Kindergarten Social Studies, Unit 2: I Belong
Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the characteristics and interests that unite members of communities and groups.
Who am I? What's on my Head?
An animated video focused on spreading knowledge about Sikhism and the turban (Dastar).
An animated video focused on spreading knowledge about Sikhism and the turban (Dastar).
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.1 - Relationship between belonging and personal stories - Suggested use:
- Compare the video to children's own lives (similarities/ differences)
- Discussion prompt on what respect means - Accessibility:
- Manual transcription available
If the World Were a Village of 100 People: A Story About the World's People
Animated video using a 100-person village as an analogy for the different continents in the world.
Animated video using a 100-person village as an analogy for the different continents in the world.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.1 - Relationship between belonging and personal stories
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Survey how many students know different languages in the class
- Create a picture book of the different ways to say hello that the class knows how to say - Accessibility:
- Transcription available
How To Pow Wow
A short video on CBC kids about "cottonball" the puppet that learns about the history of Pow Wows - what they are, who can attend, and the significance behind them.
A short video on CBC kids about "cottonball" the puppet that learns about the history of Pow Wows - what they are, who can attend, and the significance behind them.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Today's Thing: Fancy Shawl Dancing
Niimin shows Janaye some Fancy Shawl Dancing footwork, and shows off her skills in Studio K.
Niimin shows Janaye some Fancy Shawl Dancing footwork, and shows off her skills in Studio K.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Today's Thing: Hoop Dancing
Janaye learns about Hoop Dancing from Emilee Ann
Janaye learns about Hoop Dancing from Emilee Ann
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
The word Indigenous - explained
Indigenous people are the first people to live in a place. In Canada, Indigenous people belong to a number of different communities or nations. CBC Kids News’s Sid and Ruby explain.
Indigenous people are the first people to live in a place. In Canada, Indigenous people belong to a number of different communities or nations. CBC Kids News’s Sid and Ruby explain.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Kwanzaa is an African-inspired holiday
Did you know that African-Canadians celebrate Kwanzaa every year, starting on Dec. 26? For seven days, they get together with their families, eat African food, dance, drum, and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Even though the holiday is based on African traditions and culture, it’s not celebrated in Africa. It was invented by an American man from Kenya in the 1960s.
Did you know that African-Canadians celebrate Kwanzaa every year, starting on Dec. 26? For seven days, they get together with their families, eat African food, dance, drum, and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Even though the holiday is based on African traditions and culture, it’s not celebrated in Africa. It was invented by an American man from Kenya in the 1960s.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Kwanzaa and its traditions. Ideal to use this close to Kwanzaa - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on link.
Eid Mubarak!
Eid Mubarak! Join Tony, Janaye and families from across the country as they celebrate Eid.
Eid Mubarak! Join Tony, Janaye and families from across the country as they celebrate Eid.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Eid and its traditions, where the students talk about the importance of giving back to the less fortunate, make food and other widespread activities. Ideal to use this close to Eid (note: there are two Eid celebrations in a year, search up to find out when this celebration takes place) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Chinese New Year, kids style
Chinese people around the world are ringing in the new year. Hear from some kids in Canada about how they celebrate the holiday.
Chinese people around the world are ringing in the new year. Hear from some kids in Canada about how they celebrate the holiday.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Chinese New Year and its traditions, where the students clean the classroom, make food and other widespread activities. Ideal to use this close to Chinese New Year. Also keep in mind that several Asian countries celebrate this holiday and they refer to it as Lunar New Year - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Lunchbox Rap Battle: Diwali
Get up, jump up, get down - Diwali’s here with a fresh new sound.
Get up, jump up, get down - Diwali’s here with a fresh new sound.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Diwali and its traditions Ideal to use this close to Diwali - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Lunchbox Rap Battle: Vaisakhi
Celebrate Vaisakhi with Tony and Janaye as they dance their way into a brand new solar new year.
Celebrate Vaisakhi with Tony and Janaye as they dance their way into a brand new solar new year.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Vaisakhi and its traditions. Ideal to use this close to Vaisakhi - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Lunchbox Rap Battle: Rosh Hashanah
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with this rap.
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with this rap.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and its traditions. Ideal to use this close to Rosh Hashanah - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Hanukkah Dos and Don'ts
Who knew there were rules for Hanukkah?
Who knew there were rules for Hanukkah?
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Hanukkah and its traditions Ideal to use this close to Hanukkah - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Indigenous History Month
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with a rap about Indigenous change-makers Jeremy Dutcher, Dr. Stanley Vollant, Jesse Cockney, and Alanis Obomsawin. The term Indigenous represents First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with a rap about Indigenous change-makers Jeremy Dutcher, Dr. Stanley Vollant, Jesse Cockney, and Alanis Obomsawin. The term Indigenous represents First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
3 Cool Facts About Totem Poles
Janaye learns about Totem Poles with Master Carver Keith.
Janaye learns about Totem Poles with Master Carver Keith.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Cottonball Learns about Throat Singing
Learn about Throat Singing.
Learn about Throat Singing.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Cottonball Builds a Teepee
Watch one little cat build one huge teepee.
Watch one little cat build one huge teepee.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Use as a way to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, more resources here - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Nowruz: How 300 million people celebrate Persian New Year
About 300 million people across the world celebrate Persian New Year - or Nowruz.
About 300 million people across the world celebrate Persian New Year - or Nowruz.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Nowruz and its traditions. Ideal to use this close to Nowruz (March 20) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Lili's Persian New Year
When Lola 'ruins' Lili's Nowruz party, Lili discovers a new way of looking at her little sister and makes a fresh start with her for the New Year.
When Lola 'ruins' Lili's Nowruz party, Lili discovers a new way of looking at her little sister and makes a fresh start with her for the New Year.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups - Suggested use:
- Celebrate Nowruz and its traditions. Ideal to use this close to Nowruz (March 20) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
From Far Away
Growing up in Canada, it’s hard to imagine what life is like in a war-torn country. Adjusting to a new home is a Herculean feat, especially when you don’t speak the language. Meet Saoussan, a seven-year-old girl from Beirut who is doing just that since moving to Canada in search of a safer life. This is a film that will open kids’ eyes to different realities and encourage them to be kind to others.
Growing up in Canada, it’s hard to imagine what life is like in a war-torn country. Adjusting to a new home is a Herculean feat, especially when you don’t speak the language. Meet Saoussan, a seven-year-old girl from Beirut who is doing just that since moving to Canada in search of a safer life. This is a film that will open kids’ eyes to different realities and encourage them to be kind to others.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.1 - Relationship between belonging and personal stories
- K.1.3 - Examine what makes them unique individuals (gifts/ interests /talents/ characteristics/ culture/ origin) - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on kindness, empathy, and cultural differences
- Write an anecdotal response to the video where kids ever felt unsafe, misunderstood, scared and what made them feel safer, understood and happy - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Lights For Gita
Every culture comes with celebrations and rituals, and this film teaches all about the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, while also showing how hard change can be. Gita is anxious to celebrate Diwali in her new Canadian home and invites her friends to light the diya and see the fireworks. But her plans are thwarted by an ice storm and she is left longing for her celebrations back home. Through her story, kids will see what it’s like to leave behind everything you know and love, but still create new traditions that are just as meaningful.
Every culture comes with celebrations and rituals, and this film teaches all about the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, while also showing how hard change can be. Gita is anxious to celebrate Diwali in her new Canadian home and invites her friends to light the diya and see the fireworks. But her plans are thwarted by an ice storm and she is left longing for her celebrations back home. Through her story, kids will see what it’s like to leave behind everything you know and love, but still create new traditions that are just as meaningful.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.1 - Relationship between belonging and personal stories
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on traditions and community
- Make your own light art for Diwali - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
Alaa
An animated stop motion true story of a young Syrian boy’s experience in coming to Canada starring Alaa Khalaf.
An animated stop motion true story of a young Syrian boy’s experience in coming to Canada starring Alaa Khalaf.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.1 - Relationship between belonging and personal stories
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups) - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on moving far from home, resiliency, adjusting to new environments
- Make a stop motion project on students' lives and growth in the classroom (maybe a year-long project) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
The Magic Quilt
In this short film, which mixes live action with cutout and embroidery animation, a group of children find a magic quilt that is their passport to a voyage of discovery. They step inside the quilt and as they travel through its velvet farmlands and satin cities, they experience the multiculturalism of Canada. The quilt is torn and the magic broken when a quarrel breaks out. Once the quilt is repaired and harmony restored, the children have learned that patience and goodwill are needed to mend and maintain quilts, friendships, and nations. Connected resources: Tar Beach, by Faith Ringgold and The Keeping Quilt, by Patricia Polacco
In this short film, which mixes live action with cutout and embroidery animation, a group of children find a magic quilt that is their passport to a voyage of discovery. They step inside the quilt and as they travel through its velvet farmlands and satin cities, they experience the multiculturalism of Canada. The quilt is torn and the magic broken when a quarrel breaks out. Once the quilt is repaired and harmony restored, the children have learned that patience and goodwill are needed to mend and maintain quilts, friendships, and nations. Connected resources: Tar Beach, by Faith Ringgold and The Keeping Quilt, by Patricia Polacco
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.1 - Relationship between belonging and personal stories - Suggested use:
- Group discussion prompt around community, respect, empathy, equity
- Art project: each student can fashion their own quilt piece and include something special about their own identity, and fashion all the pieces together as a visual representation of classroom community - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on videos
The Chinese Violin
In this animated short, a young girl and her father move from China to Canada, bringing only their Chinese violin along for the journey. As they face the challenge of starting fresh in a new place, the music of the violin connects them to the life they left behind and guides the girl towards a musical future.
In this animated short, a young girl and her father move from China to Canada, bringing only their Chinese violin along for the journey. As they face the challenge of starting fresh in a new place, the music of the violin connects them to the life they left behind and guides the girl towards a musical future.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.4 - How groups are connected through characteristics and interests (how they interact/ stay together/ how do we know we belong to certain groups)
- K.2.2 - Value and respect significant people in their lives (home/ school/ and in the community) - Suggested use:
- Discussion prompt on moving far from home, resiliency, adjusting to new environments, music bridging two worlds together - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on videos
Justin Time
Follow a Canadian boy named Justin and pals as they travel back in time. They solve real life problems (like teamwork or sharing) in a different historical setting and then return back home “just in time.” The settings range from Ancient Mexico to 17th century India to the Swiss Alps in the 50s and Ancient China in the 8th century.
Follow a Canadian boy named Justin and pals as they travel back in time. They solve real life problems (like teamwork or sharing) in a different historical setting and then return back home “just in time.” The settings range from Ancient Mexico to 17th century India to the Swiss Alps in the 50s and Ancient China in the 8th century.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
- Discussion of various perspectives and concepts of historical context
- visual journal writing responses with sentence stems such as "If I traveled to _____ I would" discussions and work based on empathy, respect for cultures, problem solving, fairness and equity - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
A Box of Crayons Drawing Activity
Inspired by the book “The Crayon Box That Talked“, this lesson will show children that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colourful. Children draw their portraits on a crayon cutout. And all the crayons are places into a giant box of crayons - and either hung up around the classroom or showcased.
Inspired by the book “The Crayon Box That Talked“, this lesson will show children that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colourful. Children draw their portraits on a crayon cutout. And all the crayons are places into a giant box of crayons - and either hung up around the classroom or showcased.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use.
Art and Community Activism
Talking about activism, activists and leaders, helps children understand how change can happen in a community. This lesson will give students a chance to think about what these concepts mean and to consider the relationship between community activism and the visual arts.
Talking about activism, activists and leaders, helps children understand how change can happen in a community. This lesson will give students a chance to think about what these concepts mean and to consider the relationship between community activism and the visual arts.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use.
Painting Beauty: Creating Self-Portraits
The goal of these lessons 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.
The goal of these lessons 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.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use.
Handprint Unity Wreath
Martin Luther King Day (January 18) is a great opportunity to teach children and to show others the importance of racial equality. Even though it is an American holiday, its message is one that can be celebrated worldwide.
Martin Luther King Day (January 18) is a great opportunity to teach children and to show others the importance of racial equality. Even though it is an American holiday, its message is one that can be celebrated worldwide.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
Website has details on how to use.
The Colours of Me
To begin this lesson, ask students to share what they know about skin. Students will most likely share things like “it covers our bodies” or “it can be different colours.” Allow students to share their thoughts with the person sitting next to them before sharing out with the class. You could absolutely collect their thoughts on a circle map if you wanted.
To begin this lesson, ask students to share what they know about skin. Students will most likely share things like “it covers our bodies” or “it can be different colours.” Allow students to share their thoughts with the person sitting next to them before sharing out with the class. You could absolutely collect their thoughts on a circle map if you wanted.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use.
All About Me Tray
This fun playdough tray is perfect for your all about me theme. Your kids will love this fine motor activity. Kids can make portraits (faces or full-bodies) they can just have fun, making open-ended creations with their playdough.
This fun playdough tray is perfect for your all about me theme. Your kids will love this fine motor activity. Kids can make portraits (faces or full-bodies) they can just have fun, making open-ended creations with their playdough.
- Curriculum connection:
- K.2.3 - Appreciate how their participation in their communities affects their sense of belonging
- K.2.5 - Explore how groups create a climate of cooperation (rules/ working together/ solving problems/ creating a peaceful atmosphere/ helping care for the environment) - Suggested use:
- Website has details on how to use.
