Exploring Quebec Identity

Overview

This 75-minute interactive class will engage 20 grade 10 students in an exploration of Quebec identity through social, political, and cultural lenses, in alignment with the Quebec Education Program (QEP) for Secondary Cycle Two (Grades 9-11), specifically focused on Citizenship and Identity.

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Learning Objectives

• Understand the complexity of Quebec identity within the context of Canadian and global citizenship.
• Analyse factors shaping individual and collective identities (personal, cultural, social, linguistic, political).
• Develop critical thinking and dialogue skills to discuss identity-related themes respectfully and insightfully.
• Reflect on their own identity and how it relates to Quebec society.

Relevant QEP Competencies and Elements

• Competency 1.2: To understand the complexity of social reality
  • Understand the social, cultural, and political factors that influence the development of identity.
• Competency 2.1: To exercise critical judgment
  • Analyse societal issues and reflect on their impact both individually and collectively.
• Competency 3.3: To communicate appropriately
  • Participate in collaborative activities to exchange ideas and opinions.

Targeted Learning Standards

• Analyse elements of identity and belonging (QEP Social Sciences Cycle Two, Citizen and Identity domain).
• Examine the effects of language, culture, and history on collective consciousness in Quebec society.

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Materials Needed

• Projector and slides
• Large sheets of chart paper and markers
• Printed identity badge templates
• Index cards with identity-related prompts
• Sticky notes
• Video clip about Quebec diversity (3-4 minutes)

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Lesson Outline

Time (min)	Activity	Description
0-10	Warm-Up: Identity Word Web	In small groups (4-5), students brainstorm words or phrases evoking “Quebec identity.” Each group writes responses on chart paper, creating a visual word web.
10-25	Video & Guided Discussion	Watch a short video illustrating Quebec’s cultural diversity, linguistic heritage, and various identities. Follow with whole-class discussion to debrief reactions/thoughts.
25-40	Identity Badge Creation	Each student creates an “identity badge” representing aspects of their personal identity (language, culture, hobbies, values). Use templates and markers.
40-50	Gallery Walk & Sharing	Students display badges around the room. Everyone walks around, reads badges, writes one positive comment or question on sticky notes, and posts them near the badges.
50-65	Roleplay Debate: Defining Quebec	Students split into 4 groups representing: Francophones, Anglophones, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants. Assign roles and debate the question — “What defines Quebec identity?”
65-75	Reflection & Exit Ticket	Individual written reflection on: “How has your understanding of Quebec identity changed today?” and “How do you see yourself contributing to Quebec society?”

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Offer identity badge prompts in both French and English to support language learners.
• Provide sentence starters for the reflection activity to scaffold writing.
• Encourage respectful listening and validation during debates to ensure a safe space for all voices.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation during group discussions and roleplay; quality of student participation and respectfulness in conversations.
• Summative: Completed identity badges and written reflections reviewed for depth of insight and connection to Quebec identity concepts.

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Teacher’s Notes: Tips to Engage

• Use real-life stories or clips featuring young Quebecers from diverse backgrounds to personalise the content.
• Foster an open classroom culture by setting norms for respectful dialogue early.
• Emphasise that Quebec identity is dynamic and multifaceted — no single “right” answer.
• Connect discussions to current events or local communities to make learning immediately relevant.

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This lesson embraces Quebec’s unique societal context while nurturing a safe, creative space for youth to explore their place within it. It meets QEP standards while promoting critical thinking, personal reflection, and peer dialogue — key 21st-century competencies.