Elementary School

OJEN offers a diverse range of justice education programming and resources for students in elementary schools. The Grade 5 Poster Challenge offers students an opportunity to creatively express their understanding of the rights of Canadians as articulated in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, based on the annual Law Day theme. Selected regional winners will have their posters displayed in local courthouses as part of OJEN's Art in the Courts Program.

Mock hearings are also an excellent way to bring aspects of the law to life for elementary school students. OJEN’s Elementary School Civil Mock Trial Program introduces students to the law, their rights, and the various roles in a courtroom, and gives students the opportunity to interact with justice sector volunteers in a positive environment.The mock trial scenario is based on a civil defamation case that arises from the aftermath of the popular children’s story, Hansel and Gretel. In our scenario, the Witch is furious that she has been portrayed as a ghoulish cannibal, and sues Hansel and Gretel for defamation after they posted their version of the story on the Internet.

Mock trial and mock sentencing scenarios for students in primary and elementary grades are listed below. Each year during Law Week, the Ontario Bar Association presents a mock trial program for elementary schools (check the link below for more information). Teachers may also refer to OJEN’s ‘Law and the Ontario Curriculum’ guide for strategies on how to incorporate law and justice topics into the curriculum for students in grades K to 8.