The Vimy Oaks: A Journey to Peace
Explores the symbolic planting of oaks to commemorate Canadian soldiers and the pursuit of peace.
Lest We Forget and How We Remember
Subject: Social Studies and English Language Arts
Grade: 1 – 6
We can learn about and better understand history by exploring the lives of everyday people from the past. Studying the experiences of one person or family who lived through significant historical events — such as war — can help us see how the past connects to today.
Use the video below to complement the study of First World War. Also examine how primary sources and archival photos from Calgary Public Library’s Calgary’s Story collection tell the story of Joseph Convery, a Calgary resident who enlisted as a soldier.
Learning Objectives
- Look at photographs and video to construct meaning from historical information and local events.
- Practise perspective-taking skills to deepen understanding of historical events and figures.
- Practise critical thinking and visual literacy skills.
- Learn about Calgary Public Library’s local history collection as a trusted source for research.
- Show understanding through figurative language in a haiku poem and in imaginative letter-writing.
What is Historical Thinking and Why is it Important?
Historical thinking is a form of critical thinking that helps us learn from the past. By asking thoughtful questions, examining evidence, and considering different perspectives, we can better understand people’s experiences.
Consider and discuss these questions after watching Joseph’s video.
- Whose story are we hearing?
- Whose story are we missing? What would that person have to say?
- The postcards in the video show a very different Calgary than the one we know today. How was Calgary in the past different from Calgary today? In what ways has it stayed the same?
- The Canadian Government used posters to encourage people from Europe to move and settle in Canada. Looking closely at the posters for clues, what do they say about Canada — especially Western Canada — and what life was like there? How do the posters portray Canada? Are they accurate?
- Why was flying during the war risky at that time?
- What can we learn about peace by remembering war?
Downloadable Activity Sheets
Moments of Reflection and Poetry Activity
Stories about war are also about people, choices, and remembering. Here is a haiku poem by Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō about war and peace:
The summer grass
Is all that remains
Of a soldier’s dream.
A haiku is a tiny poem that comes from Japan. It has only three lines and usually has an element of nature in it. Each line has a special rhythm made by syllables (the beats in words). The poem doesn’t need to rhyme — it’s more about how something feels.
Traditional haiku pattern:
- The first line has five syllables
- The second line has seven syllables
- The third line has five syllables
Note: You don’t have to follow the exact syllable count — use it as a guideline rather than a rule!
Try writing your own haiku about peace.
