Bonspiel! The History of Curling in Canada

Archived Content

This archived Web content remains online for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It will not be altered or updated. Web content that is archived on the Internet is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats of this content on the Contact Us page.

Educational Resources
Curling Pin Creation
Description of Activity
After reading "Burned Stones: Curling Lore," students will look at the variety of curling pins, which are avidly collected by curlers. They will write a report based on their research, and create their own design for a curling pin to present orally to their class.
Time
Two to three 40-minute lessons
Integration
This lesson can easily be integrated into
•	a visual arts unit that focuses on the use of design and colour
•	a language unit that involves reading and interpreting non-fiction materials
•	a language unit that focuses on explaining procedures and summarizing
Assessment
The teacher may wish to record anecdotal observations using the Curling Pin Creation assessment form.
Activity
•	Ask students what kinds of personal items they have traded with friends or peers (hockey cards, CDs, food, video games, clothes, etc.).
•	Have students read "Curling Pins -- Collecting or Trading," the first selection in "Burned Stones: Curling Lore," as a class guided-reading activity or working independently.
•	Ask a series of questions based on the selection.
•	Invite a curler from a local club to come and speak to the class and to show the students their curling pins.
•	Ask students to choose five pins to write about. Each paragraph will outline the name of the pin, state where it is from, describe the design and explain why they chose it. They must write an introductory paragraph explaining the assignment and a closing paragraph.
•	In the next lesson, provide students with a selection of materials with which to design and create their own curling pin (paper, markers, paint, modelling clay, etc.). If desired, safety pins may be hot-glued to the back to create an actual pin.
•	Ask the students to orally explain their pin design, and to summarize what they have learned about curling pins.