A Snapshot into Grade 9 English: Incorporating Cross-Curricular Opportunities in Come From Away
Grade 9 students have been working through a newly added unit which focuses on the Tony Award-winning play Come from Away. Set in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, Come from Away tells the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers. The students read and watched as the characters grappled with fear and uncertainty, ultimately finding hope and humanity amidst tragedy. Classes have immersed themselves in the captivating narrative by researching real-life characters, analyzing lyrics, and viewing the Broadway musical.
In addition to their studies, students in Ms. Moonan’s class have had the opportunity to engage in cross-curricular activities arranged in collaboration with Ms. Romanowich, a member of the Student Services Faculty. A fortunate scheduling alignment has allowed the two faculty members to experiment with ideas for the new ENL1W curriculum.
As part of their experience, students have had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Newfoundland culture and music. On Thursday, February 1st, students learned how to craft Newfoundland-style ugly sticks, a percussive musical instrument used in the play. With resources including rubber boots, rubber chickens, tin cans and loose keys, students created wildly creative instruments. It was a day of learning to use screwdrivers, embracing their inner Newfoundlander, and having a lot of fun!
A special thank you goes out to the Dining Hall staff who kindly changed their planned menu to enable them to provide tin cans for the activity.
Ms. Romanowich also facilitated a virtual interview with renowned Canadian Choral Conductor, Susan Quinn, who had firsthand experience hosting "plane people" at her secondary school in St. John's, Newfoundland during the events depicted in the play. This interview provided valuable insights into the real-life impact of the story and allowed the students to connect more deeply with its themes. The experience will surely leave a lasting impression on the students, as it touched upon concepts such as resilience, togetherness, and the importance of community in times of crisis. The interview can be viewed here.
As the Grade 9 students move on from this unit, they will hopefully carry with them the lessons learned from the stage, as well as a newfound sense of empathy and an appreciation for the diverse voices that shape our stories.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
