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Grades 4 to 6 - Teacher's Guide
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 Dear Teacher;
Thank you for your participation in this Veterans' Week activity. Veterans Affairs Canada applauds your efforts to help students learn more about the service and sacrifice of Canada's Veterans and peacekeepers.
This guide is intended to help you and your class get the most from this activity. We encourage you to check out the rest of the Veterans Affairs' Web site for more information Canadian Veterans' wartime experiences, and for a wide array of teaching resources. Visit the Youth Site for other features of special interest to students.
As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Please take a moment to send us your comments. |
The Road to Peace
Historical Background
At the time of Confederation in 1867, Canada became a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire. Canada controlled its internal affairs, but most external relations were governed by Great Britain. When Britain went to war in 1914, Canada was automatically at war. Because of the tremendous Canadian contribution during the First World War, Canada began to move toward full independence. In 1931 Britain legally recognized Canada and the other Dominions (now known as Commonwealth countries) as being equal to Britain, herself, in all affairs.
When war broke out again in 1939, Canada did not declare war until seven days after Great Britain, and then only following a debate and vote in the Canadian Parliament. Once again, Canada's wartime contribution was enormous—the third largest Allied navy and fourth largest air force. The production of so many ships, planes, tanks, guns and ammunition indicated that Canada was moving from a rural, agricultural society into an urban, industrialized society.
Immediately following the Second World War, Canada became a founding member of the United Nations Canada's commitment to peacekeeping was another example of the nation's evolution. So was the adoption in 1947 of its own citizenship and passport, and in 1965 of a new flag which Canadians could call their own. By Canada's birthday in 1967, the country had become the mature, independent, and globally respected nation we know today.
Undoubtedly, Canada s evolution in this century is very much a result of the monumental service and sacrifice of Canadians during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and peacekeeping missions around the globe. All Canadians can take pride in the 1988 honour roll bestowed on UN peacekeepers. They were collectively awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to promote peace and ensure that current generations do not suffer the horrors of war experienced by previous generations.
DID YOU KNOW? |
| The first Remembrance Day took place throughout the Commonwealth on November 11, 1919. It was held to commemorate the end of the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. |
Canadian Army doctor, John McCrae of Guelph, Ontario, was the author of the best known poem of the First World War, In Flanders Fields. He wrote it in honour of one of his closest friends who was killed in action and then buried in a cemetery in Flanders, Belgium, where poppies grew between the grave markers. As the fame of the poem spread, the poppies became recognized as a symbol of remembrance around the world. It is a legacy that continues today. |
| More than 3, 000 of Canada's Nursing Sisters volunteered their services at the start of the First World War. They worked close to the front lines, as well as at hospitals throughout Europe, tending to the sick and wounded. During the Second World War, more than 4,400 Canadian Nursing Sisters once again answered the call of duty. They also provided invaluable assistance during the Korean War. |
The Merchant Navy was made up of vessels that were used for shipping in peacetime. As the First and Second World Wars escalated, these ships moved millions of tonnes of food, munitions, petroleum, and troops.
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| Lester B. Pearson, Canada's 14th Prime Minister, is known as the Father of Peacekeeping.
In 1956, he suggested that the United Nations send peacekeeping troops to prevent war in the Middle East. For his efforts, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. |
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed at the National War Memorial in May 2000. An Unknown Canadian Soldier who died at Vimy Ridge during the First World War is interred in this special tomb and represents our country's commitment to peace and freedom in the past, in the present, and in the future. The Tomb provides a focal point for the commemoration of roughly 19,000 Canadians who died in service to our country and who rest unknown in foreign lands or beneath the sea. |
Other Activities
Spell It Out
Select a word from this page, the longer, the better. Challenge students to use the letters of the word to spell out as many new words as possible. We found over 50 words in REMEMBRANCE.
Honour Roll
Ask students to collect names of family members or friends who served during the First World War, Second World War, Korean War, or in peacekeeping missions. Record the names on a list to display in the classroom. You might also include names of those who worked on the home front in factories, hospitals, training centres, etc.
Invite a Veteran to School
Contact your local Royal Canadian Legion to invite a Veteran to visit the classroom and share stories of his or her wartime experiences with students.
View the Books of Remembrance
The six magnificent Books of Remembrance are on display in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in the Parliament Buildings, Ottawa. They contain the names of more than 110,000 Canadians who have died in war. Each day another page is turned.
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