Primary Junior Social Studies Teacher Resources

Community Traditions and Celebrations: Past & Present

This video is in the On-Core collection.

"Canada is a land made up of people from all over the world. As a result, many different traditions are celebrated throughout the country. Students learn that a tradition is something that has been done by people in a family or group for a long time. In this new, fun-filled Canadian-produced program, a naive robot stumbles upon some traditional decorations. Due to his inquisitive nature, we are taken on a journey through exciting traditions and celebrations found throughout Canada. Many of Canada's traditions like Halloween and Thanksgiving come from Europe where our early settlers came from. Others like National Aboriginal Day are from Canada's First People - First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Other traditions such as Ramadan and Diwali have been brought to Canada more recently."

Lights for Gita

This video is from the National Film Board of Canada.

"This animated short is the story of Gita, an 8-year-old girl who can't wait to celebrate Divali - the Hindu festival of lights - in her new home in Canada. But it's nothing like New Delhi, where she comes from. The weather is cold and grey and a terrible ice storm cuts off the power, ruining her plans for a party. Obviously, a Divali celebration now is impossible. Or is it? As Gita experiences the glittering beauty of the icy streets outside, the traditional festival of lights comes alive in a sparkling new way."

Family Structures

This video is in the Learn360 collection.  Faculty of Education students & staff: If you haven't set up your Learn360 account, go to the Education Library Password Page to do that. Can't get in to that site?  Email Brenda for a password reminder.

"Families come in all shapes and sizes! You might come from a nuclear family or an extended family, you may have same-sex parents, or you may be adopted. Whichever type of family you come from, family structures and roles have no doubt diversified throughout history. In this Miniclip, see a wide range of family structures and sizes, and look at how family roles have changed in the last 50 years."

Halloween: Its More Than Tricks and Treats

This video is in the Learn360 collection.  Faculty of Education students & staff: If you haven't set up your Learn360 account, go to the Education Library Password Page to do that. Can't get in to that site?  Email Brenda for a password reminder.

"In this fun-filled, slightly spooky video, students learn about the origins of Halloween, along with interesting historical and scientific facts on some of the symbols we most often associate with it. Short, informative segments give students insight into why bats were believed to be evil; why early Europeans feared the eerie call of an owl; and much more. In a SPECIAL BONUS SEGMENT, Trick or Treat: Staying Safe on the Street, we cover Halloween safety rules in detail. Children learn important tips to make Halloween a safe and fun-filled day and night."