Over the Top - For Teachers And Students
In addition to being an exciting adventure story, Over the
Top is a pedagogical learning tool whose main purpose is to allow
students to better understand and appreciate the nature of trench warfare
during the First World War. For, in addition to surviving their ordeal in
the trenches, students will also gain:
- A better understanding of the difficulties and perils faced by
frontline Canadian troops during the First World War;
- Enhanced knowledge of words, expressions, strategies and technologies
used in trench warfare; and
- A greater appreciation for the bravery and sacrifice of Canadians
that fought overseas.
The following activities have been developed for teachers for classroom
use. Teachers may freely copy and/or modify any activity to suit the needs
of their students.
Questions about the story (PDF 93Kb)
Lists 10 possible questions of inquiry for students to further explore some
of the narrative and historical threads of the story.
Questions about the First World War (PDF 96Kb)
Lists 10 possible questions pertaining to Canada's role during the First
World War, the nature of trench warfare and the aftermath of the war.
First World War Maps (PDF 779Kb)
Features two downloadable maps of Europe in 1914 and in 1923, with
instructions for colouring and identifying key locations.
Propaganda and Censorship (PDF 740Kb)
Explores the uses of propaganda and censorship in wartime with the use of
illustrated examples. Students can send their own Field Service Postcard
to their parents.
First World War Poetry (PDF 242Kb)
Lists seven poems on the theme of the First World War with follow-up
questions for students.
Researching War Poets and Writers (PDF 257Kb)
Suggests possible activities for researching First World War poets and
writers and features excerpts from popular and lesser known literary
works.