CBC Archives

Write the words “dual-income family” on the board and ask students to provide you with as much information as they can on this topic. Record their responses.

Lead a short class discussion on the pros and cons of both parents working and using day care facilities for pre-school children. List the pros and cons on the board.

Direct students to Who Cares for Our Kids?: The Changing Face of Day Care in Canada on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Give them 45 to 60 minutes to browse the site (including the Did You Know? sections) and to take notes of all-important information. When they are finished, they will write an opinion essay arguing either for or against the implementation of universal day care by the Canadian government.

Gather the class and have students share their opinions informally. Remind them to substantiate their arguments with information from the Web site. Does anyone share a particularly compelling argument? Is anyone able to change another person’s opinion?

Students can send a copy of their essay to their MP and share any responses they receive.