I Do: Love and Marriage in 19th Century Canada

Educational Resources

Introduction

Based on the Web exhibition entitled I Do: Love and Marriage in 19th-Century Canada,: this series of activities engages students' writing and research abilities while exploring the 19th century. The target age range is 14 to 18 (grades 8 to 12 or secondary 2 to 5). These activities allow for multisensory expression and can be used individually or sequentially. They may be assessed using the provided evaluation rubric. Where possible, suggestions for modifications are provided.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• explore the differences of social relationships between 19th-century and present-day Canada;
• apply 19th-century norms and language of correspondence;
• explore their own local history;
• understand how certain historic traditions have affected social norms today.

Curriculum Connections

Below is a table outlining the links to provincial curriculums for this educational resource. The table headings are: Province/Territory, Grade, Subject and Overall Expectations.

Province/ Territory	Grade	Subject & Overall Expectations
Alberta	8-9	Language Arts: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences; and to comprehend and respond personally and critically to print texts.
	10-12	Language Arts: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences; comprehend literature in print form, respond personally, critically and creatively.
British Columbia	8-10	Language Arts: Communicate effectively in written form; make connections to life outside the classroom; think critically, creatively, and reflectively; appreciate their own culture and the culture of others; use technology.
	11	Language Arts: Apply appropriate strategies for locating and using information from a variety of print and non-print sources; explain the effects of a variety of literary devices and techniques.
	12	Language Arts: Describe and evaluate a variety of strategies for locating information in print and electronic resources; describe and apply a variety of literary devices and techniques to create particular effects.
Manitoba	8	Language Arts: Students will explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences; students will respond personally and critically; students will write, view, and represent to enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
	Senior 1-4	Language Arts: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences; comprehend and respond personally and critically to print and other media texts; enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
New Brunswick	8	Language Arts: Students will explore, extend, clarify, and reflect on their thoughts; students will respond personally and critically; students will interact with sensitivity and respect, considering the situation, audience, and purpose; students will be expected to interpret, select and combine information.
	9-12	Language Arts: Students will be able to respond with critical awareness, and be able to express themselves through the arts.
Newfoundland and Labrador	8-9	Language Arts: Aesthetic expression; communication; technological competence.
	10-12	Language Arts: Students will be expected to communicate ideas effectively and to respond personally and critically; students will be expected to use writing to explore and to use their imagination; students will be expected to create texts for a range of audiences and purposes.
Nova Scotia	9-12	Language Arts: Aesthetic expression; communication; technological competence.
Nunavut Northwest Territories Saskatchewan	8-9	Language Arts: Gender equity; technology for teaching and learning; resource-based learning.
	10-12	Language Arts: Learn about language as they write, read, view, and represent; learn through language by using it to learn about life.
Ontario	8	Language Arts: Recognize a variety of text forms and demonstrate understanding of how they help communicate meaning; draft and revise their writing.
	9-12	Language Arts: Read and demonstrate an understanding of literary texts; recognize stylistic elements and demonstrate understanding of how they help communicate meaning; draft and revise their writing using a variety of literary and stylistic elements appropriate for the purpose and audience.
Prince Edward Island	8-12	Language Arts: Students will be able to respond personally and critically; students will be expected to create texts for a range of audiences and purposes.
Quebec	Secondary 1-5	Language Arts: The student will demonstrate their understanding of the nature and function of language. The student will show their ability to follow the appropriate process to produce oral, written, or visual work.

Activities Summary

Below is a table summarizing the content presented in this educational resource. The table headings are: Activity/Content, Description, Additional Formats.

Activity/ Content	Description	Additional Formats
Activity 1 Exploring Your Local History	Students research their local or family history using newspaper archives.	[PDF 59 KB] [RTF 87 KB]
Activity 2 Writing Your Own Letter	Students compose their own letter of courtship and conduct a period-sensitive letter exchange.	[PDF 60 KB] [RTF 85 KB]
Activity 3 The 19th Century Goes to the Comics	Students create a comic strip depicting a courtship issue of the 19th century, using expressions and vocabulary of the time.	[PDF 60 KB] [RTF 204 KB]
Activity 4 The 19th Century Goes to the Silver Screen	Students attempt to capture the language and nuances of the 19th century through dramatic expression.	[PDF 61 KB] [RTF 88 KB]
Assessment Rubric	Teachers can use this assessment rubric to measure and evaluate student performance.	[PDF 63 KB] [RTF 98 KB]

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Copyright/Sources