Our Shared Anthem

Overview

This 40-minute lesson introduces 1st grade students to Canada’s national anthem, including an Indigenous perspective to foster respect and understanding of the Land’s original peoples. The lesson is designed to meet British Columbia’s Social Studies curriculum and emphasizes hands-on activities to engage young learners.

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Curriculum Connections

BC Curriculum - Social Studies (Grade 1):

• Big Idea:
  People and events in their local community help shape people’s identities and sense of belonging.
• Content:
  Introduction to symbols of Canadian identity including the national anthem.
• Competencies:
  Social Responsibility – Demonstrate respect and understanding of diverse perspectives.
  Communication – Express ideas and feelings through varied ways, including art and song.
• Curricular Competencies:
• Demonstrate curiosity and a sense of wonder about places, events, and people in their community.
• Connect with others to share ideas and respect different points of view.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Recognise the national anthem of Canada ("O Canada") and understand its role as a symbol of national identity.
• Gain an introductory understanding of Indigenous peoples as original inhabitants of Canada and the land’s significance to them.
• Participate actively in singing the anthem and related hands-on art activities.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural perspectives by exploring Indigenous symbols connected to the anthem and Canada.

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Materials Needed

• Lyrics of "O Canada" printed large on chart paper with simple pictorial cues for key words
• Audio recording of "O Canada" (traditional, sung in English)
• Images/artifacts representing Indigenous culture in BC (e.g., cedar trees, salmon, eagle)
• Craft materials: paper, crayons/markers, feathers, coloured paper, glue, scissors (pre-cut safety scissors)
• Small drum or rhythm instrument (optional)
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Flow

1. Warm-Up & Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet students and ask if anyone knows the song they sing at sports games or assemblies called the "National Anthem."
• Briefly introduce "O Canada" as a special song many Canadians know. Emphasise it’s a way to show love and respect for our country.

2. Listening and Singing (10 minutes)

• Play the audio recording of "O Canada."
• Display the lyrics on chart paper with images (e.g., maple leaf, mountain).
• Teach the anthem line by line using repetition and hand gestures linked to words (for example, raise hands for “our home and native land”).
• Sing together as a class. Encourage participation by clapping a simple rhythm.

3. Indigenous Perspective (10 minutes)

• Show images of Indigenous cultural symbols: cedar tree, salmon, eagle — explain briefly their importance to Indigenous peoples in BC as part of the land, and how Indigenous peoples have cared for the land long before Canada’s anthem was written.
• Read or tell a short, child-friendly introduction: “Indigenous peoples were here first — the land holds their stories and songs.”
• Explain that their songs, stories, and symbols are important in Canada’s identity too.

4. Hands-On Art Activity (10 minutes)

• Each student creates a "Land and Culture" collage:
  • Start with a paper base representing the land (blue and green).
  • Add drawings or cut-out shapes of Indigenous symbols (eagle, salmon, cedar) and Canadian symbols (maple leaf).
  • Decorate with feathers or texture materials to represent the land's connection to nature and culture.
• Encourage students to explain their artwork briefly to the class or a partner.

5. Reflection and Closing (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle. Ask:
  “What did you learn about Canada’s anthem today?”
  “Who were the first people to care for the land we live on?”
  “How can we show respect for everyone’s stories and songs?”
• Close by singing "O Canada" once more, celebrating the new understanding they have about the anthem and Indigenous culture.

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Assessment

• Observe students participating in singing and discussion—identify comfort and engagement.
• Review the art collages, checking if students included Indigenous and Canadian symbols, and can verbally share connections.
• Use informal questioning during reflection to assess understanding of key concepts such as respect for Indigenous peoples and the anthem’s significance.

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Extensions

• Invite a local Indigenous elder or storyteller to share a traditional song or story (either virtually or in-person).
• Practice respectful listening and cultural awareness through a "symbol scavenger hunt" around the classroom or school.
• Create a class book combining the national anthem lyrics with Indigenous symbols and student artwork.

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This lesson offers rich multicultural layers and experiential learning tailored perfectly for young learners in British Columbia, planting seeds of respect and pride in Canada’s shared identity.