Why I stopped posting

This blog experiment has run its course, as I have moved on to other interests. I realized that blogging just to hear myself talk has little interest for me, although it does motivate me to organize my own material and thoughts. So unless it can generate either good collaboration or small revenue, then it isn't really worthwhile in this format. But I did learn how to use blogger, the amazon affiliate program, and revived my interest in some topics. Maybe it will come back in a different format at some point. I have also experimented with a different blog on wordpress, and so may try to launch a better site for teaching Socials 10 in the future. If you stumble across this site and have any suggestions for a better format, leave a comment.

Quebec Tercentenary

The stamps from my album pictured here (catalogue values of $7) is part of a series of eight stamps (catalogue numbers 96-103) that I plan to post separately. These are the first really interesting set of commemorative stamps that Canada issued, and are very valuable, at least in mint condition. 


These stamps are referred to as the "Quebec Tecentenary" issue (the 300th anniversary of Quebec). In French, that translates as "IIIe centenaire de Quebec": I say, translates, because the whole idea for the celebration was an English one. The Governor General at the time, an Englishman named Earl Grey, decided that a celebration of Quebec would help bring the nation together. Prime Minister Laurier was always interested in encouraging compromise between English and French and was convinced to give his support to the idea.


The first stamp in the series is of the Prince and Princess of Wales (future King George V and his wife). Why are they on the first stamp to celebrate the 300th birthday of Quebec? Well, because they were making a Royal visit to Canada at the time and the celebration was programmed around their schedule. 


Of course, everyone in Quebec loved this... the British monarchy being the main attraction at a supposed celebration of Quebec. Probably wouldn't have happened if Quebec planned it... Do you think this succeeded in promoting national unity?

Myth Perceptions

In Socials 10, we spend some time talking about stereotype and caricature as it applies to First Nations people in Canadian history.

I came across this website today that has some simple resources on the topic. Created by the MCC (mennonite central committee), the website is about deconstructing myths about First Nations people. There are some usable clips that one could use to generate discussion.

Empire at War

ANSWERING THE CALL

"The whelps of the lion are joining their sire"

The Socials 10 course ends before World War I, but it is important for students to know what was coming up next. It makes some of the learning outcomes more relevant.. for example, why do the concepts of "colonialism" "Empire" "growing independence" matter? Because in 1914, Canadians would go to war for Britain. 

Interesting symbol choice in this political cartoon, which clearly supports Canada's responsibility to the Empire. The lion is used a symbol in many contexts, from King of the Jungle, to Lion of Judah, to the Royal Family, etc. But in this case, it is used as a symbol of the power (and goodness) of the British Empire. 

Many of the cartoons that I use in class were taken from this book by Charles Hou (former Socials 10 teacher in BC):

Great Canadian political cartoons, 1820 to 1914

Free the Children

 

I use this book and video in class when talking about current events, and highly recommend the book to students.


The story of Craig Kielburger is inspiring. He was just 12 years old when he started looking into the issues of Child Labour and decided to do something about it. He asked his Socials Studies class to help and got 11 people to join him, starting an organization called Free the Children. He now has another organization called "Me to We" that organizes We Day and encouraged youth to support social issues affecting other youth around the world. This is a must-read book to realize that youth can make a difference in our world.


Here is the amazon link:    Free the Children

Immigration

Immigration can be a fairly dull topic in Socials 10 if you stick to the textbook platitudes. Students are supposed to learn about why people were immigrating to the area in the 1800's and how our immigration policy was initially shaped when Canada became a country.

There are two ways to make this more interesting and relevant.
1) Personal immigration stories. When each person in the class shares about how their family immigrated to Canada, it makes for a greater appreciation for the event. I will do another post later about the project I do in class.
2) Curent events and debate. Immigration is always a current issue. In previous years, there have been stories of "boat people" or "disguised old men" to spark discussion of immigration. Currently, the Globe and Mail is running a series on the issue with some ideas for discussion. I haven't read through it all, but looks like there are some good discussion ideas.

I fund that students are generally unaware that Canada allows some immigrants and not others or why.. It generally sparks good classroom discussion.

Canada in 1815

The first unit in my Socials 10 course (after review) is called "Canada in 1815". 

The key questions for the unit are:

1)   What was Canada like in 1815? Who was here and what were they thinking and doing?

2)   What were the problems with government?

My lessons go like this: 

1) Economy in 1815

2) Government in 1815

3) Immigration in 1815

4) Big Ideas in 1815

5) First Nations Relations: 1815-1840

6) Rebellions of 1837-1838

7) Government in 1840

Of course, "Canada in 1815" wasn't quite the same Canada as today. We are just talking about Upper and Lower Canada, or the very southern portions of Ontario and Quebec.