Journey Through Canada's Story: Exploring with Janet Lunn

Materials Needed:

• "The Story of Canada" by Janet Lunn
• Large sheet of paper (or several standard sheets taped together) for a timeline
• Markers, crayons, or pencil crayons
• Pencils
• Access to a map of Canada (physical atlas or online map service)
• Optional: Index cards for timeline events

Lesson Activities:

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage (10 minutes)

Begin by discussing what a "story" is. How is history like a story? How might it be different? Look at the cover and table of contents of "The Story of Canada." Ask the student: What parts look most interesting? What do you already know about Canada's history? Explain that today, you'll be diving into some chapters and creating a timeline to track the story.

2. Reading and Discussion (20-30 minutes)

Choose a specific section or chapter(s) from the book based on the student's interest or learning goals (e.g., Early Peoples, Exploration, Confederation). Read the selected section(s) aloud together, pausing frequently:

• Ask Questions: "Who were the important people here?" "What big event happened?" "Where did this take place?" "Why do you think that happened?" "How do you think the people felt?"
• Clarify Vocabulary: Explain any unfamiliar terms or historical concepts.
• Make Connections: Relate events to things the student might already know or to modern-day Canada.

3. Timeline Creation (20-25 minutes)

Take out the large paper. Draw a long horizontal line to represent time. Label one end "Past" and the other "Closer to Present."

Go back through the section(s) read. Identify 3-5 key events or time periods mentioned. For each event:

• Discuss what happened and when (even approximate dates or order is fine).
• Write the event name and date (if available) on the timeline, placing it in chronological order.
• Add a simple drawing or symbol next to the event description.
• Optional: Write events on index cards first, then arrange them on the timeline before gluing/taping.

As you place events, discuss the sequence: What came first? What happened next? Did one event cause another?

4. Map Exploration (10 minutes)

Using a physical or online map of Canada, locate places mentioned in the reading. Where did the explorers land? Where were early settlements? Where did significant battles occur? Trace routes if applicable. Discuss how geography might have influenced historical events (e.g., rivers for travel, mountains as barriers).

5. Creative Response (15-20 minutes)

Ask the student to choose one event or person from the reading that interested them most. They can respond creatively:

• Draw a picture of the event or person.
• Write a short diary entry from the perspective of someone living during that time.
• Create a very short comic strip depicting the event.

Share and discuss their creation.

6. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

Look back at the timeline created. Briefly review the events discussed. Ask the student:

• What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
• What part of Canada's story do you want to explore next?

Praise their effort and engagement with the history.