Exploring Canadian Issues

Overview

This 30-minute lesson introduces Grade 5 Ontario students to basic social, political, and economic issues in Canada. It aligns with the Ontario Social Studies Curriculum, Grade 5: Heritage and Identity (People and Environments: Canada's Interactions with the Global Community, 1900–Present), specifically addressing overall expectations related to investigating current issues and understanding civic responsibilities.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Define and identify examples of social, political, and economic issues in Canada.
• Understand how these issues affect communities and citizens.
• Think critically about their role as young Canadians in addressing some of these issues.

---

Curriculum Connections

• Strand B1.1: Describe some social, political, and economic aspects of communities and regions in Canada and the world.
• Strand B1.2: Identify and describe some current issues of local and national interest in Canada.
• Strand B2.2: Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities and roles of citizens in Canada.

---

Materials Needed

• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• Printed images or simple infographics representing social, political, and economic issues (e.g., pollution, voting, jobs)
• Sticky notes (3 colours)
• Handout: “Three Types of Issues Chart” (simple, colourful chart explaining social, political, and economic with examples)
• Timer

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Hook: Start with a quick storytelling activity.

• Tell a brief story about a community in Canada facing changes (e.g., a town struggling with fewer jobs, people reminding each other to recycle, or a recent election where kids wished adults would listen).
• Ask students: “What kinds of problems do people face in their daily lives?”
• Quickly list their answers on chart paper.

2. Teaching New Knowledge (10 minutes)

Explain the Three Types of Issues Using the Chart and Images:

• Social Issues: Problems that affect people’s daily lives and relationships (e.g., bullying, community safety, environmental cleanliness).
• Political Issues: Decisions and rules that affect how communities and countries are run (e.g., voting, laws, government leaders).
• Economic Issues: Matters related to money, jobs, and resources (e.g., unemployment, poverty, cost of living).
• Use printed images and point to each as you explain.
• Distribute the “Three Types of Issues Chart” handout for student reference.

Interactive Activity:

• Give each student 3 coloured sticky notes (one colour per issue type).
• Ask students to place a sticky note under the category on the board where they think the issue belongs as you mention recent Canadian examples (e.g., homelessness, elections, new jobs opening).

3. Group Activity and Discussion (10 minutes)

Scenario Role-Play

• Divide the class into 3 small groups, assign each one a type of issue (social, political, economic).
• Give each group a simple scenario for discussion. For example:
  • Social: A local park is dirty and unsafe – what can the community do?
  • Political: The town is voting on building a new school – what matters should people think about?
  • Economic: Many people have lost their jobs at a factory – what support could help?
• Each group discusses their scenario for 5 minutes and prepares a short 1-2 sentence idea to share.
• Groups present their thoughts to the class.

4. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Summarize key points by revisiting the chart and sticky notes.
• Ask students: “Why is it important for Canadians, even kids like you, to know about these issues?”
• Encourage one or two students to share their thoughts.
• Quick “ticket out the door”: Each student says one thing they learned about social, political, or economic issues.

---

Assessment and Differentiation

• Formative Assessment: Observations during sticky note activity and group discussions.
• Differentiation: Use visuals and simple language; for students needing more support, pair them with peers for group tasks; provide sentence starters for group presentations.

---

Extension Ideas

• Create a classroom bulletin board titled “Our Canadian Issues Wall” where students can add news clippings, drawings, or stories about current issues throughout the year.
• Invite a local community leader or city councillor to speak about political and social community issues.
• Use a kid-friendly news segment about Canada to reinforce learning (shown in a later lesson).

---

Teacher’s Reflection Notes

• Notice student engagement with current issue examples; gauge ability to differentiate the three types of issues.
• Consider revisiting economic issues later by connecting to personal finance for Ontario students.
• Use student feedback to plan for more inquiry-based projects linked to citizenship and community action.

---

This lesson offers a lively introduction to important Canadian themes, helping young learners connect curriculum expectations with real life — fostering responsible and informed citizenship right from grade 5.