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Africville

Elementary

Description

The past and present weave through this beautiful picture book about a young girl visiting Africville, the home of her ancestors.  Rich memories of colourful houses, bounties of land and sea and children playing all come to life through the child's imagination, while she searches for the sundial on which her great-grandmother's name is carved.  As she joyfully shares in the stories and songs of the Africville Reunion Festival, this descendant teaches young readers that Africville is a special place which honours and celebrates the heritage of the Black Canadians who once called this tiny village home.

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General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The simple story and accompanying description of Africville's history and legacy supports Grade K-2 Social Studies outcomes exploring Canada's cultural diversity, human rights and social justice.  Students will also deepen their understanding of how traditions strengthen societal connections, build understanding and celebrate community.  Young readers will develop comrehension skills by exploring the meaning behind the text and reflecting on the message communicated by the story.

A class might create a mural of the Africville timeline to raise awareness of how former residents of this community fought to have this site recognized as a National Historic Site that promotes cultural understanding.  Students could also include information about other prominent civil rights activists like Viola Desmond or Jean Augustine.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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  • Saskatchewan
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    • Kindergarten
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        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us.
        • Everyone has a unique story to share
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Rights, roles, and responsibilities shape our identity and help us build healthy relationships with other
        • Identity and Families
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
        • Everyone has a unique story to share.
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Local Communities: Healthy communities recognize and respect the diversity of individuals and care for the local environmen
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
        • Everyone has a unique story to share.
        • Stories and other texts connect us to ourselves, our families, and our communities
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Regional and Global Communities: Canada is made up of many diverse regions and communities

Themes Addressed

Human Rights (3)

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Environmental Racism/Justice
  • Social Justice