(Grades 4-6)
Introduction
Start the lesson by explaining that today we are learning about what it means to be a good neighbour. Discuss the importance of being a good neighbour in your school community. Introduce the concept of treating others how you wish to be treated in the classroom and at home. Then, mention that our country of Canada is a good neighbour to other countries around the world too! Explain that we help many countries in times of need.
Canada believes that all people deserve their human rights, such as the right to go to school, the right to have food and water and the right to live free from war. Sometimes people (and kids) around the world can’t get these things due to natural disasters such as forest fires or floods, or even in times of war.
This is why the Canadian Armed Forces have stepped in to help in other countries as well as here in Canada.
Watch the video
Watch the Being a good neighbour animated video to learn from the Remembrance Club animals how Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members have helped around the world.
Video discussion
The video explores the concept of being a good neighbour on a large scale - around the world. Remind students that our world is made up of many countries. You may wish to share a map of the continents or a globe. Point out where you live in Canada as well as other countries that they may know such as the United States, England, France, Russia, China, etc. Just like in your classroom, all of these countries have to try to be good neighbours to one another so people can live in peace.
The Remembrance Club animals showed how members of the Canadian Armed Forces have, for many years, travelled around the globe to help people in need. Remind students that people who used to work for the Canadian Armed Forces are called Veterans. They had many different jobs. They helped by stopping fighting in some countries or maintaining peace. They responded to disasters and war by helping distribute food or providing medical care. Sometimes, they even helped by bringing little toys to brighten the days of children living in countries that were at war.
Here are a few questions you may wish to explore as a class:
- What are some of the ways mentioned in the video that Veterans helped people in need?
- What are ways that we can help people in our school? In our community? In Canada? Around the world?
- How does it make you feel that Canada is a good neighbour to other countries in need?
- Did you know that Canada’s Armed Forces have helped respond to dozens of emergencies in Canada? That includes floods, fires, ice storms, hurricanes, plane crashes and much more. Can you think of any examples? (Visit Operation Lentus for a list. Choose some examples from your province or region.)
- How do you feel when you are helping others?
- Why is it important to thank and recognize people who help us?