I teach grade seven and eight visual arts at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School in Nepean, Ontario. As a twist to the print making unit, my grade eights designed, carved and printed an easy cut rubber block to celebrate Canada’s big day. To complement the wrapping paper, my grade sevens made original birthday cards.
Their block design had to be celebratory in nature and reflective of some aspect or scene in Canada that they liked. Though they live in the nation’s capital the topics included, but went well beyond, the parliament buildings and fireworks. Some of the topics were totem poles, orca whales, northern lights, maple syrup, provincial flowers, toques and mitts, light houses, curling and of course hockey (Paul Henderson’s iconic goal).