Belonging: The Search for Acceptance
Publisher's Description
Belonging: The Search for Acceptance is being used for Civics classes in some Ontario public high schools, by the joint public and Catholic S.M.I.L.E. program, and for Leadership, Religion, and Guidance in several Catholic boards. As well, applications have been found for teacher training and professional development days.
Jean Vanier, renowned and charismatic Canadian founder of L'Arche, offers a compelling vision of "a world in which every human being is important." This fast-paced and challenging 50-minute documentary, produced by Ontario filmmaker Karen Pascal, explores what Vanier identifies as the most pressing social issue of our time – belonging. L'Arche Canada offers the discussion version of the video with a 40-page high school teachers' guide. This material is uniquely suited to values and character education, to social justice education, and to guidance. Teachers could adapt material for junior high school social studies.
The video and guide examine the theme of belonging in six segments, and can be used over three or four classes. The guide helps students reflect on the thematic material in terms of their own personal growth and the kind of society they want to help build. Segments include powerful vignettes and reflective material on bullying and on leadership and peer mentorship skills that help create a school community where everyone belongs. An examination of inclusion and exclusion in the wider society presents stirring stories by aboriginal and refugee figures, and provides interfaith perspectives. The video opens and closes with engaging footage of the L'Arche community where Vanier lives with people who have developmental disabilities and with young assistants. The guide has appendices for media literacy, safe school programs, and high school retreats.
The Belonging package (video and guide) may be ordered by email (office@larchecanfoundation.org) or phone (905-770-7696). Video and study guide: $29.95.
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Note: These learning resources are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. However, such a recommendation is of the resource only and should not be construed as a general recommendation of the developer of such a resource or the developer's business or related activities. While CSC recommends a resource on pedagogical grounds, the end user is fully responsible for its use.