I’m elated to be featured today on hodge:podge for being So Canadian, Eh?! You will find many fabulous style ... Read More

Living on the Prairies, my guest this week has amazing talent and a real eye for design. Using her creativity and ingenuity she is designing her home to create a visual treat. Passionate about design and a DIYer to the core; give this girl some fabric, a staple gun, glue and paint and she can whip up some spectacular. Please welcome Sarah-Rae from The Prairie Perch Some of a few projects she has recently accomplished: A fabulous headboard made from paintable wallpaper and a door! A made from scotch ottoman, what a stud! Re-designed dining room wall... A beautiful hand painted lantern.... Pinch pleated curtains... Her son's room makeover... And a living room design she has put together to show us her fabulous sense of style. Love the tables and the mirror! Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, your education, has design always been something you are drawn to? I’m a prairie girl, born and raised in Saskatchewan. 28 years old. Married to a family doc (in training) with two kids, ages two and one. Music was a big part of my life growing up. I pursued some training in that area and taught piano and voice lessons for several years until giving up teaching when our second child was born. Interior design was an interest of mine from a young age. As a teenager, I remember rearranging my bedroom furniture, organizing my closet, drawing up floor plans, and devouring all the design-related books and magazines I could get my hands on. What made you decide to start blogging? I started blogging as a creative outlet. I really enjoyed reading blogs, and I thought I might enjoy writing a blog. I “practice-blogged” for about 6 weeks before I told anyone about it, and by then I was hooked! I knew it was something I was going to love. Blogging fits into my life really well since I’m home full time with my two little ones. It’s also been a great way for me to “get my feet wet” in the design world. I’ve dreamt of owing a shop or some sort of design-related business, but haven’t ever taken the plunge. Blogging seemed like a good way to start. What have you enjoyed about blogging and what has surprised you along the way? I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it, how much I’m learning along the way, and how many great people I’ve met! Where do you go for inspiration for your blog? Where do I NOT find inspiration? It really is everywhere and often in the most unexpected places. Daily life often inspires me, along with books, magazines and other blogs. I do try to write on my blog first and read blogs second though – not because I don’t love reading other blogs, but because I hope to keep things as fresh as I can. (Nobody likes a copycat.) What are your hopes and dreams for your future? I’d like to get some design-related training and experience and perhaps take some writing classes. I hope to offer online design services in the next few years and being able to offer in person services would be great too. I feel like I still have some things to learn before that happens though. I’ve toyed with the idea of opening an Etsy shop or homeware boutique; it would also be exciting to write a column or article for an interior design publication. For now, I’m focused on learning though, and we’ll see where things go from here. How would you describe your design style? I like a real mix of styles, but I’d say I gravitate towards an overall modern look with a healthy dose of glam and a touch of vintage. Oh, and mixing in a few rustic elements is always nice too. Hmmm. Perhaps eclectic is the word I’m looking for. Tell us one thing about you that would surprise us! I’m a rather conventional sort of person so I haven’t done anything too “out there.” B.C. (before children) I was quite an avid runner and completed several races, including a marathon. I haven’t done as much running in the last year or two, but I hope to get back into it again. (That’s about as “surprising” as I get.) If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone or do anything, what would it be and why? I would love the opportunity to hang out with a few of my favourite designers and see how they do things on a day to day basis. It would be great to see how they run their business, how they schedule their day, how they keep themselves organized, etc. Learning in a sort of apprenticeship/intern way would be so much fun! What do you like to do in your free time? Free time usually means family time. “Me” time usually means I’m sitting with my feet up reading or, if I’m feeling energetic, I’ll be out shopping. You are a Canadian living on the Prairies, how does living where things are so flat, winters long but one of the sunniest places in Canada, affect the way homes are decorated. Do you think the Prairie geography influences design? thrifting and DIY projects almost necessary at times, and this kind of approach seems to be quite popular in our neck of the woods. What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart? When I think of Canadian design, I think of it as being “accessible.” Sarah Richardson of course comes to mind. She is probably one of our most well-known designers, and her look is welcoming, always cohesive, and very appealing to the general public. It’s such a likeable look. It seems that Canadian design is more moderate and less cutting edge. That doesn’t mean that we’re not inventive and current though. But overall, it seems that we gravitate towards “down-to-earth” design, and perhaps that’s because we’re generally down-to-earth kind of people. Sarah-Rae, I love how we have similar talents. We can sew, paint and staple gun our way into creating cozy homes for our families. I too taught music briefly! Can't wait to see your next projects.... XO Barbara

Grind your own bold and spicy Montreal-style all-purpose seasoning blend. It takes only minutes to grind and provides the freshest flavor.

Thanks for stopping by! Another fabulous Canadian blogger is visiting! Please welcome the amazingly sweet and beautiful.... Rita Joy from Harbour Breeze Home She is Rita Joy, an American transplant, and her family make their home on a small island off the coast of British Columbia. They run a year round camp and get to enjoy the peaceful island way of life! If you follow along with Rita's blog, Harbour Breeze Home you would NEVER imagine her amazingly decorated and styled home would be part of a camp! I always envision dark, dingy houses with spiders and cobwebs running amuck. Rita has taken that dark, over-the-top-with-too-much-wood home and created a breezy beach relaxed space that is simply divine all for very little cost! You will be amazed. She has even been featured in a Better Homes and Garden's special publication! The under $200 kitchen makeover. You will be amazed! Rita Joy, tells us a bit about yourself? What is your education? Have you always been creative and interested in design and all things pretty? I am a wife and mom of 3 boys. I love trying to find order out of chaos, painting rooms, creating crafty projects, and drinking French vanilla coffee ~ just black, thanks!:) 21 years ago, I moved with my husband to a year round camp on an island in BC. We’ve been here ever since! I spent all my growing up years on a farm in the prairies. It took me a while to get used to seeing the ocean out my kitchen window! I don’t have any formal education in design, but I met my husband while completing my Bachelor of Religious Education degree at a Bible College in Alberta. I think my love for design started when I was about 16 years old and got to choose my own bedroom furniture and colors. {If I remember correctly, there was a lot of peach involved…} My passion for design has grown as I’ve lived in many different spaces in our married life, and loved the challenge of making each one feel like home to us. What made you decide to start a blog? How would you describe your blog? I started blogging on a complete whim ~ and at the nudging of a good friend. My mom had recently been diagnosed with dementia and I realized how important it was to be constantly learning something new. Blogging became my “new” thing. Harbour Breeze Home started out as a diary of our life, but quickly became more focused on home décor and crafty projects. It chronicles the renovations and changes we make on our old history-filled beach house. We don’t own our house, so we try to do inexpensive updates with big impact. Our $159.00 kitchen makeover is still one of the most viewed project I’ve ever written about. Early on in my blogging days, I decided my personal goal was to write about only the things that are interesting or current with me. So, honestly, I write about whatever I want to at the time!:) That is – more often than not – related to home, décor, and crafts but every now and then I throw in a post on our family life, too. What has surprised you the most about blogging? That I love it so much!! What do you enjoy the most about blogging? Dislike? It has been such a joy to discover something I’m truly passionate about. I never dreamed that I would one day enjoy writing and learning “web techie” things!:) It’s challenged me to be more creative, expand my love for photography, think outside the box, and given me the opportunity to “meet” so many wonderful people all over the world. My biggest challenges come when I start comparing myself to other bloggers. Sometimes blogging can feel like a Jr. High popularity contest. I try really hard to grow in my blogging skills, but not go down the “Why does that blogger have 3 bazillion more followers than I do and she just started blogging yesterday?” Ooo, that’s a discouraging, slippery slope! I try really hard to steer clear of it. You live on a small island off the coast of British Columbia, where are your go-to design resources? Magazines and books from our regional library, catalogs {Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware are two of my favorite}, and of course, blogs! I have many favorites. You and your family have lived in a few homes on the camp your family runs, what tips do you have in making a rental home feel like “home”? This is my favorite challenge of all! Where do I start?? Just putting your own furniture in a space makes it feel more like home. Depending on what the owners allow you to do, paint color is the next thing that can really personalize a space. However, don’t be discouraged if you can’t paint! Adding in your own accessories and even rearranging rooms (or even the whole house!) can make your home feel and function better for you. If you could meet anyone or go anywhere who or where would it be? I have lots of dreams in this department! In fact, one of our long time dreams is coming true this year. We’re headed to Hawaii!!:) I’ve always wanted to go there… I’ve also been pondering lately how much I’d love to go to a blogging conference and meet other ladies who I’ve met online, but not in person. I think it would be so fun and inspirational to meet other women who have the same interests as I do. {And, honestly, I’d love to learn from the “pros”!} What do you love to do in your free time? Read and watch design shows on tv… {Sarah Richardson is my favorite designer.} You are a mom, blogger and wife, how do you balance all those roles? I find this to be a constant, daily challenge. I’ve nixed trying any complicated formulas or hard and fast rules in the area of time management. Instead, I try to adjust things when needed. Sometimes my demands as a wife and mom mean that I need to slow down with blogging a bit. Other times if I know I’m going to be really busy, I try to pre-program my blogs. I’m constantly trying to make sure my priorities are in order. What are your views on the role of Canadian design on the world stage? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we dress, design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart? Oh, Barbara, this is a hard question! I grew up in the States and have now lived in Canada longer than I lived there. I do think that Canadians definitely have a unique style, but I always have a terrible time articulating what that is. I do know that when I go visit my family in Montana, they tell me I have a “Canadian accent”. I’m not sure what that means, but I do know, I sure love living here! I am still amazed by all that you have accomplished in your home! So excited that you get to visit Hawaii this year. Enjoy the sand, sun and warmth! XO Barbara

Shape: Classic Round Stickers Create custom stickers for every occasion! From special mailings and scrapbooking to kids’ activities and DIY projects, you’ll find these stickers are great for so many uses. Add your own designs, patterns, text, and pictures! Dimensions: Available in 2 sizes: Large: 3" diameter, 6 stickers per sheet Small: 1.5" diameter, 20 stickers per sheet Printed on white acid-free paper Vibrant full-color, full-bleed printing Scratch-resistant front, easy peel-and-stick back Available in a matte or glossy finish Choose between 7 different shapes

Worsted weight yarn, No. 5 DPN's (3.25 mm) What will make your hockey player your own unique creation are the colors and striping patterns you use to personalize your toy to match that of your favorite team. It uses very little yarn, so scraps are perfect, but color choice was important to make my guy match the colors and uniform of the Edmonton Oilers. I found a small Oilers patch on Ebay for the final touch on his sweater, but each toy should be customized individually with different hair styles, colors and stripes on their socks and sweaters. Legs (make two) Cast on 12 stitches for the skate (black) Knit one round K1, [m1, k1] to end. (23 stitches) Knit one round K1, m1, k8, [m1, k1] 6 times, k7, m1, k1. (31 stitches) Knit three rounds K13, k2tog, k1, skp, k13 Knit one round K12, k2tog, k1, skp, k12 Knit one round K7, bind off next 13 stitches, k to end Work one round (finish skate color) Switch yarn to sock color Work approx. 16 rows across all 14 stitches, changing colors for your stripes and pant legs. Mine was: 4 rounds of white, one blue, two copper, one blue, three white, then color of pants K1, k2tog, k1, skp, k2, k2tog, k1, skp, k1 (10 stitches) Knit one round Bind off Finishing notes for leg and skate: -Where you cast off becomes the top of the skate -Sew up the bottom of the foot and the top of the skate where you cast-off in the middle of a round -Use white yarn and stitch it into the skate in a shoelace pattern, leaving the ends with spare to tie into a bow -The skate blade was created by chain crocheting 8 stitches of doubled over grey worsted weight yarn and stitching this short chain to the bottom of the foot Body Cast on 15 stitches on 3 needles Knit one round K1 [k1, m1] to end. (29 stitches) Work five rounds [K7, m1] twice, k1 [m1, k7] twice. (33 stitches) Work 3 rounds K16, m1, k1, k16 Work 17 rounds (Do 10 rounds, then start a stripe pattern) K15, skp, k1, k2tog, k15 Work 3 rounds K14, skp, k1, k2tog, k14 (31 stitches) Knit 1 round Bind off Arms (make two) Cast on 6 stitches Knit one round K1, [m1, k1] to end (11 stitches) Knit one round K1, [m1, k4, m1, k1] twice (15 stitches) Work 5 rows, change color to 4-row stripe pattern Work stripe pattern K1 [skp, k2, k2tog, k1] twice (11 stitches) Work 3 rounds Inc one st at each end of next row (13 stitches) Change to glove color Work 5 rounds K1 [skp, k1, k2tog, k1] twice (9 stitches) Work one round K1, [k2tog] to end (5 stitches) Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull up and fasten off securely Head With flesh color yarn, cast on 13 stitches Knit 1 round K1, [m1, k1} to end (25 stitches) Knit 1 round K1, [m1, k2] to end (37 stitches) Knit 3 rounds [K9, m1] twice, k1, [m1, k9] twice. (41 stitches) Knit one round *start hair by knitting 10 stitches of hair color, then flesh, then final 10 stitches of hair* *Each round for 4 rounds, make the hair one stitch longer on each side* K20, m1, k1, m1, k20. (43 stitches) Work 10 rounds in this flesh/hair pattern [K8, skp] twice, k3, [k2tog, k8] twice (39 stitches) Work one round Use only the hair color for this round and remaining rounds [K7, skp] twice, k3, [k2tog, k7] twice (35 stitches) Work one round [K6, skp] twice, k3, [k2tog, k6] twice (31 stitches) Work three rounds K1, [k2tog, k1] to end (21 stitches) Work one round K1, [k2tog] to end (11 stitches) K1, [k2tog] to end (6 stitches) Break off yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull up tightly and fasten off securely. Finishing Notes for your Hockey Doll -Stuff pieces and seam them up, stitching body parts together. -Using the embroidery stitch of your choice, add eyes and a mouth to the face -For the hair, I improvised, threading it through my stitches and tying off clumps. I tried to make the hair similar to a favorite player. -The finishing of the doll is the most creative part. Have fun with it! Feel free to message me on ravelry or email me if you have any questions I can help you with! This is my first attempt at a pattern, but hopefully it’s useful!

What does it mean to be Canadian? As a Canadian, you are entitled to many things, and free health care is one of the many. It also comes with being patriotic and loving the country as well as everyone here. Being able to call yourself a proud Canadian is a privilege that most would die for!

Homemade peg dolls to celebrate some of Canada's icons!

With spring upon us, and the gardening itch beginning to take hold, I thought it would be perfect to introduce you to a fabulous Canadian blogger and blog, Garden Therapy by Stephanie Rose! She is.... Keep reading ..... Garden Therapy has completely blown me away with Stephanie's vivid photographs, amazing DIY's, gardening tips and yummy recipes. She is our own Canadian "Martha" whipping up a scented scrub or making home made citronella candles while creating an oasis in her backyard and inspiring us to do the same! But.....that isn't all. Stephanie creates the most splendid floral pillows all created from photographs of flowers from her garden which she sells on Etsy. With a successful blog that has turned into a full time job for her, she has many other projects on the go, including her best DIY to date, her yet-to-be-born baby! It will be exciting to see what the future holds for Stephanie has she takes the gardening/DIY blogging world by storm! Be sure to pop over to her website, I promise you might need that second cup of tea or coffee. You will be staying for a while. Here are a collection of some fabulous projects that Stephanie rounded up for me. Drying garlic. Drying lavender. Can you just smell it through the screen? Succulents. A plant I have yet to try growing. I am good at growing English ivy in the house, and that is about it! Hers stunning pillows, that you can at her shop! Ingenious - coasters from wood! Sun print napkins, simply stunning. Stephanie, tell my readers a bit about yourself? What makes you tick? I was born in the city, grew up in the city, and still live right in the city, yet I feel like a country girl at heart. I get giddy around chickens (especially when they run towards you - it's hilarious!). I am totally at home when I'm covered in soil from a day in the garden. I have an uncontrollable urge to squirrel away summer's fresh produce in cans and jars lining the shelves of my tiny laundry room. I make my own soap and skin care products. I love flowers and plants like they are people. And I think that the natural world is a constant source of beauty and inspiration. Why did you start a blog? I love to garden, learn about gardening, talk about gardening and needed a place for it to live. Neighbours and friends get a little glassy-eyed when I blather on about a staghorn fern but when the huge expanse of the world is opened up virtually, you are bound to find a few (or many) people who get just as excited about epiphites as a hot new design element. Describe your blog, Garden Therapy, to my readers. Garden Therapy originally started as a place for me to share my love of the garden connect with others but as I started to hear comments from visitors on how much they loved the idea of gardening but didn't know where to start, I wanted to help. When I heard some people refer to themselves as "brown thumbs" who killed anything green, I thought of when I first started and what motivated me to attempt to learn the science behind gardening: projects! Simple but stylish projects that can be completed in a short period of time and require limited care to be successful. There is a gardening component to all of the projects, be they garden-inspired like citronella candles and lavender bath salts, use by-products of the garden like a branch coat rack or wood coasters, or be directly related to gardening like how to harvest lavender. I hope that readers will try out one or more of these projects, fall in love with the garden therapy it brings, make it a priority to get outside a little more. What is an ideal leisurely weekend for you look like? I like to start my weekend with my husband and dogs out in the woods somewhere that we can all run, play and breathe the fresh air. I would then happily spend the days in the garden and the evenings entertaining friends on the patio, eating freshly picked garden goodies, surrounded by lush, fragrant flowers. Oh, and let's not forget the wine! What has been the most favourite project you have done? Definitely designing my garden flower pillows for my Etsy shop. This is a series of 10 designs featuring the flowers growing in my garden. The process took me over a year and a half to perfect and I'm very happy with the results. All of the flowers were grown in my garden. I picked the most interesting (not necessarily the most perfect) blooms and set them up in a mini studio to photograph them in macro, revealing the unique patterns, colours, and structures that make up what is often a tiny work of art. I sourced out places to get the fabric printed on a soft linen-cotton blend and made each print into a throw pillow stuffed with down and feathers. The vibrant colours add just the right amount of energy to a neutral room and the diversity of each flower shape reminds me of how artistically talented Mother Nature is. I love that I can have the garden indoors no matter what time of year it is. What have you enjoyed about blogging? Not enjoyed? I enjoy how much there is to learn from others when they take the time to share how they modified one of my projects. I love to get photos and emails from readers and especially love questions that make me think even harder about what I've written. I don't love sitting at a computer. I'm meant to be roaming free outdoors not tethered to a keyboard and mouse. But it is a necessary evil as a writer and blogger. Do you blog full time or do you have a “day” job? I recently started blogging and writing as my full time career. I write gardening and crafts for magazines and websites, I blog at Garden Therapy, I'm working on a book project, and I sell my designs at craft shows and on Etsy. I will very soon be taking on yet another role as a new mom this summer so it's a good thing I'm skilled at multi-tasking! Where do you see yourself and your blog in the next few years? I'm working through restructuring the layout of Garden Therapy to focus less on the blog and instead show the large catalog of crafts, projects, and recipes on the site. There are well over 200 fun projects that will be showcased by season. I foresee there may also be more outdoor design and decor projects in the coming years as well as projects that can be done with kids. You are a gardening guru, what tips can you give those who don’t possess a green thumb in creating a great garden? Gee, now I'm blushing! My advice would be to think about how much time and effort you want to commit to the hobby of gardening on an ongoing basis. For weekend warriors, I would recommend planting a mix of ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials in the garden. This mix requires seasonal pruning, dividing and watering on a regular schedule but will do just fine without hands-on maintenance for weeks, or even months, at a time. For those who want to get rays in the summer but hibernate all winter, I recommend growing vegetables which need regular care and watering throughout the growing season to produce a bounty. Small space dwellers can choose dwarf or miniature plant varieties and grow them in containers to decorate a deck, patio, or fire escape. The one tip that I think makes a great garden is to understand that the garden is there for you to enjoy, to work on, to love. You are not its slave and it needn't look perfect. Enjoy the flowers and the weeds, and don't work on it to the point of it becoming a chore. Pick plants that suit your climate and commitment level and you garden will undoubtedly be beautiful. What are your views on the role of Canadian design on the world stage? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we dress, design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart? If I look at design as it relates to outdoor spaces, you can certainly see a Canadian design aesthetic, one that travels across the country despite climate differences. Urban outdoor spaces are often modern and highly influenced by nature and architecture. Rural spaces can show more expanse of green space and rustic elements, often with the influences of what surrounds the land (farmland, ocean, forest). The key element that sets Canadian garden design apart is the seasonality of the landscape. While summers are full of bloom and abundance, fall brings striking colour, winter brings starkness and hibernation, and spring brings freshness and new growth. With dramatic changes happening every 3-5 months throughout the year garden designers chase the holy grail of 4-season colour or interest in their designs. It's both challenging and rewarding.

The following collection of lines serves as the man’s musical road map.

A traditional French Canadian side served with roast beef. These dumplings are dropped into the broth from a cooked roast beef until cooked.

The Canadian Olympic Committee has revealed the uniforms that Canadian athletes will be wearing to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. - SEE ALSO: Team Canada unveils Sochi 2014 Olympic hockey jerseys Sochi 2014 Canadian red mittens revealed - Team Canada unveils Sochi 2014 Olympic hockey jerseys - Sochi 2014 Canadian red mittens revealed [youtube id=”U-a8TALIHdw” align=”center”] Take Our Poll The uniforms were designed by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) after the renewal of its Canadian Olympic Team outfitter sponsor contract ending after London 2012, a sponsorship contract that was first created by VANOC in 2004 leading up towards the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Canada’s uniforms for next February’s Russian Olympics are red, white, grey and black colours across all of the collection’s items. It includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters and accessories such as the return of the famous ‘red mittens’ from Vancouver. In addition, the beaver, loon and polar bear are featured prominently on each piece of Canada’s Sochi 2014 collection. The collection will be rolled out to all HBC stores across the country by the end of this week. “We’re so proud to continue to be a part of the Olympic Games and are thrilled to be the Official Outfitter of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams,” said Bonnie Brooks, President, Hudson’s Bay Company. “As a Premier National Partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee, we support our athletes in many ways and we are excited to witness what they will accomplish at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. We at Hudson’s Bay are fiercely proud to be Canadian and are passionate about bringing the Olympic spirit to Canadians through our clothing and we can’t wait to cheer on our athletes, knowing that we CAN own the podium.” Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, expanded on the continued partnership with HBC that first began with the Torino 2006 Winter Games. “Today, we celebrate Hudson’s Bay’s long-standing partnership in Canada’s Olympic Movement and recognize that their support is integral to our cause.” “We thank Hudson’s Bay for once again delivering iconic, beautiful uniforms that honour our athletes’ commitment to our nation and our commitment to them. They are not just our athletes’ uniforms, they are Canada’s uniforms,” added Aubut. Prior to HBC’s partnership, Roots was the clothing supplier for Canada’s Olympic athletes. What are your thoughts on the designs of the new uniforms? Let us know by commenting below. Images: Canadian Olympic Committee / Hudson’s Bay Company

Canada is known for the production of maple syrup, for having more lakes than any other country, as a popular filming location, and for cold weather sports. Famous inventions by Canadians include insulin treatments for diabetes and standard time.

Many Americans joke that they want to move to Canada to escape the election circus. Here's how you actually do it.

Learn Canadian history by studying the Canada Prime Ministers! This printable pack will help you teack kids all about it!

I’ve published this before, back on the old blog, but I still get requests so I’m going to publish it again. When I was growing up we just called them “meat sticks”. They ar…

Canada Day is here! The greatest country in the world is turning 146. And while Canadians are generally considered to be polite, under-the-radar type folks, Canada has given the world some of its greatest inventions. In honour of Canada Day, here are 50 of Canada's greatest gifts to the world:

INTP: You are that guy who’s always wearing shorts in the middle of winter.

1930s Canadian Pacific travel poster. LOVE!

Newfoundland Toutons. The delight of every Newfoundlander, especially served with melting butter & a drizzle of molasses.

On Friday I shared what was going on in my World Issues class and now it is time to find out what has been happening in Canadian History. I didn't mean to take so long to make this post but I had many pictures that featured students and I wanted to be sure on our division's picture release policy before I posted anything. This was the title screen of my PowerPoint I used as part of our learning! The entire unit that I started has been focusing on "British Colonial Rule" following the fall of New France. Our very first section that we worked on had to do with the various challenges that Britain faced in regards to governing the French citizens following the fall of New France. As we worked through each of these challenges we looked at the situation from the point of view of the British, the French and the First Nations citizens of the area. Here are some photos of us hard at work! Analyzing the First Nations perspective of what was occurring in the Ohio Valley. Documenting how the French citizens felt after being pressured to adopt British policies. Our British citizens were feeling pretty confident after gaining all the power! The main situations or challenges that we looked at were: - Settling and managing the Ohio Valley - Organizing and instating the Royal Proclamation - The effects of the Quebec Act - Managing demographics of the Loyalists and the Constitutional Act After looking at each of these situations from our three points of view, we created posters that highlighted each perspective. After finishing up this section we jumped right into the War of 1812! While our first section looked at challenges that Britain faced, this second section explores the relationship between British citizens and the United States. I was really excited about this part of the unit because this year is the 200th anniversary of the famous battle fought right here in North America. Our first step was to create a K-W-L chart (what we know, what we want to know, what we learned) so I could get a sense of their prior knowledge. As we went through this I also showed a video that I thought might trigger some of the information that I know they have learned before: Of course, my students immediately wanted to create a video of their own! We quickly set up a plan that we would take the questions they had from their K-W-L charts and make a video of them interviewing the Grade 12 students and school staff since they are the ones who have had an opportunity to learn about the War of 1812 in the past. The video itself isn't quite ready to go yet but here is a picture of our interview in action! Thank goodness for iPhone panorama view! My cooperating teacher is being interviewed on the far right :) During our next class we then went through a mock War of 1812 battle. That would take an ENTIRE post to cover and I was being evaluated that day so I don't have any photos but if you would like a copy of the lesson plan let me know and I can send one your way! As of right now, we are working on creating graphic novels about the War of 1812 that we can use to teach about the history of the battle with the younger students in our school. If you aren't familiar with the graphic novel created by Canada 1812: Forged in Flame website (I posted about it here), this is where we got our inspiration. That is it for right now but I will update again soon and let you know what we are working on!