Susan Ramsay | Jul 03, 2013


 

The photos from London, England showed a sea of red and white– red balloons, red and white beach balls, small Canadian flags waved in the air. Pictures showed take-out containers of poutine cradled lovingly in revellers’ hands while music played from an outdoor band shell. Yes, I had heard or seen fireworks each night of the long weekend in my neighbourhood. I had witnessed parades and music and festivities in Canada, but the images of Canadians celebrating Canada Day in such a large city in an entirely different country took me by surprise.

The reasons for Canadians’ deep sense of national pride are undoubtedly varied. Our geography, multiculturalism, sense of freedoms and opportunities, as well as our right to lobby for change may all contribute to a sense of community and belonging. We proudly poke fun at ourselves for currency that prompts us to ask for loonies and for the way we state ideas as questions with a ubiquitous “eh?”

On Canada Day, our youngest Canadian citizens grow in their understanding and love of Canada when we celebrate together. Throughout the rest of the year we teach children about being Canadian through conversations, outdoor experiences, trips to local attractions, and through exposure to uniquely Canadian books.

We know that alphabet books help children make connections between alphabet letters and their sounds. Many alphabet books, however, are also great for sparking conversation with children about Canada.

“Eh? to Zed” by Kevin Major, as the title implies, is a truly Canadian Alphabet book. With Napanee listed on the page for ‘N’ along with Neepawa, narwhal and nickel, this book hits especially close to home. Explanations are included at the end of the book about why specific people, places and words were chosen to signify Canada.

“A is for Algonquin Park” by Lovenia Gorman, explores places, people and fun facts about Ontario.

“Z is for Zamboni” by Matt Napier is an alphabet book for our youngest hockey fans that celebrates our national sport.

“M is for Maple A Canadian Alphabet” is written by Mike Ulmer and highlights historical events and people like cancer crusader Terry Fox, hockey star Rocket Richard, and Ojibwa First Nations people.

“Loonies and Toonies: A Canadian Number Book”, also written by Mike Ulmer, feature aspects of Canada’s past and present as well as the metric system.

The picture book “Little Beaver and The Echo” by Amy MacDonald is perfect for preschoolers and young school-age children. The story is about a beaver that is lonely. When Little Beaver calls out, “I need a friend” he hears the same words echoed from across the water. Little Beaver searches for the voice thinking someone else is lonely too. As he searches, Little Beaver finds other animals in the Canadian forest that are looking for friendship too.

Canada is vast and it is challenging to give young children an inclusive picture of what it means to be Canadian. Through picture books we enable children to see, hear, think and talk about Canada and its people from coast to coast to coast. That has to be a good thing, eh?


Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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