History lessons need more than just story (except in early grades). Historical fiction alone is not a good way to teach history. Here is why. Characters: While historical fiction may be well-researched and the events presented as accurately as possible, the values of the characters will not be. Readers will not like characters whose views…
The curriculum from Northwoods Press takes a factual view of history with the intent to use critical thinking skills, evidence, and historical perspective to evaluate what we think of the past. Where revisionist historians can highlight overlooked contributions, particularly from marginalized groups, we can better understand the past but it must be without stifling all…
In his article They Would Call Me a “Denier” – Let Me Explain what I Believe about Residential Schools in Canada, Rodney Clifton examines the claim that thousands of Indigenous children were forced from their homes, put into residential schools, and many, if not all, were murdered by their caregivers. This post provides a short-read…
The study of history offers a fertile ground for cultivating critical thinking skills in young minds. By embracing the six Historical Thinking Concepts, educators can equip students with the framework to evaluate historical events and sources with the discernment of historians. These concepts, namely Historical Significance, Evidence, Continuity and Change, Cause and Consequence, Historical Perspective,…
This Heritage Minute delves into Sir John A. Macdonald’s role in the negotiations that led to Canada’s Confederation. Click the image to view the video. The Charlottetown Conference in 1864 was attended by delegates from the Province of Canada and the leaders of the Maritime colonies. Macdonald spoke about his grand vision of a future…
How are we to think of the strengths and flaws of characters in Canadian history? How do we teach our history to our children?
Historical thinking is a crucial skill that children can develop from an early age. It helps them understand the past, make connections to the present, and predict the future. Below is a tutorial to explain the six historical thinking concepts that can be introduced to students to help them develop a deeper understanding of history….
The past is everything that ever happened to anyone, anywhere. There is too much history to remember all of it. And new “history” is being created every day. We put considerable effort into learning and remembering that which is historically significant, but have you considered how are those choices made? People who do not think…
Lyrics in French (Canadian dialect):
Quand on part des chanquiers
Mes chers amis tous le coeur gai
Pour aller voir tous nos parents
Mes chers amis le coeur content.
Envoyons d’l’avant nos gens
Envoyons d’l’avant!
Mais qu’nos amis nous voyent arriver
Y vont s’mettr’ à rire, à chanter.
Dimanche au soir à la veillée
Nous irons voir nos compagnées.
Dimanche au soir à la veillée
Nous irons voir nos compagnées.
Elles vont nous dire mais en entrant
V’là mon amant, j’ai l’coeur content!
Elles vont nous dire mais en entrant
V’là mon amant, j’ai l’coeur content!
Et au milieu de la veillée
Elles vont nous parler d’leus cavaliers.
Et au milieu de la veillée
Elles vont nous parler d’leurs cavaliers.
Elles vont nous dire mais en partant
As-tu fréquenté des amants?
Elles vont nous dire mais en partant
As-tu fréquenté des amants?
Qui a composé la chanson?
C’est Jos Blanchet le joli garçon!
English translation:
When we leave the chanquiers (woodworking locations)
My dear friends, all with hearts gay,
To see all our friends and family,
My dear friends, all with hearts gay,
Let’s go boys, let’s go!
Let’s go boys, let’s go!
When our friends will see us arrive,
They start laughing and singing,
Sunday night at the vigil,
We’ll go see our partners,
Sunday night at the vigil,
We’ll go see our partners,
They’ll tell us as we enter,
Here’s my lover, my heart is happy,
They’ll tell us as we enter,
Here’s my lover, my heart is happy,
And at the middle of the vigil,
They’ll tell us of their lovers,
And at the middle of the vigil,
They’ll tell us of their lovers,
And they’ll ask us as we leave,
Did you go see any mistresses?
And they’ll ask us as we leave,
Did you go see any mistresses?
Who wrote the song?
It was Jo Blanchet, the pretty boy
