Windsong Heights School teacher, Meaghan Wright is helping to bring the social studies curriculum to life, as showcased to the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting March 6. 

Wright and several of her Grade 6 students presented their recent legislative assembly simulation to the Board, shining a light on her passion for experiential teaching and her students’ love for learning this way. 

In their simulated Alberta Legislative Assembly, students took on roles such as Premier, Speaker of the House, leader of the official opposition, clerk, page and other members of the legislature. Using their problem-solving, communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills, the students introduced a bill, which was then debated, voted on and passed. 

Students told trustees how the experience improved their learning, with many saying being part of the mock Legislative Assembly brought the experience to life in a much more meaningful way than reading about the democratic and legislative process in a book. Researching the topic and then role-playing allowed the students to develop skills such as public speaking, respectful debate and listening, and teamwork which they will use across their education.

The debates about the proposed bill sometimes got heated, but using the parliamentary rules of decorum and process ensured it didn’t get out of hand. Coming up with an opening statement and presenting an argument was a fun way to learn the topic, and the students said they also learned more because of the hands-on approach. Some found writing and delivering a rebuttal as well as participating in the post-assembly media conference was daunting but also taught them to think on their feet and to be more comfortable with public speaking.

Seeing the curriculum come to life for her students and how much they enjoyed the experience was gratifying for Wright who said she plans to continue to develop these kinds of real-world teaching opportunities in the future. 

Students actively engaging in meaningful and relevant learning like this legislative assembly simulation allows them to demonstrate several outcomes of Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) Education Plan, including showing cultural and global citizenship, creativity and innovation, and personal growth.

Windsong Heights School Mock Legislative Assembly

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