CULMINATING ACTIVITIES

As mentioned at the beginning of this teaching unit, Pier 21 stands as a symbol of welcome for hundreds of thousands who came to Canada’s shores years ago. For a long period of time, it was the gateway to the rest of Canada and helped ease the journey for those who were anxious and often afraid.
Working in small groups, students will create their own versions of Pier 21, remembering that it is the symbolic value that is important. So, we’re not asking students to design a replica of Pier 21 but to come up with their own concept of how communities can be welcoming, how they can participate in activities to make newcomers within their class, their school, their community feel as if they are part of its fabric. Perhaps this may mean planning a multicultural festival or special days that recognize different cultures or the staging of a play that explores the welcoming theme. The activity is open-ended but it must focus on the desired result: how to create something (Web site, video, play, song, poem, demonstration etc.) that communicates to the community that all are valued and appreciated. Ultimately, the point is to determine what we can learn from each other and how this knowledge helps develop compassion and understanding of those around us.