Grade 10: Cultural Contexts

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

Prescribed Learning Outcomes

It is expected that students will:

apply knowledge of characteristic Punjabi games, sports, crafts, customs, or celebrations to plan and implement a cultural event
examine the effect that knowledge of Punjabi language and culture has on various aspects of their lives
demonstrate an appreciation of Punjabi language and culture and its place in local and global communities
explain the significance of particular Punjabi customs, celebrations, and festivals

Suggested Instructional Strategies

By examining the reasons behind cultural practices, students increase their awareness and appreciation of Punjabi culture.

Invite students to plan and carry out a sports day for an elementary school class. The sports day should include familiar (especially Punjabi) games and may also include other activities they have made up themselves. Have students work in pairs to:
- prepare instructions in Punjabi for each activity
- organize and lead activities during the sports day
As a class, brainstorm foods that are a part of the diet of various cultures (emphasize foods typical to the Punjabi diet and offer support by providing pictures of particular items). Have students analyse the lists by:
- identifying foods that are part of a typical Punjabi diet and those that are part of the typical diet in another culture (many foods will be common to both diets)
- categorizing the foods from both diets according to food groups defined in the Canada Food Guide Handbook
- identifying similarities and differences
Extend the activity by discussing reasons for some of the dietary differences that students have identified (e.g., geography, climate, customs, religion).
Students should be encouraged in a variety of ongoing activities such as having pen pals. They should also regularly produce journal entries, identifying activities they have enjoyed as part of the Punjabi class or describing any valuable understanding acquired through the study of Punjabi.

Suggested Assessment Strategies

Students demonstrate their awareness and appreciation of Punjabi culture by the way they react to a wide variety of classroom activities.

When students plan and participate in activities such as a Punjabi sports day, note the extent to which they:
contribute suggestions about Punjabi games and sports
outline instructions and rules associated with the games or activities they choose

Students can show their knowledge of Punjabi foods and dietary practices in their discussions, writing, and representations (e.g., posters, computer graphics). Look for evidence that they are able to:

use vocabulary related to foods
identify foods that are common to Punjabi and other diets and those that are different
offer logical reasons and examples to explain variations in diet
explain the significance of specific foods or dietary practices

Conference with students to discuss pen pal experiences and journal writing, and look for evidence that they are able to:

describe their experiences with Punjabi culture
express personal reactions to cultural activities
relate the activities they have experienced to a wider community (local or global)
recognize how they have benefited from learning about Punjabi language and culture
ask questions and express plans and intentions to further their learning

Recommended Learning Resources

Print Material

Bir Bahadar Jagge Di Varta
Canadian Sikhs: History, Religion and Culture of Sikhs In North America
Encyclopaedia Of Sikh Religion And Culture
Golden Temple
Harimander Sahib (Golden Temple)
Panja Putran Da Pio
Punjabis in Canada
The Sikh Canadians
The Sikhs

Revised: January 26, 1999

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