INTRODUCTION
This unit serves as a learning toolkit for teachers and students. Its inception and realization are designed to complement and further explore the digital storytelling project Migrant Lives in Pandemic Times produced by the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. This unit focuses on the stories of 5 of these migrants and their respective experiences since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the difference in country of origin and life experiences, a common thread runs through their stories, one of community building and human links in times of uncertainty and despair.
The objective is for students to explore the significance of diversity, international community and the inequities related to opportunities as a result of one’s citizenship, education, gender, class and race. We want students to develop critical thinking skills to understand the limitations and lack of access particular groups of people have to improve their overall quality of life. At the end of the unit, the goal is to inspire conversations about migration in the age of Covid-19. Students will understand that migration is a ubiquitous human experience, despite the fact that not all people share the same freedom of mobility. The hope is for this collection of lessons to generate student engagement, inquiry, and a call to action.
There are 11 lessons in total. Each lesson builds on knowledge and skills that inform the next learning tasks. While educators are free to choose assignments that best complement their classroom practice, it is best to cover lessons 1 through 4 as they scaffold student learning in preparation for following tasks. Lessons 5 to 11 are multi-layered. Students will require multiple teaching periods to complete the assignments. The tasks are straightforward while challenging students to broaden their knowledge and research skills. Access to technology will be needed, as most lessons require internet usage.
All of the lessons cover curriculum expectations for Language Grades 5 through 8. Most of the lessons meet Grade 8 Geography curriculum expectations.