This lesson is based on viewing the Historica Minute, "Soddie," that focuses on the realities that immigrants in the 1880's faced when they arrived on the Canadian Prairie.

Students will explore the myths and realities of immigration in the 1880's. Students will create posters and speeches "selling" the idea of immigration, and they will role-play the experiences that immigrants would have had once they arrived on the Canadian Prairie.

1. The Last Best West

Many European immigrants were drawn to the Prairies because of the effective ad campaign by the Canadian government.

Create a poster to advertise immigration to the Prairies. Things to take into consideration:

- What will you offer?
- What will you highlight about the Prairies?
- How will you depict them visually?
- What qualities about the new lifestyle will you emphasize?
- Will you appeal to a sense of adventure?
- The romance of the West?
- The offer of free land?

Imagine that you are a representative from Canada and must "sell" the idea of immigration to groups of Europeans. Write and present a speech that will interest and excite these people and convince them to immigrate to the Prairies.

2. Coming to Canada

Canadian history is filled with stories of immigration. The teaching ideas for the Orphans and Underground Railroad Minutes contain activities that are also useful for Soddie.

Form small groups to research the experience of immigration. You may divide the students by the countries of origin of immigrant groups. Some textbooks include accounts written by immigrants. The teacher-librarian can assist students in finding resources.

Have each student take on the role of a member of an immigrant family (mother, father, child, or grandparent) of the group they have studied. Have them discuss the experience of arrival and settlement from the point of view of that person. Suggested topics:

- How rough was the trip?
- Were they afraid?
- What did they bring?
- What did they eat?
- How did they make clothes?
- What work did each do?
- How did they help other members of the family?

Have students write a description or diary as their character. Put them together, adding pictures, title page, and family names, to create a "Family Album" of immigration and settlement.