Are Canadian schools keeping Canada in their curriculum, or does the curriculum contain too much of an American influence?

Donna Jagoe, mother to a daughter in grade four, doesn't think so. "I know when I was growing up in school, a lot of textbooks were written in America, and this always bothered me!" says Jagoe. " I felt that if we're learning about Canada, it should have been a Canadian writing it." Yet, Jagoe's daughter is learning more about Canada than Jagoe did when she was in school. "This could only mean a great change for the better," she says.

Joanne Smith, mother of two girls in grades seven and 10, would agree. "I feel there is a big emphasis on Canada, especially in Ontario, where our girls received most of their education," says Smith. "They were taught Canadian spelling, history and geography and read books authored by Canadians."

Shannon Webb, a teacher in Alberta, says that at least in her Alberta school, Canada is being taught in social studies, math, geography, history and language arts. "All the subjects lend themselves to having a Canadian spin on them," she says. "For example, studying the Group of Seven and other Canadian artists in art class, adding Canadian themes to physical education class and studying Canadian scientists," says Webb, are what keeps Canada in the curriculum.

Zee or Zed?
Although children are taught to pronounce the letter "z" as "zed," some children do pronounce the letter "z" as "zee." But for most teachers and parents this is not a huge concern. "I use a lot of books that are Canadian, including a few Canadian alphabet picture books," says Cathy-Dee Brand, a teacher of grade one in Alberta. "And I teach the Canadian way of spelling any words that may be spelled differently in the States."

Children are often given the choice of how to spell words with or without the "u." For example, in the words "colour" and "favour," the American-way of spelling these words does not include the letter "u." However, some teachers, especially in junior high and high school level, are encouraged to spell using Canadian style. Depending on the teacher, a student may be docked points for using the American-style English in their homework.

Holly Canham, a grade three teacher in Ontario, also teaches her students the differences between the popular speech patterns Americans, British and Australians use. "They know that if characters in one of their stories eats jelly and drinks soda, then that book was written by an American," says Canham. The origin of words like "favourite," "behaviour" and "neighbour" are also discussed. "It has become almost a game to see if we can spot the origin of the author," says Canham. "It is just one way of reinforcing cultural differences in the global village."

Canadian literature is also incorporated into lesson plans by using books written by Canadian authors and poets. Often schools "adopt" a Canadian author.

Ask your child what books they are reading. If you feel your child isn't reading enough books by Canadian authors, perhaps you can suggest to your school to adopt a Canadian author. A week celebrating the works of a particular author and if possible, an appearance by the author will be a motivating factor for your children to read more titles by the author and promote a love of reading and writing. "My daughter has brought a lot of Canadian books home, including Farley Mowat," says Jagoe.

A Nation of Diversity
Most parents would agree that our children should be well versed about Canadian history, geography and social studies, but also broaden their horizons by studying other world cultures. Kathy Wise, from Calgary, Alberta, is very satisfied with what her daughters are exposed to in school. "They are learning about the whole world, but focusing very much on their own country," she says. "They need to know what else is out in the world, but the main focus should always be home."

It is amazing to Webb that stereotypes still exist with children and adults in the United States about Canada. "These stereotypes offend even children," says Webb. "Inuit (Eskimos) don't live in igloos anymore; most of us have never seen a dogsled, and a very many of us have never spoken French in our lives." Webb believes Canada is a wonderful nation because of its rich and colorful heritage. "Canada is very open and accommodating of other cultures, and we believe in celebrating diversity rather than asking newcomers to assimilate," she says.

Brand, who teaches in an area with a large Native-Canadian population, spends a fair amount of time bringing their culture into the school, as well. Often, she will do projects with teachers and classes across Canada. Again, be aware of what your child is learning in school. Peruse their homework and read the textbooks being used to get a good feel about what they are learning.

Canadian Influence
Because there are so many similarities between the United States and Canada, the cultural differences are few. However, American software, movies and television can influence spelling patterns that become acceptable to children who frequently use them. "While I do believe we are influenced by the United States, especially through television, music and movies, I also believe that Canadians have great pride in their own country, and this all begins in the classroom," says Brand.

According to Brand, the social studies curriculum is currently being re-written, and she is seeing a heavier emphasis on Canadian content. When curriculums are being examined and updated, it's a good opportunity for parents to convey their opinions and suggestions to the principal, who in turn can relay the parents' voice to the provincial government. "Educators are always looking for ways to improve future curricula," says Webb. Parents, in numbers, can be a powerful influence on any administration.

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