TEACHING 

HISTORY

STUDENTS, Teachers: QUESTIONS, ACTIVITIES

 

Dr. Rochelle Burns, Resident Historian, Hons BA, M.Ed, PhD

History teacher and curricula writer, English at Seneca College, have written four books, thousands of articles, and a history column; 2003 appointed Citizenship Judge; Boards: University of Toronto, Union Institute & University, Cincinnati, Library, Environment; 2002 Woman of Excellence Award for obtaining a PhD in mid life and contributions to Canada; founded Books Are Friends, given away over 5,000 books to children of the working poor to have their own library

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The Past Creating a Present Filled with Pride.

 

The flags and all the souvenirs are being prepared now. 2017 is Canada's 150th birthday. And, 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the battle of  Vimy Ridge.

 

"What that battle did, besides show the courage and tenacity of the Canuck soldiers, was to solidify Canada as a country in a way it never knew in the previous fifty years since it was created.

 

There was something about all Canadian soldiers fighting together in that battle. There was something about the Canucks taking Vimy Ridge, against all odds.

 

Vimy gave Canadian soldiers a feeling of pride of accomplishment. It made the hearts of all Canadians back home swell with pride for their boys.

 

Vimy gave Canada a powerful, positive symbol of who we are as a nation. Vimy fashioned our image of peace-loving, but don't-push-us-to-the-wall, people that this nation still is today."

 

These words are part of "Letters from the Front" created by Dr. Rochelle Burns for the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Association to be sent out to Legions and schools across Canada in 2017. It's another way the 4CMRA is passing the "Torch of Pride" to all who are privileged to live today in this incredible country -- Canada.

 

The "Letters from the Front" are inside well-designed 'Vimy Boxes', along with replica artifacts from the WW1. The 'Vimy Boxes' will be distributed to Legions for them to display. As well, the Legions will help distribute 'Vimy Boxes' to schools across Canada as they honor the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017. All of this is FREE to Legions and schools across Canada.

If you haven't been contacted by the Legion in your area, please contact 4cmra.ca and we will get a Vimy Box to your class.

 

Students and teachers, across Canada, can have an interactive conversation with the 4CMRA Resident Historian.

Letters from Students (samples):

 

Dear Dr. Burns,

 

My high school history teacher has given us an assignment: "Are ordinary people in Canada better off now than around World War 1?" I'm a refugee. My family fled a war torn zone five years ago, and arrived in Canada three years ago. Can you give me any ideas how to handle this?

 

Thank you, Zena, age 15

 

Dear Zena,

 

Start with what you know. Tell your story of being a refugee. Then research what it was like to be a refugee from, perhaps, Belgium and France during WW1. Next, make two lists, what was the same and what was different. After all this, you will be able to answer the question and give a lot of insight to your classmates who never went through what you did.

If you wish, send us your completed assignment, after your teacher returns it to you, and we will post it here so you can help even more students.

Best wishes,

Dr. Rochelle Burns

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Activities from Teachers:

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Dear Dr. Burns,

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We are sending you a video of our performance using the "Letters from the Front" that were included in the 'Vimy Box' that a member of the Legion here, in Saskatoon, dropped off. Thank you so much for this. The contents of the box helped the students get a better feel of what it was like back then, a hundred years ago when the battle of Vimy Ridge occurred. They have a better grasp of how that battle helped forge the Canadian identity we have today.

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As well, the money we made from a performance of the "Letters from the Front" has greatly helped expenses for the students who will be going to Ottawa next November 11.

Thank you again, Mr. Banelle Pashton

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Dear Mr. Pashton,

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Thank you for the video. It has gone up on our web page for students and teachers across Canada to see and learn from.

Best wishes,

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Dr. Burns