CBC Archives

Ask students for examples of significant events from the past and how they are presented in the media. Have you ever seen a dramatic presentation of past events? How does it help you understand the event? What kinds of these presentations do you think are effective?

Divide the class into six groups. Each group will dramatize a particular episode in the life and times of Sir John A. Macdonald from the following on Sir John A. Macdonald: Architect of Modern Canada on the CBC Radio and Television Archives:

1) Macdonald’s early life and political career (clip 1)
2) Macdonald’s role in Confederation (clip 2)
3) Macdonald’s first election victory (clip 3)
4) Macdonald’s colorful personality (clip 4)
5) Macdonald the nation-builder (clip 5)
6) How Sir John A. Macdonald is remembered today (clips 6 and 7)

Groups may select any format for their presentation (e.g., role-play, skit, simulated news broadcast, “you-are-there” historical simulation) and prepare and rehearse it prior to their presentation to the class.

Each group presents its dramatization to the class. Ask each group: What did you learn about this time in Macdonald’s life? Why did you choose this format? How effective do you think it was? Ask the class as a whole what it learned about Macdonald’s life and times from this activity, and record students’ responses on the board or chart paper.

Students can prepare and present a written report on the episode that their group dramatized. What can they do with their writing to help the episode come alive?