Canadian Thanksgiving - Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of
October.
Thanksgiving in Canada - What Gives? - Most of us will have noticed that Canadian Thanksgiving
comes well in advance of our neighbours to the south, and for all the predictable reasons: colder
climate, earlier harvest, and that persistent urge to accomplish something (anything) before
"they" do. But the history of our Thanksgiving is stuffed with surprises.
Celebrating a Canadian Thanksgiving - The first North American thanksgiving event occurred
in Newfoundland in 1578. In the 1600s, Samuel de Champlain and the French Settlers who came with
him established an “Order of Good Cheer." This group would hold huge celebrations marking the
harvests and other events, sharing their food with Native American neighbors. On January 31,
1957 Parliament issued a proclamation to fix permanently the second Monday in October as
"a day of general Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada
has been blessed."
History and Origin of Canadian Thanksgiving - In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on
the second Monday in October. Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling
in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls
earlier in Canada compared to the United States due to the simple fact that Canada is
further north."
The History of Halloween - Each year, on the last night of October, millions of children
across the North America dress-up in costume and take to the streets for a spooky dose of Trick or Treat
fun. But how much do you really know about this haunted holiday? Explore this site to find out
the true history.
NASA Halloween Page - A very interactive flash site from NASA that includes a haunted
house, ghost stories, a word find and some cool Halloween greetings.
Halloween Crafts - These crafts projects are for preschool, kindergarten and elementary
school children. The crafts use materials found around the house, like egg cartons, cardboard,
paper, boxes, string, crayons, paint, glue, etc. See a page about color mixing to see how to
combine paint to make all the colors of the rainbow.
Halloween.com - This collection of links has everything you need to get your Halloween
headed in the right direction.
Pump Up the Curriculum With Pumpkins! - Pumpkins are harvested in early fall, and echo
the changing colors of the leaves. Since pumpkins are used as a decoration for Halloween,
students see them everywhere! They're readily available, inexpensive materials for some wonderful
classroom hands-on experiences! So why not plan a theme around pumpkins? Or spice up
your curriculum with a one-time pumpkin infusion -- no matter what subject area or grade
level you teach!
Pumpkin Carving 101 - Here you'll find everything you need to know about carving
your own pumpkin masterpieces and have a lot of fun doing it!
Pumpkin Stencils - Carve some absolutely phenomenal jack-o-lanterns using these free stencils.
The stencils range from typical faces all the way to Martha Stewart, Elmo and Fred Flintstone.
More Pumpkin Stencils - And learn how to put your own image (or the image from any photograph)
on a pumpkin. (That one you pay for though.)
Halloween Clipart - A huge collection of clipart divided into helpful categories.
Halloween Online - Includes how-to guides for haunting, decorations, make-up and
costumes, and special effects.
Zombie Pumpkins - A few more jack-o-lantern stencils to take a look at.
LOGIN: pmlavery@shaw.ca
PASSWORD: qwerty
Hershey's Trick or Treats Online - The kids can take a safety quiz, download free clipart,
color and print out an online coloring book and print off some good jack-o-lantern stencils.
Blackdog's Halloween Party - This site has a huge selection of online games and activities.
It also has things you can print off for the students.
Educationworld: Bats - Just before Halloween is the perfect time to work bats into the
curriculum, to teach about some of the misconceptions often held about these interesting creatures
of nature.
Bat Information Page - A good page to take a look at to see where some of the more
common species of bats reside in North America.
Biography of John McCrae - "In Flanders Fields" was first published in England's "Punch"
magazine in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all
who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance
Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries. The poem was written by a Canadian - John McCrae,
a doctor and teacher, who served in both the South African War and the First World War.
Royal Canadian Legion Teacher's Guide - This site is a teaching tool to help students
become aware of the meaning of some of our traditions and to ensure future generations can
respond to the significance of Remembrance by remembering the price paid in human lives to
achieve peace. In this way we hope to ensure that these sacrifices will not be forgotten
in the future.
Remembrance Day: Lest we Forget - A great flash site with an online photo album, history
of Canada's involvement in the Boer War, WWI, WWII, Korea and since Korea and a list of
casualties.
Our History, Our Culture, Our Heroes - Remembrance Day - Sickened by what he had seen
during the Boer War, John McCrae nevertheless signed up in August 1914, and headed
for France with his horse, Bonfire, in tow. Find out more here.
A Day of Remembrance - This site has information on the why, whom, what and how we remember.
There is also a list of other sources.
Why a Poppy? - A writer first made the connection between the poppy and battlefield
deaths during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, remarking that fields that
were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.
Visit to learn more about why the poppy has come to symbolize those who have died in battle.
Remembrance Day and the Poppy - This page, is designed to help teachers and students in
their search for material on Remembrance and those who want to know more about the Poppy Campaign.
Courage Remembered - This site presents the role Canadian soldiers played in the wars of
1914-1918 and 1939-1945, as shown through personal memoirs, photography, art work by Canadian
war artists and the documented exploits of Canadian George Cross and Victoria Cross recipients.
The First Remembrance Day - On November 6th, 1919, Sir George Foster, the acting Prime
Minister, rose in the House of Commons to read a message from King George V, addressed
"to all the peoples of the Empire":
Remembrance Day Quiz - A good 10 question quiz to test your knowledge of Canadian involvement
in the two world wars.
For King and Empire - This site explores the Canadian soldier's role in the Great
War. Included in the site is a interactive battle display, a Militaria Collectors' Forum
and a comprehensive Resource Centre.
Trenches on the Web - Probably the largest and widest ranging WWI site on the Web, very
well-organized and presented. The site includes biographies, maps, posters, plans, analyses
and discussions of diplomacy, weapons, songs, and more.
Diaries and Letters - Read actual excerpts from wartime diaries and letters from WWI, and
experience first-hand the day-to-day struggles of young Canadians.
History of Advent - Take a look at this site to learn about the history of Advent.
How to Make and Use an Advent Wreath - The Advent wreath started in Germany as a Lutheran family custom.
They didn't become popular in churches until the middle of the twentieth century. Now they are
nearly universal.
Blest Are We: Advent Activities - During Advent we remember our Old Testament ancestors and
how God prepared the world for Jesus’ coming. We prepare for the Lord’s coming in many ways. We
reflect on the first Christmas, and we think about Christ’s coming at the end of time to
establish God’s kingdom. We also prepare to accept Jesus into our hearts. Learn more and download some
good PDFs at this site.
What is Advent? - The answer to this and many other questions including, how it began and
how it is celebrated.
The Jesse Tree - The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from
the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the Story of
God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God
across 4,000 years of history.
Symbols for a Jesse Tree - This site includes instruction on how to make a Jesse Tree and
has links to symbols you can use as ornaments.
Advent Calendar - Offering a new 25-part story for each new holiday season.
Advent Calendar: A Page a Day - The story of Tate the Lucky Cat is told in daily episodes, one
for each day in December. The stories can be read in English, French, Dutch, German, Italian,
and Swedish. There is a good 2002 version here
and 2001 here as well.
Dramatix: Christmas Play Scripts - Dramatix is a community effort sharing quality Christian
drama scripts from around the world. Dip in, take what you need, and share what you can. Click
here to view the general script site.
History Channel: The History of Christmas - Each year, during the month of December, millions
of homes across North America are decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights. But how much do
you really know about this festive holiday? Explore this site to find out the true history!
HowStuffWorks.com: Christmas - Answer every question you ever had about Christmas including a
few of the following... Why do you have holly draped over the mantel and staircase? Why is mistletoe
hanging over the front door? And what about this nativity scene in the corner? What, exactly, are
the 12 days of Christmas? Why do Christmas carolers walk around the neighborhood singing? Why is
the day before Christmas, Christmas Eve, celebrated? Why is Christmas sometimes spelled Xmas?
Christmas Quiz - A great 30 question quiz about Christmas that also teaches kids
about the correct answers to each question.
Blest Are We: The Christmas Season - Christmas is a season of gift giving, a tradition that
originally centered on the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the Magi and the
revelation of the Lord to the whole world. Learn more by completing some of the activities on this
page.
St. Nicholas Center - Who is St. Nicholas? Who is Santa Claus? Are they the same?
Find out here.
Urban Legends: Christmas Facts and Myths - This site helps us keep straight some of the urban
myths surrounding the season of Christmas. Take a quiz to find out which statements about Christmas
are true and which ones are false; you'll be surprised.
Was December 25th Jesus' Birthday? - Learn more about when Jesus is believed to have been
born and why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
Christmas: A Pagan Festival - This extract from The Paganism that is Modern Day Christianity
by Misha'al Al-Kadhi goes into detail about how December 25th became what we now celebrate as
Christmas.
Why Christmas? - This site will try to answer the Hows, Wheres, but mostly the Whys of
Christmas. Information includes how Christmas traditions and customs came into being,
how Christmas is celebrated around the world and most importantly why Christmas exists,
to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Kidsdomain: Christmas Around the World - Some fun information about traditions and
celebrations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Ireland
and the Netherlands. Also includes a legend of Saint Nicholas.
Christmas Around the World - Enjoy traditions from over Mexico, Spain, Germany, and other
countries around the world. We are always adding more throughout the year.
Holidays From Around the World - This site includes customs from New Zealand, Scotland, India,
Japan, Brazil and France just to name a few.
Bill Egan's Christmas World - In a thousand different ways, the peoples of the earth join
their hearts in the great communion of mankind that only this season can bring. Learning about
the Christmas customs of various nations helps us to understand the wide variety of traditions
that families have practiced for many centuries around the globe. It's interesting to note how
many aspects of Christmas have been adopted and adapted as they move across borders. When you
click on the names of countries below, you will read about their holiday traditions, see pictures
of celebrations, and hear some of their Christmas music.
Aristotle's Christmas on the Web - Features Christmas postcards, Christmas Trivia quiz,
recipes, holiday stories, and tales of Santas around the world.
Christmas Traditions in France and Canada - Canada and France offer you a summary of the
diverse Christmas traditions. Three different aspects are presented: social and communal
customs, family celebrations and religious ceremonies - from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Christmas in Virtual Finland - Learn more about how people in Finland celebrate
Advent and Christmas both today and in the past.
The True Meaning of the Twelve Days of Christmas - The Twelve Days of Christmas are probably
the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical
church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas,
but in the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of
Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th).
Christian Based Christmas Workbook - This 41 page PDF document includes cloze exercises, alphabetical
order sheets, word searches, crosswords and other Language Arts based activities.
Santa's Workshop - Anything you ever needed to know about the North Pole.
Santa Claus Workbook - This 40 page PDF document includes crosswords, word searches and other
Language Arts based activities on topics like Santa Claus and the North Pole.
Norad Tracks Santa - With the correct plug-ins this site allows your students to track Santa
on his travels.
Canada Post: Write to Santa - Send a letter to Santa or even email him and he'll write back.
This site also includes an online game section, activities and holiday trivia.
Christian Symbols for the Holiday Season - Includes information on things like the legend of
the candy cane, advent wreaths, candles and lights, Christmas tree and ornaments and Christmas
carols. There are many more so come take a look.
Christmas Stories - This Web site provides old and new stories of Christmas, including
"'Twas the Night Before Christmas," "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus," and Luke's
account of the birth of Christ.
Math Activity: Christmas Themed Math Pages - Ranging from kindergarten to grade five this site has
everything you need for printing up some quick reproducible on a wide range of topics.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas - A neat little shockwave application featuring Santa and
the reindeer performing their rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Elf Bowling - There are now four different versions to take a look at and download. A little
rude for younger kids but a lot of fun while your bored. Most versions are available for
both Windows and Mac.
The Seattle Times: Martin Luther King Jr. - Few have had as much impact upon
the American consciousness as the late civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A great site with a lot of information.
Citizen King - A great PBS tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Also includes
a good teacher's guide to assist teachers in using the site.
National Civil Rights Museum - The actual museum is in Memphis, Tennessee. This official site
provides a very in depth timeline looking at slavery and the eventual
fights for civil rights that occurred in the United States.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.'s
upbringing at this National Park Service site dealing with his birth house in Atlanta, Georgia.
CNN: Black History Month - Each day during Black History Month, CNN Interactive will
profile one man or woman who has made a lasting contribution, ranging from literature, music
and the arts to science and technology. Take a look at who they are.
Enchanted Learning, Groundhog/Woodchuck - From Enchanted Learning, learn about
groundhogs/woodchucks through a diagram and explanation all presented in language suitable
for younger students.
Hinterland Who's Who: Woodchuck's - Where do woodchucks live? What do they look like? What
do their burrows look like? What do they do? Explore this page of the Hinterland Who's Who
new site for the answers to these questions and more.
Educationworld: Come to the Groundhog Day Party! - Celebrate Groundhog Day with a bunch
of activities, some Internet exploration, and a variety of groundhog games. Included: Three
Internet teaching masters.
The History of Valentine's Day - Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and
gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this
mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?
Catholic Roots of Valentine's Day - The Catholic Church no longer officially honors
St. Valentine, but the holiday has both Roman and Catholic roots.
The Real St. Patrick: Saint Patrick and Celtic Spirituality - The real St. Patrick didn't
chase the snakes out of Ireland and may not have plucked a shamrock to teach the mystery of
the Trinity, but he deserves to be honored by the people of Ireland—and by downtrodden and
excluded people everywhere.
How St. Patrick's Day Works - This site gives us a history of who St. Patrick was and
the origins of St. Patrick's Day.
St. Patrick's Day - An amazingly complete site from Grosse Pointe Public School System that includes
the following sections: Arts, Crafts and Recipes, Clipart and Images, Games and Activities Online,
Historical Background and Tourism, Lesson Plans and Printable Pages.
Who was St. Patrick? - Learn all about the legend of St. Patrick and why shamrocks,
leprechauns and wearing green are associated with St. Patrick's Day.
Blest Are We: Lenten Activities - Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing for forty
days. Lent is a penitential season, one in which to turn away from attachment to material
things and everyday pleasures. It is a time to examine personal relationships with God and
others. Each Sunday, through the Scripture readings, important themes of Jesus’ life and
teaching are recalled. The color of Lent is purple, reflecting on a time of penance. Download
some great PDFs here.
The Season of Lent - Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday.
We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection.
Thus in 2005, Lent begins on February 9 and ends on March 18.
Lent FAQ - Frequently asked questions from American Catolic. Why do Catholics fast and give
things up during Lent? Why are there ashes on Ash Wednesday and palms on Palm Sunday? When does
Lent end? Find the answers to these and other frequently asked questions here. A great starting
point for learning about Lent. Also check out their general Lent site by
clicking here.
Easter Activities - Learn what Easter Eggs symbolize, where Easter came from and try some of
the fun and educational activities.
Blest Are We: Holy Week - The Easter Triduum begins the evening of Holy Thursday. We celebrate
the Lord’s Supper to commemorate the meal Jesus ate with his disciples the night before he died. It
is customary to have a foot-washing ceremony during the liturgy to recall Jesus’ message of
service. The Lord’s Passion is observed on Good Friday afternoon. Scripture readings tell of
Jesus’ trial and execution, his suffering and death to bring about our freedom from sin. On
the evening of Holy Saturday, we celebrate the Easter Vigil, the most important liturgy of
the year. The priest blesses new fire and lights the Paschal candle, which represents
Christ, the Light of the World. The priest carries the candle into a darkened church, where
the light spreads to all the assembly. Download some great PDF files here.
The Funny Bunny Trail - This site offers category links to many topics surrounding Easter and
its traditions and history.
Billy Bear's Happy Easter - Here you will find a host of unique Easter-related Internet activities
young learners will truly enjoy. Included are cards, coloring books, egg hunts, clip art,
and other Easter links.
Blest Are We: Easter - The Easter season begins with Jesus’ Resurrection and continues
for seven weeks until Pentecost. The Feast of Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy
Spirit upon the first disciples and is the birthday of the Church. This season reminds us
of the appearances of Jesus Christ to his disciples after the Resurrection. Download some
great PDFs here.
Origins of the Stations of the Cross - While many believe the Franciscans founded the
devotion of the Stations of the Cross, its roots precede the followers of St. Francis by
several centuries, and its development draws from numerous sources.
Earth Day Canada - Information, events, newsletters related to Earth Day in Canada.
Get To Know, Robert Bateman Wildlife Week Writing and Art Contest - Put your writing and
art skills to the test and win prizes at the same time! The Canadian Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Week Contest is open to youth under 18 from across the country. Check out
this Web site for more information, but get moving because the deadline is April 22nd!
The Wilderness Society's Earth Day - Teachers, researchers and students will find this web site
a good source of info about Earth Day, with photos and a history of the first Earth Day, bio and
essays by Earth Day founder Senator Gaylord Nelson, lesson plans, a virtual Arctic journey, and
electronic postcards to celebrate Earth Day.
Earth Day at Kids Domain - Kid friendly Earth Day information including history and ideas.
Plus Earth Day e-cards, Coloring Pages, Word Searches, Crafts etc.
My Ecological Footprint - This Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive
land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. After answering 15
easy questions you'll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people
use and to what is available on this planet.
Canada's National Anthem - The Canadian Heritage site is maintained by the federal
government. This page outlines the history of the national anthem, and includes
information on Calixa Lavallée, its composer. It also has various versions of the
words to the anthem. If you explore further in this site, you'll learn about other
Canadian symbols and the stories behind our national holidays. Take the quiz to test
your knowledge of Canadian trivia!
George Brown describes the Charlottetown Conference, 1864 - Check out this site for a
first-hand account of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference. Reproduced here is part of a
letter from George Brown to his wife Anne describing the conference. Get a detailed
account of what happened from one person's unique perspective.
Confederation for Kids: Teacher Page - In this comprehensive teaching strategy, students
learn about Canada (past and present) as they renegotiate Confederation.