Young Artists Artists for Haiti- Wavin' Flag
January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0, struck Haiti. The song is written by Somali-Canadian artist K'naan. He wrote the song for hopes of freedom for Somalia. After Haiti was hit with an earthquake in 2010, a group of Canadian artists remade the song to raise money for the Haitians after the devastating effects of the earthquake. The song was released in March, 2010 and the proceeds went to Free The Children, War Child Canada and World Vision Canada.
Social Studies
Grade 6
Overall Expectations
B1. Application: explain the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues, and
evaluate the effectiveness of selected actions by Canada and Canadian citizens in the international
arena (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Perspective)
B2. Inquiry: use the social studies inquiry process to investigate some global issues of political, social,
economic, and/or environmental importance, their impact on the global community, and responses
to the issues (FOCUS ON: Cause and Consequence)
B3. Understanding Context: describe significant aspects of the involvement of Canada and Canadians
in some regions around the world, including the impact of this involvement (FOCUS ON: Significance;
Patterns and Trends)
Brief Overview of First Lesson:
This resource can be integrated into the Social Studies Curriculum by using it as a "minds on" activity. You would start by playing the youtube video and then ask the students what they know about the song. Why it was written? Who it was written for? What has happened since the song was written? What was Canada's involvement after the earthquake in Haiti? The students will then be given time to discuss with their peers the answers to the questions. They will then be asked to share their answers with the class. The teacher will introduce government organizations and non government organizations by making a chart of similarities and differences between them. The students will then be asked to use their ipads and research all of the Canadian Non-Government Organizations that were involved in the Haiti relief effort and make a list in pairs.
Continuing Ideas:
This song could be used as a beginning to a unit plan. It is a great song to introduce different Canadian Organizations and the work they do in other countries. It could be the introduction to Canada's Government Organizations and Non-Government Organizations and their involvement in third world countries. The students will be asked to create a chart comparing the two types or organizations and the pros and cons they possess. I would attempt to set up a pen pal partnership with another country so that the children would be able to read first hand what is happening in other countries. This would also allow the to work on their writing skills. As a class the children would choose a Non-Government Organization of their choice and hold a fundraiser for that organization. That would also incorporate the math curriculum and the art curriculum. The end of the unit plan will be for the students to create their own Non-Government Organization to help whatever country they choose in whichever area they choose. The students will have to design a logo for their organization and that will be using their art skills. There are many cross curricular opportunities in using this song from Language Arts, Social Studies to Art. The students could also go into comparing their use of utilities and food and how it affects other countries. In teaching students about NGO's and Government Organizations, there is a hope to inspire the students to achieve the impossible and change the world.
January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0, struck Haiti. The song is written by Somali-Canadian artist K'naan. He wrote the song for hopes of freedom for Somalia. After Haiti was hit with an earthquake in 2010, a group of Canadian artists remade the song to raise money for the Haitians after the devastating effects of the earthquake. The song was released in March, 2010 and the proceeds went to Free The Children, War Child Canada and World Vision Canada.
Social Studies
Grade 6
Overall Expectations
B1. Application: explain the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues, and
evaluate the effectiveness of selected actions by Canada and Canadian citizens in the international
arena (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Perspective)
B2. Inquiry: use the social studies inquiry process to investigate some global issues of political, social,
economic, and/or environmental importance, their impact on the global community, and responses
to the issues (FOCUS ON: Cause and Consequence)
B3. Understanding Context: describe significant aspects of the involvement of Canada and Canadians
in some regions around the world, including the impact of this involvement (FOCUS ON: Significance;
Patterns and Trends)
Brief Overview of First Lesson:
This resource can be integrated into the Social Studies Curriculum by using it as a "minds on" activity. You would start by playing the youtube video and then ask the students what they know about the song. Why it was written? Who it was written for? What has happened since the song was written? What was Canada's involvement after the earthquake in Haiti? The students will then be given time to discuss with their peers the answers to the questions. They will then be asked to share their answers with the class. The teacher will introduce government organizations and non government organizations by making a chart of similarities and differences between them. The students will then be asked to use their ipads and research all of the Canadian Non-Government Organizations that were involved in the Haiti relief effort and make a list in pairs.
Continuing Ideas:
This song could be used as a beginning to a unit plan. It is a great song to introduce different Canadian Organizations and the work they do in other countries. It could be the introduction to Canada's Government Organizations and Non-Government Organizations and their involvement in third world countries. The students will be asked to create a chart comparing the two types or organizations and the pros and cons they possess. I would attempt to set up a pen pal partnership with another country so that the children would be able to read first hand what is happening in other countries. This would also allow the to work on their writing skills. As a class the children would choose a Non-Government Organization of their choice and hold a fundraiser for that organization. That would also incorporate the math curriculum and the art curriculum. The end of the unit plan will be for the students to create their own Non-Government Organization to help whatever country they choose in whichever area they choose. The students will have to design a logo for their organization and that will be using their art skills. There are many cross curricular opportunities in using this song from Language Arts, Social Studies to Art. The students could also go into comparing their use of utilities and food and how it affects other countries. In teaching students about NGO's and Government Organizations, there is a hope to inspire the students to achieve the impossible and change the world.