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The Canadians on D-Day

Historical Perspectives

Students will try to recreate the experience of being on Juno Beach, June 6, 1944. By examining historical evidence and many different primary sources, they will begin to understand the experience of those who lived through this momentous battle in Canada’s history.

Themes: Second World War, Personal Stories
Levels: Intermediate, Secondary

Download the complete Lesson Plan
PDF (196.4 KB)

Activation: Canada's role in D-Day

Exploration: What would you die for?

Discussion: What was it like to be there on D-Day?

Lesson Duration

1 class period (75 minutes)

Lesson Materials

D-Day Newspapers
“D-Day: Canada’s Role” Reading and Worksheet (for flipped lesson)
3 copies of Simulation Script
“D-Day Landing Folders” prepared in advance (1 for every 4 students in small groups)
2 Yellow Cards
3 Blue Cards
8 Printed Newspaper Front Pages
Markers
Cue Cards (or half-sheets of paper) for each student in your class

Preparation

Preparation of the “D-Day Landing Folders” takes time, but is well worth the effort. Print and cut out the various materials. You can print them in colour or on coloured sheets of paper. A manila envelope or folder will help to gather the contents.

Desks can be set up around the perimeter of the room in groups of 4-5.

Be sure to leave space to establish a community circle in the middle of your room or outside the groups of desks to facilitate reflection and conversation.

Notes For Educators

Options for Continued Learning

1. Watch a video of D-Day veterans who describe their experience. D-Day 70: The Veterans (share their stories) - Curio.ca is only viewable for subscribers - Video (10:05)

2. Visit the Memory Project Website to explore the stories of Second World War veterans. Locate, watch, and discuss the experience of a D-Day Veteran through this invaluable classroom resources.

3. Book a Canadian Veteran of the Second World War to visit your school or classroom.

Additional Resources

The Juno Beach Centre website is a tremendous resource for continued research of many topics related to Canadians in the Second World War. You can research Events, People, and Arms and Weapons with many different sub-categories within each. There is also an interactive map feature which can work well in classrooms.