Understanding Residential Schools

Curriculum Area: Social Studies (Canada)

Grade Level: Year 8

Lesson 1: The Origins of Residential Schools

Lesson Duration

60 minutes

Learning Objectives

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

• Define what residential schools were and explain their purpose.
• Identify key historical events that led to the creation of the residential school system in Canada.
• Discuss the role of government and religious institutions in establishing these schools.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed or projected timeline of residential schools
• Images of historical documents and photographs
• Speaker (if using audio testimony)
• Printed quotes from Indigenous survivors

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Lesson Structure

1. Engaging Introduction (10 minutes)

Activity – Think-Pair-Share:

• Ask students: "What does education mean to you?" and have them write their thoughts down.
• In pairs, students share their responses and discuss how education has shaped their lives.
• Introduce the topic: Explain that in Canada’s history, not all forms of education had positive impacts, and today, they will explore the history of residential schools.

2. Historical Context (15 minutes)

Guided Discussion:

• Display a timeline of events leading up to the establishment of the residential school system (e.g., 1876 Indian Act, early missionary schools, federal policies).
• Explain the reasons why the Canadian government and churches promoted these schools: assimilation policies, land control, and Indigenous suppression.
• Show historical images of residential schools and discuss their locations.

Quick Class Poll:

• Ask: “Why do you think the government and churches wanted Indigenous children to attend these schools?”
• Collect responses and briefly discuss themes of control, cultural suppression, and colonialism.

3. Survivor Testimonies (15 minutes)

Audio or Reading Activity:

• Play a short recorded testimony or read an excerpt from a residential school survivor. (Ensure age-appropriate content.)
• In small groups, students discuss their reactions and feelings.
• Each group writes one key takeaway on the whiteboard.

4. Reflection and Exit Ticket (10 minutes)

Writing Prompt:

• Have students write a one-paragraph reflection answering:
  • What was the most surprising thing you learned today?
  • How do you think this history still impacts Canada today?
• Collect responses as students leave the classroom.

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Assessment

• Participation in discussions and group activities.
• Thoughtfulness in exit ticket responses.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure an open, respectful discussion space.
• Provide opportunities for students to ask questions without fear of judgment.
• Emphasise that these schools were not just about education but also about erasure of Indigenous culture.

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Next Lesson Preview:

In the next session, students will examine the experiences of children who attended residential schools, focusing on their day-to-day lives, struggles, and impacts on their identities.