Elementary School Workshops
AVI offers a variety of flagship programs as well as resources, access to high-profile speakers, and a suite of educational workshops to give students an understanding of how to understand and identify anti-Jewish hatred, navigating regional conflicts in the Middle East, building meaningful coalitions on campus, and refuting disinformation. We also offer interactive campaigns for our students to engage in dialogue with their peers. Each of our sessions is custom-tailored to the specific grade level and audience, delivering complex themes in an accessible, age-appropriate manner.
For more information, contact AVI's Communications Coordinator Yardena Rosenblum at yardena@alliedvoicesforisrael.org
Alberta
Grades 4-6
To align with the Alberta Education (4–6) framework, our workshops are strategically designed as interdisciplinary journeys that bridge Social Studies, English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL), and Character Education.
For younger students, we foster an appreciation for Alberta’s pluralistic identity by exploring the vibrant stories and contemporary contributions of the Jewish community alongside Francophone and Indigenous narratives.
As students progress to Grade 5, the focus shifts to Immigration and Research, where workshops use primary source analysis to provide a human face to the refugee experience and the historical journeys that shaped the Canadian mosaic.
Finally, our Grade 6 sessions directly support Democracy and Ethical Citizenship; by critically examining the Holocaust and the evolution of human rights, students analyze the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms while developing the empathy and social responsibility required of active citizens.
Together, these sessions move students from foundational cultural awareness to a sophisticated, multi-subject understanding of human dignity and justice in Canada.
Focus: Exploring how diverse narratives, geography, and citizenship build our shared identity
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies: Time & Place
Learning Outcomes:
-
Explore the dynamic relationships between people, place, and time supports understanding of perspectives and events to make meaning of the world
-
Students examine significant historical events that contributed to the formation and cultural landscape of the country of Canada
English Language Arts & Literature: Text Forms and Structures
Learning Outcomes:
-
Explore how diverse cultural narratives in primary source texts contribute to shared understanding and communication of ideas
Alberta Education. (n.d.). Alberta’s curriculum. https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca
.jpg)
.png)
Focus: Examining how the meeting of diverse cultures and the power of personal narrative shape our understanding of
British Columbia’s history
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (Big Idea): Interactions between First Peoples & Europeans led to change
Curricular Competency:
-
Use Social Studies inquiry processes to ask questions and gather information from diverse cultural stories
English Language Arts & Literature (Big Idea): Language & text can be a source of creativity & joy
Curricular Competency:
-
Exchange ideas and perspectives to build shared understand and develop and expand world knowledge
Physical & Health Education (Big Idea): Developing healthy relationships helps us feel connected, supported, & valued
Curricular Competency:
-
Examine and apply strategies that promote a safe and caring environment
British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care. (n.d.). British Columbia’s curriculum. https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca
British Columbia
Grades 4-7
Our workshops are deeply rooted in the BC Ministry of Education’s 'Know-Do-Understand' model, designed to support students in developing the Core Competencies of social responsibility and critical thinking.
By engaging with the Big Ideas of Social Studies, we help students explore how complex global stories—from migration and settlement to the defense of human rights—shape our personal and collective identities. These sessions are inherently interdisciplinary, bridging English Language Arts through the analysis of oral and written narratives, and supporting Personal and Social Responsibility by fostering an ethical understanding of our roles as global citizens.
Whether examining the history of the Holocaust or the diverse journeys of Jewish immigrants to the Pacific Northwest, our programming empowers BC students to make reasoned ethical judgments and build inclusive communities grounded in empathy and respect.
.jpg)
.png)
Manitoba
Grades 4-8
The Manitoba curriculum focuses on the evolution of Citizenship and the interplay between individual rights and collective responsibilities.
For Grades 4 and 5, the workshops emphasize Identity and Heritage and People and Stories, using cultural affirmation and narratives like the Heart from Auschwitz to build a foundation of empathy and resilience. In Grade 6, the focus shifts to Canada as a Country of Change, where students critically analyze the MS St. Louis incident and the "None Is Too Many" policy to understand how human rights have been both defended and denied in Canadian history.
As students move into Grades 7 and 8, the workshops bridge Social Studies and Physical Education/Health Education (PE/HE) by exploring Global Quality of Life and Societies of the Past. These middle years focus on the universal nature of human rights and the historical roots of "othering," equipping students with the social-management skills to recognize bias and promote inclusion in their own communities.
.png)
Focus: Investigating the history of Manitoba through the lens of cultural heritage, community contributions, and the development of personal identity within a diverse provincial landscape
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (Cluster 3): Cultural Communities in Manitoba (4-KI-005, 4-KI-007)
Learning Outcome:
-
Identify cultural communities in Manitoba and the influence of heritage on identity
-
Skills: 4-S-102, 4-S-204, 4-S-302, 4-S-303, 4-S-400, 4-S-401
Physical Education/Health Education (Personal & Social Management): Social Development
Learning Outcome:
-
Social Responsibility (K.4.4.B.2): Identify appropriate social behaviours and appreciate diversity
Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (n.d.). Nova Scotia curriculum. https://curriculum.novascotia.ca
.jpg)
Focus: Nurturing ethical citizenship and a sense of belonging by exploring the narratives of migration, heritage, and the shared values that define our communities
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (Integrated Outcome 1): Learners will investigate the interactions between various groups and the development of New Brunswick
Learning Outcome:
-
Identify the factors that lead to the movement of people and the resulting cultural diversity
Global Competency (Self-Awareness): Identify personal traits, strengths, and cultural influences that contribute to identity
New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (n.d.). New Brunswick curriculum framework. https://curriculum.nbed.ca
.jpg)
New Brunswick
Grades 4-8
The New Brunswick curriculum begins by fostering a strong sense of Identities and Traditions for younger students and those in Grade 5. By exploring diverse cultural backgrounds and the fundamental value of inclusion, the workshops introduce Jewish identity through traditions and stories to create a foundation of cultural affirmation. In Grade 6, the focus shifts toward Canada and the World, where students examine human rights and the tangible impact of prejudice. These sessions often highlight the War Orphans Project, providing a local connection by discussing Jewish refugees who arrived in the Maritimes following WWII.
For Grade 7, the workshops directly support the Holocaust Unit by focusing on the history of antisemitism and the psychological process of "othering," helping students recognize the steps that lead from bias to systemic violence. This historical inquiry is grounded in local relevance in Grade 8, where the curriculum explores Migration and Resilience in New Brunswick history. Students examine the multicultural fabric of their own province, including the stories of Jewish migrant communities in locations such as Miramichi and Saint John, reinforcing the idea that history is something that happened in their own backyards.
Focus: Examining the diverse cultural roots of Newfoundland and Labrador to understand how heritage and shared stories build a sense of community
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (SCO 2.0): Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse cultural groups that have contributed to the heritage of the province
Social Studies (SCO 2.1): Identify the various cultural groups that have settled in the province and describe their traditions and contributions
SEL/Health (Self-Concept 1.1): Recognize how self-concept is influenced by others and our cultural background
English Language Arts (1.1): Interact with others in a variety of situations to explore and exchange ideas
Newfoundland & Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education. (n.d.). Program of studies. https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/k12/curriculum/descriptions/
Newfoundland & Labrador
Grades 4-9
The Newfoundland and Labrador curriculum centers on the evolution of Citizenship and the study of human rights through local and global lenses. For Grades 4 and 5, workshops align with Culture and Heritage, using stories and artifacts to build a foundation of empathy and resilience. In Grade 6, the focus shifts to World Cultures and Human Rights, where students analyze the UN Universal Declaration to recognize and stand up against "othering."
This transitions into the middle years (Grades 7–9), where students explore Power and Empowerment in Grade 7, provincial Migration and Diversity in Grade 8, and Global Citizenship in Grade 9. These sessions challenge students to examine how historical prejudices have shaped Atlantic Canada and empower them to advocate for human rights in a modern, global context.
Nova Scotia
Grades 4-8
In Nova Scotia, the Social Studies curriculum is built around the Citizenship and Communication competencies, moving from personal empathy to a sophisticated analysis of human rights. For Grades 4 and 5, the workshops align with the Exploring My World theme, frequently utilizing the story of Hana’s Suitcase to introduce historical memory and build the foundational empathy required for difficult conversations.
In Grade 6, the focus shifts to Global Issues, where students examine the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and use the Holocaust as a primary case study to understand why these protections are essential.
As students enter Grade 8, the curriculum focuses on A Changing Canadian Society, where the Holocaust becomes a mandatory topic. Here, students critically examine Canada’s role in WWII and the lasting impact of both domestic and global antisemitism, connecting historical exclusion to modern-day social responsibility.
Focus: Understanding how the land shapes the story of a people
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (Learning Outcome): Learners will investigate the relationships between humans and the physical environment
Concept Question:
-
How does the environment impact where people live, how they live, and how they meet the challenges posed by the environment?
English Language Arts & Literature (B2):
Learning Outcome:
-
Learners will use reading, listening, and viewing strategies to comprehend a variety of texts that represent diverse perspectives and experiences
Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (n.d.). Nova Scotia curriculum. https://curriculum.novascotia.ca
Ontario
Grades 4-8
The Ontario curriculum for Grades 4–8 is uniquely designed to show how the "when" of history and the "where" of geography intersect to shape our national identity. In Grades 4 and 5, these workshops bridge the Heritage and Identity strand with People and Environments by exploring the stories and traditions of Jewish families alongside the mapping of early cultural settlements in Ontario. This provides students with a foundational human and spatial connection to diversity before transitioning to more complex global topics.
In Grade 6, the curriculum focuses on Canada’s Interactions with the Global Community, where the study of the Holocaust is now a mandatory requirement. These workshops examine the historical tragedy of the MS St. Louis while using a geographic lens to track refugee migration routes and analyze how international borders can act as both barriers and protectors of human rights.
As students move into Grades 7 and 8, the content transitions into distinct History and Geography subjects. While the history component investigates the obstacles and contributions of the Jewish community during Canada's era of expansion and the World Wars, the geography component analyzes Global Inequalities and Quality of Life. By examining the "push and pull" factors of migration and the spatial significance of where survivor communities settled, students develop a comprehensive understanding of resilience, human rights, and the ongoing pursuit of an inclusive Canada.
Focus: Investigating the ancient and industrial roots of societies to understand how early civilizations and modern pioneers shaped the physical and cultural landscape of Canada
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (A1.2): Describe some of the ways in which heritage and/or identities have been maintained, celebrated, or demonstrated by various groups and communities in Canada
English Language Arts & Literature (B1.1): Read and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of literary, graphic, and informational texts, identifying the main idea and supporting details
Ontario Ministry of Education. (n.d.). The Ontario curriculum. https://bit.ly/ON-Curriculum
Focus: Investigating the history of Atlantic Canada through stories of migration, water as a human right, and the impact of traditions on our regional identity
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (SCO 4.1): Learners will investigate the way the history of PEI was shaped by Indigenous and European cultures
SEL Connection (Self-Awareness): Describe things you do well and situations in which you feel confident
-
Applied to exploring heritage and personal identity
English Language Arts (Reading & Listening): Learners will listen to knowledge holders share traditional stories to comprehend diverse perspectives
Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (n.d.). Programs of study. Government of Prince Edward. https://bit.ly/PEI-Curriculum
Prince Edward Island
Grades 4-9
The Prince Edward Island curriculum is built around the concept of Empowerment, guiding students from personal storytelling to a critical analysis of systemic power. In Grades 4 and 6, workshops use artifacts and survivor narratives—such as Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust—to build historical thinking and an understanding of global human rights.
This transitions into the intermediate years, where Grade 7 uses the Holocaust as a primary case study for Empowerment and Equality, examining the consequences of stripping groups of their legal rights. Grade 8 explores Technology and Change, analyzing how 1930s propaganda fueled anti-Jewish hatred.
Finally, Grade 9 focuses on Canada and the Modern World, where students evaluate Canada’s historical and contemporary responses to human rights crises and our role in global justice.
Québec
Grades 4-6
In Québec, the curriculum is uniquely framed within the Culture and Citizenship in Québec (CCQ) and Social Sciences programs, emphasizing the development of critical thinking and the recognition of human dignity.
For younger students, the workshops align with the CCQ focus on Self and Others, introducing Jewish holidays and symbols to build a foundation of mutual respect and cultural appreciation. In Grades 5 and 6, the programming transitions toward Dialogue and Critical Thinking, where students examine how stereotypes are formed and the essential nature of human dignity.
While the Grade 6 Social Sciences curriculum explores the 20th century, these workshops provide a vital bridge to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By using the Heart from Auschwitz as a central resource, students move beyond historical facts to analyze the real-world consequences of racism and the importance of active citizenship in a democratic society.
Focus: Examining cultural realities and social organizations to understand the diversity of heritages and the connections between people and their environment
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (Competency 3): To be open to the diversity of societies and their territories
Progression of Learning:
-
Identify the influence of people and events on social and territorial organization
CCQ (Cycle 2 Competency): Examine cultural realities
Learning Outcome:
-
Identify various factors that contribute to the construction of a person's identity (e.g., heritage, language, group membership)
Ministère de l’Éducation. (n.d.). Québec education program. https://bit.ly/QC-Curriculum
Focus: Exploring the origins of our provincial diversity by tracing the stories of migration, heritage, and the cultural foundations that build a sense of community and place
The Jewish People: History, Migration, & Identity
Social Studies (Learning Outcome IN 4.2): Describe the origins of the cultural diversity in Saskatchewan communities
Indicator:
-
Articulate reasons why European immigrants left their homelands and settled in Saskatchewan
English Language Arts (CR 4.1): Comprehend and respond to a variety of grade-level texts that address identity, community, and social responsibility
Broad Areas of Learning: Sense of Self, Community, and Place, Multicultural Content
Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. (n.d.). Saskatchewan curriculum. https://curriculum.gov.sk.ca
Saskatchewan
Grades 4-8
In Saskatchewan, the Social Studies curriculum is built around the themes of Resources, Power, and Global Citizenship, moving from local settlement stories to a sophisticated analysis of human rights and authority.
For Grade 4, the workshops align with the Resources and People theme by exploring the history of immigration to the Prairies. This provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about early Jewish farming colonies in Saskatchewan, such as Edenbridge or Wapella, illustrating the diverse cultural fabric of the province’s agricultural heritage. In Grade 6, the focus shifts to Global Issues and Human Rights, where students examine the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By utilizing resources like Hana’s Suitcase, students move beyond abstract concepts to comprehend the human consequences of rights denial.
As students enter Grade 8, the curriculum focuses on Power and Authority, requiring an analysis of how groups acquire and utilize power. These workshops explore the concept of "the other" and how historical anti-Jewish hatred was systematically employed to justify exclusion in both Europe and Canada, fostering the critical thinking skills necessary for active citizenship.
While our core curriculum mapping focuses on the provinces, we offer fully adaptable programming specifically tailored to the unique educational frameworks of Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Whether aligning with the BC-based curriculum used in the Yukon or the NWT and Nunavut Social Studies frameworks, we work closely with educators to ensure our workshops honor territorial perspectives while meeting specific learning outcomes for history, identity, and human rights.
For more information contact AVI's Director of Education Gabriela Rosenblum gabriela@alliedvoicesforisrael.org
Recommended Workshops
Hats
1
The Jewish People: History, Migration,
& Identity
This workshop explores the history of Jewish people and how they came to live in different parts of the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa...
This workshop explores the history of Jewish people and how they came to live in different parts of the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Students learn about key historical events that shaped migration and settlement. The workshop helps students understand global communities, migration, and cultural identity.
Hats
2
History, Culture, & the Land of Israel
This workshop explores the Jewish connection to the land of Israel through history, archaeology, religion, and culture...
This workshop explores the Jewish connection to the land of Israel through history, archaeology, religion, and culture. Students examine sources, artifacts, and traditions to understand how geography, history, and beliefs are connected. The workshop supports students by developing inquiry skills and helping students understand how identity and worldviews are shaped.
Hats
3
Pre/Post-Holocaust: Roots of Hate & Discrimination
Explore the history of the Holocaust through a lens of critical thinking and social responsibility...
Explore the history of the Holocaust through a lens of critical thinking and social responsibility. This workshop guides students through four historical periods to uncover the roots of anti-Jewish hatred and its impact on the modern world. By connecting history to contemporary issues of prejudice in Canada, we empower students to become empathetic, responsible citizens who stand up for human rights.
