Activity: Being Canadian
Teacher Notes
In this activity, students are encouraged to think beyond traditional concepts which imply that "famous" is the same as "important". Students will research local personalities and present them to their classmates, based on impact and influence.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- One class period, plus research time
- Student copies of Sheet 7: Interview a Local Great Canadian
WHAT TO DO
Begin with a discussion about the terms "famous" and "great", with questions such as these:
- What is fame?
- What is a celebrity?
- What makes a person "great"?
- Can you name a local celebrity?
- Can you name a local person who is making a difference? Why is this person important?
The answers to these questions can be quite subjective; there is no single right answer. As the students come up with names, list them on the board. Prompt the discussion with questions such as:
- Who has had a direct impact on your life?
- Who makes a difference?
- Are they politicians? Coaches? People who run local charities or businesses? Parents? Elders?
Ask students to choose one local great Canadian. Hand out Sheet 7: Interview a Local Great Canadian. Students should interview their personality and write a short paper based on their findings. Discuss the concepts of "negative impact" and "reverse impact" (i.e., the impact had the local "great" person NOT done what they did).
Alternate activity: have your students make a display or give an oral presentation on how their selected "local great Canadian" is having an impact.
|