Many viewpoints

Think about the recent election in the United States. How many points of view are there? All of the candidates have a different point of view, as do the voters. As Canadians, we are observers, but we also have a point of view.

It’s important to recognize that there are multiple sides to every story. It’s equally important to recognize that some of these perspectives may be missing or may have been silenced.

Telling one’s story

Hannah Alper has made Canadian headlines through her activism that began when she was 10 years old. In this interview, she shares her perspective of the formula for making change that she has used in her activism. By telling her story, Hannah can help others find their voices and share their own perspectives.

Think about the story Hannah has shared and reflect on the following questions in your journal:

• How has Hannah shared her story and perspective on making change?
• Whose stories are affected by Hannah’s formula?
• Whose stories would also be interesting to learn through Hannah’s experiences?
• What do you wonder about after exploring this clip?

Different perspectives

Access the following Climate Watch videos, “The Elders’ Perspective” and “The Fisher’s Perspective,” to learn about two different perspectives on climate change.

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Using the following fillable and printable Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer, take notes on each perspective from the videos. You can also create a Venn diagram in your notebook to complete this activity.

Press the Activity button to access Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

Once you have completed your graphic organizer, if possible, share your notes with a partner. How were the two perspectives similar? How were they different? What other points of view may be missing from this conversation?

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Writing in role

Think of an event you would like to write about. It can be a personal experience, a current event, or borrowed from a fictional story you have recently read. You may also choose to think about one of the videos we explored in this learning activity. Now, think about the same event from the perspectives of at least two different people who experienced it.

Choose two different perspectives of people involved or observing this situation. Write a short scene for each character, as if they were being interviewed by a reporter. Here are some questions to consider:

• What questions might the interviewer ask to gain an understanding of each perspective?
• What might each person say as they share their side of the story?
• What might each person’s body language be like?
• Are there any outside perspectives that need to be considered?
• What perspective or bias might the interviewer bring to their role?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts I have a very good understanding of the concepts I have some understanding but need to review some more my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.