Fact vs. fiction: Montreal teacher helping students navigate news about Russia-Ukraine war
With the war in Ukraine on everybody's mind, a teacher at LaurenHill Academy in Montreal's Saint-Laurent borough leads open conversations about the invasion in her history and geography classes.
She is helping students navigate the facts and so-called fake news since everybody is already seeing the headlines. Teaching Grade 7 and 8 students on the junior campus, Nadia Santagata uses news headlines to guide class conversations.
She said her students are curious. “To see that intrigue and interest at such a young age is really fascinating, but as you can imagine the discussions can be quite intimidating and scary and difficult.”
Grade 8 student Nina Carrubba agrees. “It's very scary, it's putting millions of innocent people in danger and if it happens to be another world war, that'd be even worse.”
In the classroom, discussions help students process the information that many view through unverified sources on their phones.
"I think it's very helpful getting taught valid information at school because, myself, I think a lot of people are getting a lot of information off TikTok and memes and whatnot," said Noah Becker, a Grade 8 student.
Santagata said they delve down to the source.
“Trying to get to the core of that actual TikTok or meme was talking about is part of the process,” the teacher said.
Through the classroom discussions, students are also learning media literacy and critical thinking. They have learned to question the source of their information and trust verified news outlets more often.
The quest in this class is to balance verified information and work through the emotions that come with what they see.
“There was a hospital that got destroyed completely and I saw that. Really scary. You know, I can't imagine being at home and a bomb just explodes in front of my house. Extremely scary," said Janaya Mohan.
"I can't imagine what people are going through in Ukraine.”
In a way, these daily in-class conversations are part news update and part mental wellness check-in.
“The pandemic was really bad, took a toll on everyone and now there's a war in Russia and Ukraine and it's really hard to process,” said Brandon Woo.
His classmate, Noah Becker, added: "The fact that we're having a war overseas in the 21st century can be very stressful at times.”
By sharing feelings and facts, these students are managing a very serious topic.
“Considering they're going against such a superpower in the world, I think they're strong people and they have courage … they're fighting for their home," said Yanni Eliopoulos, a student.
His classmate, Daniel Benarroch, agrees.
“I think that everyone thought that Ukraine would go down in a couple of days and, honestly, I'm happy for them," he said.
Next week, LaurenHill Academy will encourage students to wear blue and yellow — the colours of the Ukrainian flag — to show their solidarity and to collect money and donations for its citizens.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.