www.histori.ca

What is a Historica Fair?

The Historica Fairs are an experience unlike any other!

The Historica Fairs Program encourages students to explore Canadian hertiage in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Students use the medium of their choice to tell stories about Canadian heroes, legends, milestones, and achievements - and present the results of their research at a public exhibition.

Since its beginning in 1993, the Fairs Program has grown to include more than 200,000 students across Canada each year. In the long term, it is the Historica Foundations? intention that every eligible student in Canada will have the opportunity to participate in a Fair or an on-line Fair Showcase during his or her years at school.

The Historica Fairs Program:

• create an environment where students are excited to learn and share
• provides recognition for student achievement
• celebrate cultural diversity and multiple perspectives
• reveals connections between the past and present
• inspires Canadians to celebrate their places in history

The Fairs Program is driven by volunteers: more than 10,000 people contribute their time every year. Volunteer committees involving educators, museums, heritage groups, and community associations work together to organize School, Regional, Provincial, and Territorial Fairs. The result is a community-based celebration of Canadian heritage that has a lasting impact on participants.

Why Participate?

• The Fairs Program supports existing curricula in all provinces and territorial, and encourages a cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning.
• Historica Fairs give students the chance to share their own ideas and voices, thereby building student creatvity and initiative. A wide variety of expressive styles are encouraged so that students can tell their own stories in their own ways.
• Creating a Fair project will enhance literacy skills. The emphasis on communication skills such as researching interviewing, writing, editing, and speaking will benefit all students.
• The nature of the project topics explored by students often leads to vauable intergenerational dialogue. There are many opportunities for home / school / community interaction.
• Participation in a Fair engages citizenship skills. As young people develop stronger roots in their communities, they will have the confidence to become active citizen who shape the future of our country.

For more information contact TCSA's K-12 Program and Curriculum Coordinator