Democracy: Understanding the Canadian Parliamentary System

By Kristin Cassie and Gina McMurchy-Barber

INTENDED GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT AREA

Grade 4 and higher, History and Language Arts

CONCEPTS

Roots & Wings Montessori School adheres to the principles of using manipulatives to teach new concepts. Even in the language arts and history we work from concrete to abstract understanding. Therefore, whenever possible we design and make specialized materials in order to simplify and clarify new information for the students.

We also take the children out to the community as much as possible and give them hands-on experiences. For example, they were taken to a polling station during a municipal election.

Along with the specialized material, a selection of books on the subject was kept in the classroom for the students to read. For example, Parliament: Canada’s Democracy and How it Works by Maureen McTeer.

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES

Students will:

gain an understanding of democracy
create awareness of the levels of government within Canada
inspire political activism through letter writing and meeting with local representatives from the different levels of government
understand the different responsibilities of the Senate, House of Commons, and Governor General
have an appreciation of the duties and responsibilities of elected politicians and appointed officials
create an awareness of the election process

ACTIVITIES

1. A booklet and accompanying workbook was created using information from a number of sources. The booklet, The Parliamentary System, contains a history of our government, the mechanics of this system of government and information on the earliest members of government. The accompanying workbook can be used once the children have studied the booklet.

2. A trivia game was created to assist the memorization of basic facts. On one side was a question and on the other the answer. For example: How many seats are there in the House of Commons? or What is the role of the Governor General?

3. The children were encouraged to look through their local newspaper for stories involving one level of government or another. A letter would sometimes follow class discussion on political issues to the government officials involved. Before this was done the students learned proper letter writing format and edited all errors from their work.

4. During our study of the parliamentary system, our community was having a municipal election. We took our students to the polling station where their teachers were given ballots, cast their votes and placed ballots in the carefully guarded box.

5. We are fortunate to live only a few hours away from our legislature so a day trip was planned. After we toured the buildings we met with the Minister of Children and Families where we discussed the many issues facing children today.

6. Through fundraising efforts our class was able to make a weeklong trip to Ottawa. Before going, materials were made that taught them the parts of the parliament buildings, such as The Eternal Flame, the offices of Senate and members of parliament, the library and so. It gave them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with what they were about to see.

7. Each student composed a letter to the Prime Minister about why he or she was proud to be Canadian and what he or she liked best about their country. We were very pleased to have a personally written and signed letter in return from Prime Minister Chrétien.

8. Students researched and wrote reports on past and present Canadian politicians.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Kristin Cassie and Gina McMurchy-Barber use many diverse teaching methods to inspire their grade 4-6 students. Field trips, dough relief maps, murals, pen pals, guest speakers and games are but a few examples. The structure of the school also allows the students to become engrossed in their lessons. Gina and Kristin’s classes are with them for a full three-year period. This enables them to develop continuity in their study units. In 1995-96 the focus was on First Nations studies and culminated in a visit to the Queen Charlotte Islands to learn more about the Haida Indians. The class stayed in a Long House and participated in Haida dances. In 1996-97, students learned about the Canadian parliamentary system and visited a municipal polling station, the BC legislature and the House of Commons in Ottawa. In 1997-98, the theme was The Depression years. This was brought to life by a musical production, based on the life of Gina’s family. Projects undertaken by Gina’s and Kristin’s young students are often presented to parents and the community and have garnered media coverage.