Lesson Plan - Student Worksheet - Bibliography/Resources EPISODE: 27 "Má Vlast (My Homeland): The Jiraneks In Canada" Directed by Tom Radford SYNOPSIS Má Vlast, My Homeland tells the inspirational story of Michael and Renata Jiranek who came to Canada as refugees following the Soviet invasion of their beloved country of Czechoslovakia. They brought with them two suitcases, a small amount of money and the hope and quiet determination to find a better life and freedom, through their love of music, dance and skating. KEY IDEAS The reason behind people seeking refugee status in Canada What do people leave behind when they seek to be refugees? What was the Soviet Union? KEY TERMS Refugee Prague Spring Communism Freedom World Champion OBJECTIVES To appreciate the contributions made by the refugees to the Canadian mozaic To examine some of the freedoms which we take for granted here in Canada To examine the dangers and obstacles faced by the refugees as they flee their country of birth STUDENT ACTIVITIES The invasion of Czechoslovaia by the Soviet Union in 1968 took away many rights and freedoms. People like the Jiraneks lived in fear of saying and doing the wrong thing. Imagine you are living in an occupied state and that the Canadian government is no longer democratic. Your teacher will secretly choose 2 students to act as spies. Begin a class discussion about a current affairs issue: perhaps health-care, student loans, educational policies. Be careful not to say anything that is critical of the government. At the end of the discussion, the spies will denounce those they consider politically dangerous. They will be rewarded for every person they denounce. The denounced person will be punished. The Czech song was very important and inspirational to the Jiraneks. Choose one Canadian song whose music or lyrics mean a lot to you. Play it for the class and explain its importance yo you. Renata and Michael Jiranek worked together coaching Canada's world champion skater, Kurt Browning. Dividing into several groups, choose a sport that Canada participates in. Create a poster detailing historical highlights and participants. Invite a refugee from your community to speak with your class about the ahrdships and the joys of making a new lfe in a new culture and language. In 1968, a courageous Czech poet named Alexander Dubcek resisted the Soviet occupiers and tried to bring freedom back to his homeland. The Soviets retaliated with tanks. Choose a person whose courage and struggles for freedom you admire. Wrtie a 500 word essay on their obstacles and accomplishments. Use at least three different research sources.