French-Canadians, Acadians and the French in New England. A Learning Activity Packet.

The history of the French-Canadians from their beginnings to the present time is the topic of this Learning Activity Packet (LAP). Designed to acquaint students with the French, Canada's earliest permanent settlers following the Indians, the unit is divided into six objectives which include learning activities for each. Students are expected to learn about: 1) the French explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries who came looking for fish and furs, and the beginning of New France; 2) the French way of life along the St. Lawrence River before the Conquest. And how, under the rule of the King of France, the French tradition became established in the seigneurial system in farming; in fur trading with the Indians; and in the establishment of the Catholic church with missionairies; 3) the Acadians, and how their political views eventually led to their expulsion from the country; 4) the Conquest, in 1763, and its effect on the French-Canadians in Quebec; 5) the emigration by tens of thousands of Quebec-Canadians to New England during the mid and late 19th century; and, 6) the present role of French-Canadians and Acadians in New England through an understanding of their culture which has been preserved in the life style of the "little Canadas" in Maine milltowns and in the valley of the St. John River. The activities include the use of maps, simulations, books, role-playing, and audio-visual aids. There are several other units in the series. They are SO 006 140-145. (OPH)