Question 1

What are the themes for each grade?

Accepted Answer

Kindergarten & Grade 1: Foundational AwarenessKindergarten Theme: Cultural Appreciation & IdentityFocus: Introduction to diverse cultures, heritage symbols, and identity.Takeaway: Understanding the meaning of the Sankofa bird (learning from the past).
Grade 1 Theme: Introduction to Black Canadian TimelinesFocus: Exploring cultural geography and early community roots.Takeaway: Recognizing Africa as a diverse continent and identifying Canada’s rich Black history.Grades 2 & 3: Community & Creative ExpressionGrade 2 Theme: Creative Expression through Art, Music, & DanceFocus: Engaging creative minds through historical Black cultural artistic expressions.Takeaway: Exploring multi-perspective inspirations and discovering new ways to express ourselves.
Grade 3 Theme: Interactive Inquiry & Global PerspectivesFocus: Student-driven exploration spanning STEM, sports, hair, and business, featuring an overview of a Caribbean nation.Takeaway: Realizing the vast, diverse contributions Black Canadians have made across industries.Grades 4 & 5: Heritage, Settlements, & PerseveranceGrade 4 Theme: Terminology, Settlements, & Personal InspirationFocus: Critical thinking around historical language, featuring a geographic spotlight on a Caribbean nation and early Black Canadian settlements.Takeaway: Understanding that words hold power and developing an appreciation for perseverance.
Grade 5 Theme: Historical Timelines & Looking to the FutureFocus: A deep-dive timeline of historical events featuring a spotlight on Barbados, exploring how past events shape our future.Takeaway: Celebrating a deep legacy of uninterrupted Black Excellence throughout history.Grades 6 & 7: Activism, Anti-Racism, & Civic ImpactGrade 6 Theme: Individual Power, Excellence, & Grassroots ActivismFocus: Case-study approach analyzing the deep biographies of specific Black Canadian changemakers, featuring an overview of an African nation.Takeaway: Understanding the power of individual choice and remembering the legacy of historical and modern figures.
Grade 7 Theme: Canadian Activism, Segregation, & Anti-RacismFocus: A highly conversational, analytical presentation looking at Canada's history with segregation, civil rights activists, and societal perceptions, featuring an overview of an African nation.Takeaway: Developing a mature understanding of systemic Canadian history, personal identity, and place in the world.

Question 2

How long are the presentations?

Accepted Answer

Most presentations are approximately one hour long. For Kindergarten and K/1 classes, sessions are typically shortened to 30 to 45 minutes.

Each facilitator can deliver up to three presentations per day, and we request a minimum of 15 minutes between sessions.

Question 3

What do we need to provide?

Accepted Answer

In order to make our presentations as mobile as possible we ask schools to provide the following:

To ensure that a space is reserved for the presentation (Gym, library or classroom) at least 20 minutes before and 15 minutes after each presentation.
To provide a projector and screen OR a large TV plus a HDMI cable of at least 5’.
To provide a speaker that can be connected to a laptop or to the projector.
To provide power for the projector and or TV.

Question 4

What should I expect on the day?

Accepted Answer

Our facilitators will arrive at the school at least 20 minutes before the presentation and follow the school’s sign-in procedures. We would appreciate directions to the presentation space upon arrival so we can complete any technical setup and be ready to welcome students.

At the conclusion of the presentation, teachers will receive a book to help extend the conversation in the classroom, along with stickers for participants to be distributed at the end of the day.

Before leaving, our facilitators will sign out in accordance with the school’s procedures.

Question 5

Do you do assemblies?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we do not combine large age groups for these presentations. Our experience has shown that the sessions are most effective—and students benefit most—when content is delivered within their appropriate age group.

Question 6

How far in advance do I have to book?

Accepted Answer

Our busiest booking period is January through March. If you are planning a presentation during Black History Month, we recommend booking at least six weeks in advance to secure the dates and times that best fits your school’s schedule.

That said, we are always happy to work with you to accommodate your timeline whenever possible.

Question 7

I have a limited budget – what presentations would you suggest?

Accepted Answer

A helpful starting point is to identify which grade groups you would like to prioritize.

If you want to focus on middle and upper grades, one option is to schedule a presentation for Grade 3 on its own; Grades 4 and 5 can be grouped together; Grades 6 and 7 can also be combined.

Question 8

My school has several split classes. Can you accommodate this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are happy to work with your school to schedule presentations that best reflect your class groupings and support students effectively.

For example, if you have one Grade 3 class and two Grade 2/3 split classes, we will typically recommend the Grade 2/3 presentation, as it aligns with the majority of students.

Question 9

Payment and Invoicing

Accepted Answer

Once your presentations are confirmed, we will issue an invoice outlining the scheduled dates and grade groups.

Payment by school cheque is welcome.
Cheques may be mailed to our office or hand-delivered to one of our facilitators.
Mailing address: 210-233 W. 1st Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1B3

Question 10

How can I cancel or reschedule a presentation?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or reschedule a presentation, simply log into your account on our website to make the changes easily. We understand that schedules can change, so we are committed to working with you to find an alternative time that fits both your availability and that of our facilitators.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions