspiring story, it's an important reminder that living free from poverty and political unrest should never be taken for granted.
Based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, this film follows a 13-year-old boy as he comes up with an ingenious way to save his Malawi village from famine. As well as being an uplifting and inspiring story, it's an important reminder that living free from poverty and political unrest should never be taken for granted.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Writing activity for reflection of the message and content of the film, character analysis, reflection on what they learned, personal connections - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Joe
This animated short tells the story of Seraphim "Joe" Fortes, one of Vancouver's most beloved citizens. Born in the West Indies, Joe Fortes swam in English Bay for more than 30 years. A self-appointed lifeguard at first, he became so famous that the city of Vancouver finally rewarded him with a salary for doing what he loved best. He taught thousands of people to swim and saved over a hundred lives. Yet there were some who did not respect him because of his skin colour. Through his determination, kindness and love for children, Joe helped shift attitudes.
This animated short tells the story of Seraphim "Joe" Fortes, one of Vancouver's most beloved citizens. Born in the West Indies, Joe Fortes swam in English Bay for more than 30 years. A self-appointed lifeguard at first, he became so famous that the city of Vancouver finally rewarded him with a salary for doing what he loved best. He taught thousands of people to swim and saved over a hundred lives. Yet there were some who did not respect him because of his skin colour. Through his determination, kindness and love for children, Joe helped shift attitudes.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discuss how Joe impacted the lives of people in Vancouver
- How does Joe's legacy live on by highlighting his achievements and impact on the community?
- How did the Grandma treat Joe and how did her view of Joe change over time? - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Color of Friendship
This Disney Channel Original Movie is set in 1977 and tells the true story of two girls: Mahree, the black daughter of a congressman from Washington, D.C., and Piper, a white girl from apartheid South Africa. The two end up learning more about each other's countries than they could have ever imagined.
This Disney Channel Original Movie is set in 1977 and tells the true story of two girls: Mahree, the black daughter of a congressman from Washington, D.C., and Piper, a white girl from apartheid South Africa. The two end up learning more about each other's countries than they could have ever imagined.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.2.3: Extend understanding - Suggested use:
- Writing activity for reflection of the message and content of the film, character analysis, reflection on what they learned, personal connections - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Queen of Katwe
This biographical drama is set in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, telling the story of 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi, whose life is changed forever after a visiting missionary teaches her how to play chess. Phiona eventually becomes an international chess prodigy, though she contends with plenty of poverty, violence, and racism along the way.
This biographical drama is set in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, telling the story of 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi, whose life is changed forever after a visiting missionary teaches her how to play chess. Phiona eventually becomes an international chess prodigy, though she contends with plenty of poverty, violence, and racism along the way.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Ruby Bridges
This movie is based on the real-life story of the titular Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old girl who became one of the first Black students to attend an integrated school in the Deep South. When Ruby is selected to attend an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960, she's totally unprepared for the uproar, but with the help of her teacher and a child psychologist, she's able to better cope with the ugliness of racism.
This movie is based on the real-life story of the titular Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old girl who became one of the first Black students to attend an integrated school in the Deep South. When Ruby is selected to attend an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960, she's totally unprepared for the uproar, but with the help of her teacher and a child psychologist, she's able to better cope with the ugliness of racism.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal writing prompt to reflect on what they might feel & how this impacts identity & relationship with family & culture
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, resistance, allyship & solidarity, equity
- Group discussion on the impacts of education and how it can be a liberating experience or part of an anti-oppressive resistance to power
- Discuss ways that education has been used in various times & places for both positive and negative purposes (i.e. residential schools) and what makes education a meaningful tool for resistance, anti-oppression, and justice - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Balakrishna
When an extraordinary new resident – Balakrishna, an Indian elephant – arrived in the town of East River, Nova Scotia, in 1967, no one was more in awe of the creature than young Winton Cook, who became inseparable from his mammoth new friend. Using painterly animation, photographs and home-movie treasures, Balakrishna transmits the wistfulness of childhood memories, while evoking themes of friendship and loss, and issues of immigration and elephant conservation.
When an extraordinary new resident – Balakrishna, an Indian elephant – arrived in the town of East River, Nova Scotia, in 1967, no one was more in awe of the creature than young Winton Cook, who became inseparable from his mammoth new friend. Using painterly animation, photographs and home-movie treasures, Balakrishna transmits the wistfulness of childhood memories, while evoking themes of friendship and loss, and issues of immigration and elephant conservation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Vistas: Boxed In
In this short film, a young woman of mixed ancestry struggles with an Equal Opportunity Form that requires her to respond to the dilemma: Ethnicity - Choose One.
In this short film, a young woman of mixed ancestry struggles with an Equal Opportunity Form that requires her to respond to the dilemma: Ethnicity - Choose One.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal writing prompt to reflect on what they might feel & how this impacts identity & relationship with family & culture
- Multimedia art project inspiration (i.e. photography/art/poetry/song) that showcases all the various parts of students' identities that are meaningful to them - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Ice Breakers
Josh Crooks is a promising teen hockey star in a sport where Black players like him are chronically underrepresented. Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of a pioneering Black hockey league in Atlantic Canada, as Crooks discovers that his unshakable passion is tied to a rich and remarkable heritage.
Josh Crooks is a promising teen hockey star in a sport where Black players like him are chronically underrepresented. Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of a pioneering Black hockey league in Atlantic Canada, as Crooks discovers that his unshakable passion is tied to a rich and remarkable heritage.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal writing prompt to reflect on what they might feel & how this impacts identity & relationship with family & culture
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, resistance, allyship & solidarity, equity
- Research historical references in the movie about Black hockey players & leagues in Canada, and to other Canadian sports/leagues formed by Black/racialized communities (i.e. Amber Valley baseball teams) and create an educational campaign within your school to spread awareness of this rich history - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Akeelah and the Bee
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Personal writing prompt to reflect on what they might feel & how this impacts identity & relationship with family & culture
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, resistance, identity - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Bao
In “Bao,” an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast, and Mom must come to the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever. This short film from Pixar Animation Studios and director Domee Shi explores the ups and downs of the parent-child relationship through the colorful, rich, and tasty lens of the Chinese immigrant community in Canada.
In “Bao,” an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast, and Mom must come to the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever. This short film from Pixar Animation Studios and director Domee Shi explores the ups and downs of the parent-child relationship through the colorful, rich, and tasty lens of the Chinese immigrant community in Canada.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Coco
Based on the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead, and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, as well as a strong celebration of Mexican culture.
Based on the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead, and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, as well as a strong celebration of Mexican culture.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture
- Have students make connections to their own family's cultural celebrations/holidays/traditions - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
A Ballerina’s Tale
This is the story of Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. Not only is Copeland a powerful role model for young aspiring dancers, but she shines a light on the very white world of classical ballet, and how people of color like her are breaking the glass ceiling.
This is the story of Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. Not only is Copeland a powerful role model for young aspiring dancers, but she shines a light on the very white world of classical ballet, and how people of color like her are breaking the glass ceiling.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from Misty's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture, and craft of ballet
- Opportunity for movement/dance/drama based learning - have students create their own dance piece (or other type of art they feel connected to) to represent Misty's story - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Wadjda
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
This animated film is the re-telling of a 10th-century Japanese fable about a princess who sprouts from a bamboo stalk. Not only does it give kids a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture, but it also has strong messages about the importance of love and encouragement. Also available on Netflix.
This animated film is the re-telling of a 10th-century Japanese fable about a princess who sprouts from a bamboo stalk. Not only does it give kids a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture, but it also has strong messages about the importance of love and encouragement. Also available on Netflix.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Perspective writing prompt from character's perspective to reflect on what they might feel & how this experience has impacted their identity & relationship with their family & culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Lights For Gita
This animated short is the story of Gita, an 8-year-old girl who can't wait to celebrate Divali - the Hindu festival of lights - in her new home in Canada. But it's nothing like New Delhi, where she comes from. The weather is cold and grey and a terrible ice storm cuts off the power, ruining her plans for a party. Obviously, a Divali celebration now is impossible. Or is it? As Gita experiences the glittering beauty of the icy streets outside, the traditional festival of lights comes alive in a sparkling new way.
This animated short is the story of Gita, an 8-year-old girl who can't wait to celebrate Divali - the Hindu festival of lights - in her new home in Canada. But it's nothing like New Delhi, where she comes from. The weather is cold and grey and a terrible ice storm cuts off the power, ruining her plans for a party. Obviously, a Divali celebration now is impossible. Or is it? As Gita experiences the glittering beauty of the icy streets outside, the traditional festival of lights comes alive in a sparkling new way.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.1: Discover and explore
- 1.1.1: Express ideas and develop understanding - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on traditions and community
- Make your own light art for Diwali - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
G.O 2 Comprehend and respond critically and personally to a variety of texts
From Far Away
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer.
From Far Away
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.1.2: Use comprehension strategies - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on kindness, empathy, and cultural differences
- Write an anecdotal response to the video where you ever felt unsafe, misunderstood, scared - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
And the Children Shall Lead
Direct and sensitive, this tween-friendly take on how the civil rights movement turned the South upside down in the 1960s is both direct enough to hold tweens' attention and important enough to be good family viewing.
Direct and sensitive, this tween-friendly take on how the civil rights movement turned the South upside down in the 1960s is both direct enough to hold tweens' attention and important enough to be good family viewing.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.2: Respond to texts
- 2.2.1: Experience various texts - Suggested use:
- Writing activity for reflection of the message and content of the film, character analysis, reflection on what they learned, personal connections - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
G.O 3: Manage ideas and information
Roses Sing on New Snow
In this animated short, based on a story by Paul Yee, Maylin cooks mouth-watering meals at her father's restaurant in Chinatown, but her father and brothers take all the credit. When a dignitary from China visits and tastes one her dishes, Maylin finally earns recognition.
Roses Sing on New Snow
In this animated short, based on a story by Paul Yee, Maylin cooks mouth-watering meals at her father's restaurant in Chinatown, but her father and brothers take all the credit. When a dignitary from China visits and tastes one her dishes, Maylin finally earns recognition.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.4: Share and Review
- 3.4.1: Share ideas/information - Suggested use:
- Students write about a time when they had a similar experience (make personal connections)
- Make/present your own comfort dish (guardians' help for this)
- Create own recipe that embodies the student - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Jaime Lo, Small And Shy
In this animated short, Jaime Lo's father is sent to Hong Kong for a year-long work assignment. A shy Chinese-Canadian girl, Jaime Lo must use her creativity to cope with his absence. This story offers us a lighthearted glimpse into a common dilemma that many immigrant families face, where one parent must work overseas in order to provide for the rest of the family back home.
In this animated short, Jaime Lo's father is sent to Hong Kong for a year-long work assignment. A shy Chinese-Canadian girl, Jaime Lo must use her creativity to cope with his absence. This story offers us a lighthearted glimpse into a common dilemma that many immigrant families face, where one parent must work overseas in order to provide for the rest of the family back home.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.2: Select and Process
- 3.2.1: Use a variety of sources - Suggested use:
- Gratitude art for guardians and loved ones
- Poem or spoken word about child's life and personality (Jaime Lo is small and shy ...) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
For Angela
This short film portrays Rhonda and Angela, and the discrimination they face from a group of school boys on the bus. The impact of racial discrimination is evident for Angela, who decides to cut off her hair as a result of the incident. The mother, Rhonda, seeks retribution for the boys' actions.
This short film portrays Rhonda and Angela, and the discrimination they face from a group of school boys on the bus. The impact of racial discrimination is evident for Angela, who decides to cut off her hair as a result of the incident. The mother, Rhonda, seeks retribution for the boys' actions.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.3: Organize record evaluate
- 3.3.3: Evaluate information - Suggested use:
- Personal writing prompt to reflect on what they might feel & how this impacts identity & relationship with family & culture
- Group discussion around concepts of media/film representation of Indigenous peoples and how that could impact feelings of the public who do not identify as Indigenous
- Discussion around concepts of empathy, community, justice, power, activism, resistance, solidarity and allyship
- Write letters to the boys on the bus who harassed Angela & her mom to help educate them about stereotypes, Indigenous history and culture - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, captioned by creator (dependent on student reading abilities)
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Reconciliation Conversations - Language and Culture
Explore the Google slide as a group. Afterwards, ask students to reflect on the prompts below. They may write down some of their ideas. You may also decide to discuss these questions in small groups or as a large group. Discussion questions: How are your own language and culture linked? How might your language impact how you view the world? Is your language a part of your identity? In what way? When a language disappears, what do we lose? How can we ensure the survival of Indigenous languages? How is learning an Indigenous language an act of reconciliation?
Explore the Google slide as a group. Afterwards, ask students to reflect on the prompts below. They may write down some of their ideas. You may also decide to discuss these questions in small groups or as a large group. Discussion questions: How are your own language and culture linked? How might your language impact how you view the world? Is your language a part of your identity? In what way? When a language disappears, what do we lose? How can we ensure the survival of Indigenous languages? How is learning an Indigenous language an act of reconciliation?
- Suggested use:
- Specific set of lessons on language and culture of Indigenous groups in Canada and how history has affected it today (residential schools, Sixties Scoop, Indian Act)
- Resource can be found on page 22 of PDF
Slavery
In this lesson, students will have a discussion on slavery and read a book related to slavery in Canada. After this, students create a mind map of keywords that jump out at them in bubbles on a blank 11 by 17 sized page. After reading, ask students to draw connecting lines between specific words that naturally fit together for them. Ask students to write their ideas on those lines to retell part of the story in their own words or explain how those two words are related.
In this lesson, students will have a discussion on slavery and read a book related to slavery in Canada. After this, students create a mind map of keywords that jump out at them in bubbles on a blank 11 by 17 sized page. After reading, ask students to draw connecting lines between specific words that naturally fit together for them. Ask students to write their ideas on those lines to retell part of the story in their own words or explain how those two words are related.
- Suggested use:
- Variety of lesson plans and resources to teach racism in Canada
Indigenous Book Recommendations
List of Indigenous books teachers can teach in the classroom to build understanding of various Indigenous customs and traditions.
List of Indigenous books teachers can teach in the classroom to build understanding of various Indigenous customs and traditions.
- Suggested use:
- Books to add to personal classroom library/request for school library for Indigenous book representation
- Posters that can be added to classroom display
Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism Resources for Educators
Document that encompasses a wide variety of anti-racism resources from books, to videos and articles.
Document that encompasses a wide variety of anti-racism resources from books, to videos and articles.
- Suggested use:
- Variety of anti-racism resources
Guiding Principles: Diversity & Globalism
Google slides presentation with activities and resources to teach anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Further lesson plans can be found here.
Google slides presentation with activities and resources to teach anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Further lesson plans can be found here.
- Suggested use:
- Variety of anti-racism resources
