Station 1: The Canadians discussion guide and tasks

Objectives

• Gain knowledge of the sacrifices, achievements and experiences of the Canadians on the front lines in the Battle of the Somme.

Tasks

Resources to read

1. Fact sheet - The Canadian Corps and the Battle of the Somme
2. Courcelette Canadian Memorial information
3. Poems and journal entries of Private Frank Walker

Discuss the readings and compare the poem “Aftermath,” with the “April 9” journal entry. As a group, discuss the differences of those two days, the emotions of the soldiers.

View image gallery

After reading the fact sheet and learning about the Canadian Corps participation in the Battle of the Somme, look through the image gallery to visually get an understanding of the experiences of the Canadians.

Prepare your presentation

After reviewing the photos and reading the writings of Private Frank Walker, as a group, develop a poster or slide show of the photos to share with your classmates, and possibly a word cloud to help describe the experiences of the Canadians at the Battle of the Somme.

Study the pictures, explore the writings. Find some positive words describing the soldiers (courage, bravery), and descriptive words of war, landscape, daily life, battle and emotions and remembrance.

Share your slide show and word cloud with your classmates.