Lesson Plans
Educators can integrate Create to Learn tutorials in their classrooms with units aligned to curriculum expectations across Canada, developed collaboratively with Christine M'lot and usable with the Create to Learn textbook or by having students access this web site.
Unit 1: Photography, Filming, and Acting
Students learn photography and filming basics, practice interviewing, explore video editing, and study acting as a career path.
Film and Photography Basics
By Sara Cornthwaite
Students examine photo essay journalism, learn photography fundamentals, create original photo essays about their lives and communities, then exhibit work in classroom displays.
Film Yourself Like a Boss
By Patrick Shannon
Students practice filming themselves, interview community members, and produce original videos from conception to completion.
Creating Digital Media on a Budget
By Diana Hellson
Students learn free video editing software and edit videos created in Lesson 2.
So You Wanna Be an Actor?
By Anna Lambe
Students examine Indigenous representation in film and television, study stereotypes and their harmful effects, then analyze Indigenous-produced media.
Actor's Toolkit
Students engage in improv games preparing for auditions, then create audition materials including self-tapes, video demo reels, and audio demo reels.
Unit 2: Cultural Creations and Business
Students learn from creatives about exploring business ideas and leveraging online platforms for entrepreneurial ventures.
Moccasin Making
Students research local and national moccasin makers, analyze their business models, create moccasins while demonstrating entrepreneurial qualities, with optional fundraising component.
Working with Epoxy Resin to Create Jewellery
Students examine Indigenous jewelry makers’ business practices, create resin jewelry pieces demonstrating entrepreneurial skills, with optional fundraising opportunity.
How to Make Bannock
Students explore social impact projects and community initiatives, examine how individuals use talents for social change, and create their own community-focused projects.
Fish Skin Tanning at Home
Students learn Indigenous sustainability perspectives, examine traditional practices like fish skin tanning, then complete group sustainability projects.
Graphic Arts
By Ovila Mailhot
Students view Indigenous graphic design examples, participate in gallery walks examining designs for national organizations, learn Photoshop techniques, and study Indigenous design best practices.
Unit 3: Music and Recording
Students explore music industry aspects including songwriting, recording setup, distribution, online presence, and podcasting while self-reflecting through blog posts.
Music Industry Basics
Students complete Multiple Intelligence Theory assessments, learn music industry fundamentals including equipment acquisition and distribution, build professional networks, and write reflective blog posts.
Song Writing 101
By Evan Redsky
Students analyze songs examining mood, concept, figurative language and messaging, learn songwriting fundamentals, then compose original songs.
How to Create a Portable Recording Booth
Students construct portable recording studios, research equipment costs, then write blog posts educating future musicians about affordable equipment sourcing.
Music Makers 101
Students record original songs from previous lessons and document their recording experiences through blog posts discussing industry distribution and advertising.
Online Presence for Artists
Students analyze favorite artists’ social media strategies, examine branding aesthetics and artist bios, then create promotional social media posters reflecting mood and tone through design elements.