Sir John A. Macdonald
Canada's Patriot Statesman

Educational Resources

Classroom Ideas and Activities

Introduction

Sir John A. Macdonald was Canada's first prime minister and one of the Fathers of Confederation. He was also known as "Canada's Patriot Statesman" because of his role in uniting the regions of this great land, both politically and geographically.

The following activities are a selection of ideas that address a range of learning styles and various subjects. They are flexible and open-ended to adaptation for learner needs, using an integrated approach to explore the role of Sir John A. Macdonald in Canada's history.

These activities can be used in the classroom over a one-month period, culminating in a possible class party for a Sir John "Birthday Bash" to celebrate Sir John A. Macdonald Day on January 11. Teachers can build on and use these ideas to supplement regular social studies curriculum. It is also possible to make a formal unit of study out of them by adding further detail and structure.

Target Audience

Elementary-Intermediate level
Ages 10-15
Grade 5-9

Activity Summary

The cross-curricular activities that follow will allow students to explore the life and times of Sir John A. Macdonald. Students with different learning styles will benefit from the multi-sensory activities provided. The depth and breadth of the activities can be modified to suit the needs of the students.

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Synopsis

Activity	Description	Subjects
Activity 1 Essay Contest	Students will address issues related to Sir John. (Topic suggestions for each grade)	Language; computer technology
Activity 2 Oral Presentation	Students will write or deliver a speech. (Two creative options)	Language; Drama
Activity 3 Quiz Show and Trivia Contest	Students or the teacher will create trivia questions about Sir John. (Three "show" options)	Review of all subjects
Activity 4 Debate	Students will debate issues in the "House of Commons." (Two options)	Language; drama
Activity 5 Media Study	Students will create a newspaper or conduct an interview. (Two options)	Language; drama; visual arts
Activity 6 Song	Students will write lyrics and compose music about Sir John. (Two options)	Language arts; music; drama
Activity 7 Build It	Students will build a monument to Sir John. (Two options)	Math; science and technology; visual arts
Activity 8 Draw It	Students will recreate or design images related to Sir John. (Two options)	Visual arts; language arts
Activity 9 Map It	Students will create a historic map of Canada.	Visual arts; math; geography
Activity 10 Write about It	Students will write a book or a creative writing piece about Sir John. (Two options)	Language arts; visual arts
Activity 11 Field Trip	Students will go on a local or an out-of-town field trip to learn more about Sir John. (Four options)	Review of all subjects

Note: Some activities can involve school-wide participation (e.g., an essay contest, a poster contest or a trivia contest announced daily over the public address system). Celebrate the significance of Canada's Patriot Statesman by inspiring students to dig more deeply and to learn more about Sir John.

Copyright/Sources