LEGACY 2024: Wanda Robson

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS: GRADES 3-6

  1. Understanding Family Stories:

    • Wanda Robson played a crucial role in sharing her sister Viola Desmond's story. Why do you think it's important for families to share stories from the past? How can learning about the experiences of family members help us understand history better?

  2. Kids as Change-Makers:

    • Wanda Robson believed that children were the best hope for a future free of racial discrimination. In what ways can kids your age contribute to creating a more inclusive and fair world? Can you think of simple actions that can make a big difference?

  3. Learning from the Past:

    • Viola Desmond's story happened a long time ago, but Wanda Robson worked hard to make sure people remembered it. Why do you think it's important for us to learn about things that happened in the past, even if they happened before we were born?

  4. Discovering Heroes in Your Family:

    • Wanda Robson saw her sister Viola Desmond as a hero. Do you have someone in your family who you think is a hero? What qualities make someone a hero, and how can we celebrate and learn from their stories?

  5. Using Art to Tell Stories:

    • Wanda Robson used different ways, including speaking at events, to share her sister's story. If you were to tell a story about someone important in your family, how might you use art, like drawings or paintings, to help others understand and remember the story?

TECHNOLOGICAL-RELATED PROJECTS: GRADES 3-6

  1. Digital Storybook:

    • Objective: Create a digital storybook that narrates the life of Wanda Robson and her efforts to share her sister's story. Use digital illustrations, text, and audio narration to make the story engaging for young audiences.
    • Tools: Storybook creation apps (e.g., Book Creator), drawing tools, audio recording software.

  2. Family Hero Collage:

    • Objective: Encourage students to create a digital or physical collage celebrating a hero in their own family. Include pictures, drawings, and short descriptions to showcase the qualities that make that person special.
    • Tools: Collage creation apps (e.g., Canva, Adobe Spark), drawing tools.

  3. Interactive Timeline:

    • Objective: Build an interactive timeline that highlights key moments in Wanda Robson's life and advocacy. Incorporate simple animations or clickable elements to make it an engaging and educational experience for young learners.
    • Tools: Online timeline creation tools (e.g., Tiki-Toki, TimeGraphics).

  4. Podcast for Kids:

    • Objective: Create a kid-friendly podcast episode that introduces Wanda Robson's story and her belief in children as change-makers. Use simple language, interviews, and sound effects to make it accessible and enjoyable for young listeners.
    • Tools: Podcasting software (e.g., Anchor Kids), basic audio editing tools.

  5. Digital Art Exhibition:

    • Objective: Host a virtual art exhibition featuring digital drawings or paintings created by students. Each piece of art should depict a hero or important person in their family, inspired by Wanda Robson's use of art to tell stories.
    • Tools: Virtual exhibition platforms (e.g., ArtSteps, Google Arts & Culture), drawing tools.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS: GRADES 7-12

  1.  Legacy of Viola Desmond:
    • Viola Desmond's act of defiance against racial segregation had a profound impact on civil rights in Canada. How do you think Wanda Robson continued her sister's legacy by advocating for Viola's recognition and pardon? In what ways can individuals contribute to preserving and promoting the legacies of civil rights pioneers?

  2. Educational Advocacy:

    • Wanda Robson was a strong advocate for education, particularly emphasizing its role in combating racial discrimination. How do you think education can be a powerful tool in fostering a future free of discrimination? How can students actively contribute to promoting awareness and understanding in their educational communities?

  3. Individual Activism and Systemic Change:

    • Viola Desmond's arrest was an individual act of resistance that sparked a larger movement. How does individual activism contribute to systemic change, and can you identify other historical or contemporary examples where one person's actions influenced broader societal shifts?

  4. The Role of Family in Advocacy:

    • Wanda Robson played a crucial role in bringing recognition to her sister's contribution to civil rights. How might familial relationships influence advocacy work? Can you think of other instances where family members have worked together to promote social change?

  5. The Significance of Posthumous Pardon:

    • Viola Desmond received a posthumous pardon from the Nova Scotia Legislature. What symbolic and practical significance does such a pardon hold for the individual, their family, and the broader community? How can acknowledging past injustices contribute to healing and progress?

TECHNOLOGICALLY RELATED QUESTIONS: 7-12

  1. Digital Storytelling Platform:

    • Objective: Create a digital storytelling platform that chronicles the life and advocacy of Wanda Robson. Use multimedia elements such as videos, interviews, and images to engage the audience and highlight her impact on Canadian civil rights.
    • Tools: Website development tools (e.g., Wix, WordPress), video editing software, graphic design tools.

  2. Educational Awareness Podcast:

    • Objective: Develop a podcast series that explores the intersection of education and activism inspired by Wanda Robson's advocacy. Each episode could focus on different aspects of her work and its relevance to contemporary educational issues.
    • Tools: Podcasting software (e.g., Audacity, Anchor), research materials, interview skills.

  3. Interactive Timeline of Civil Rights Movements:

    • Objective: Create an interactive digital timeline that maps key events in Canadian civil rights history, with a special focus on the contributions of Viola Desmond and Wanda Robson. Include multimedia elements to engage users.
    • Tools: Online timeline creation tools (e.g., Timeline JS, Sutori), graphic design software.

  4. Virtual Educational Workshop on Civil Rights:

    • Objective: Design a virtual educational workshop for students that explores the history of civil rights in Canada. Incorporate interactive elements, discussions, and multimedia to engage participants in learning about the impact of individuals like Viola and Wanda Robson.
    • Tools: Video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), interactive tools.

  5. Social Media Campaign for Inclusivity:

    • Objective: Launch a social media campaign inspired by Wanda Robson's belief in children as the best hope for a future free of discrimination. Encourage students to share stories, artwork, or messages promoting inclusivity and understanding.
    • Tools: Social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Twitter), graphic design tools, content creation apps.