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Lesson 1 - Setting the Stage, Defining Moments, Witnessing History

Aim

To provide a general overview of the First World War and the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. In particular, the sacrifices and achievements made by the people of Newfoundland and Canadians in general during the conflict will be explored.

Objectives

Youth will be expected to:

  • demonstrate a basic understanding of the key aspects of Newfoundland’s and Canada’s participation in the First World War.
  • demonstrate a greater awareness of what conditions were like for those who fought in the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel and other battles in the First World War.

Target Audience

All activities in this learning module are aimed at students in grades seven to twelve (12 to 17 years of age).

Anticipated Time Frame

Approximately 100 minutes are required to complete this lesson in its entirety; the individual learning activities may also be done separately.

Recommended Materials

Optional Materials

  • First World War and Second World War Learning Resource. This kit is available for order online.
  • Background music for image response activity (if possible).

Introduction Activity: Image Response [15 minutes]

This activity will encourage youth to reflect on the personal experiences of Canadians and Newfoundlanders serving on the front line during the First World War.

Each youth will have a copy of the "Image Response" activity sheet to complete while viewing images from the First World War. Youth will record their reaction to each image.

Each image depicts the hardships of soldiers on the front during the First World War. Youth will require adequate time to reflect on the images. Once all six pictures have been viewed, encourage youth to share their reactions in a group discussion. Have them make predictions as to the lesson’s content.

Brainstorming/Class Discussion [30 minutes]

The purpose of this activity is to determine the youths’ prior knowledge of the First World War. Divide the youth into groups. Ask each group to brainstorm on what they already know about the First World War. Have each group appoint a recorder to take notes of the discussion and a reporter to share their ideas with the other groups.

Acknowledge those ideas that are accurate and those that will require additional research to clarify. Discuss who was involved in the war, what was the outcome, what caused it, when and where the war took place, etc. Depending on students’ prior knowledge, information on famous battles, people, etc. could also be shared.

“Defining Moments” [25 minutes]

For this activity, youth will need the Canada and the First World War booklet, The 1st Newfoundland Regiment and the Battle of the Somme historical sheet, and other historical sites on the Internet to find the definitions of the terms listed on the "Defining Moments" activity sheets. After they have completed the sheet, review each term, calling on individuals to share their answers. Working as a group, formulate a final definition for each term.

“Witnessing History” [30 minutes]

Youth will view the video Canada and the Great War 1914-1918: A Nation Born (20 minutes) on Canada’s involvement in the First World War. The "Witnessing History" viewing activity sheet has questions for youth to answer while doing this.

Following the video, have youth engage in discussion of specific themes and topics pertaining to the “Great War” and Canada’s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and Newfoundland’s connection to Beaumont-Hamel.

Follow-Up Activities

  • To situate the First World War in time, have the youth give their parents’, grandparents’, and perhaps even their great-grandparents’ years of birth. How do these dates relate to the time frame of the First World War?

  • Have youth write a brief essay outlining the consequences of Canada’s and Newfoundland’s involvement in the First World War and the impact it has had on Canadians’ lives today. It may be useful to make links to the Second World War, the Korean War and Canada’s peacekeeping tradition.

  • Have students respond to the following questions:
    • Do you agree/disagree with Newfoundland’s and Canada’s involvement in the war? Explain.
    • What is the best reason you can give for Newfoundlanders’ and Canadians’ interest in the war?
    • Why, in your opinion, were people so far away from the actual fighting interested in the war?
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