Looking for meaningful Terry Fox activities for elementary students? These lessons, writing crafts and collaborative posters help children understand Terry Fox, the Marathon of Hope and the lasting impact of his courage.
The Terry Fox Run is an important event in many Canadian schools. However, students may participate without fully understanding who Terry Fox was, why he began the Marathon of Hope or why people continue his work today.
These three Terry Fox activities help students learn the story behind the run while exploring perseverance, courage, hope and the difference one person can make.
Why Use Terry Fox Activities for Elementary Students?
Thoughtful Terry Fox activities for elementary students help children connect the annual school run to Terry’s life, goals and legacy.
Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope in 1980 with the goal of running across Canada and raising money for cancer research. He ran close to a marathon each day through changing weather, physical pain and many other challenges.
His journey gives students an opportunity to explore more than a single moment in Canadian history. Terry’s story can support conversations about setting goals, responding to challenges, helping others and continuing to hope when something feels difficult.
Before beginning your classroom activities, you can introduce students to Terry Fox’s story through the Terry Fox Foundation. This provides useful background information about his life, the Marathon of Hope and the purpose behind his run.
Here are three Terry Fox lessons and activities you can use before or after your school’s run.
1. Complete Terry Fox Lesson and Activities
If you want students to develop a deeper understanding of Terry Fox, begin with a complete lesson about his life, the Marathon of Hope and his maternal Métis heritage.
Many students recognize Terry Fox as a Canadian hero, but they may not know about the Métis ancestry carried through his mother’s family. Including this part of his family history creates an opportunity to discuss how heritage and identity can sometimes be left out of the stories we commonly learn.
The Métis Nation of Ontario has shared more about Terry Fox’s maternal Métis heritage and the connections between his legacy, family and community.
This complete Terry Fox lesson and activity set includes:
- A five-page lesson about Terry Fox
- Information about the Marathon of Hope
- Learning about Terry Fox’s maternal Métis heritage
- Four student activities
- A Terry Fox shoe writing craft
- Opportunities for discussion and reflection
Students learn about Terry’s life, goals and accomplishments before completing activities connected to their learning. The writing craft invites them to consider what Terry’s example can teach them about courage, perseverance and hope.
This resource works well for social studies, Indigenous education, Canadian history, character education or preparation for the Terry Fox Run.
Because I am First Nations rather than Métis, this resource was created in collaboration with a Métis educator.
Explore the complete Terry Fox lesson and activities.
2. Terry Fox Mini Lesson and Writing Activity
Sometimes you want to recognize Terry Fox with your students, but you do not have time for a complete unit. This short Terry Fox mini lesson and writing activity provides a quick but meaningful option.
Students begin with a two-page lesson introducing Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope. They then complete a shoe-shaped writing craft reflecting on an important lesson they have learned from his story.
The resource includes:
- A two-page Terry Fox mini lesson
- A Terry Fox shoe writing craft
- A student reflection activity
- A “Lessons from Terry Fox” bulletin board title
Rather than simply recording facts, students think about what Terry Fox’s story can teach them. They can reflect on courage, perseverance, hope, helping others or making a difference.
After students complete their writing, display the finished shoes together on a classroom or hallway bulletin board. Each shoe will share a different lesson, showing students how one person’s story can inspire many different ideas.
This low-prep activity is ideal for teachers searching for Terry Fox activities for elementary students that can be completed in one or two class periods. It can be used before or after the Terry Fox Run, during a Canadian heroes unit or as part of character education.
Explore the Terry Fox mini lesson and writing craft.
3. Terry Fox Collaborative Poster and Art Project
A Terry Fox collaborative poster is an engaging option when you want your entire class to create something together.
Each student colours one section of the poster. Once all 25 pages are finished, the individual pieces are assembled to reveal one large Terry Fox art display.
It is always fun to watch students realize that their one slightly mysterious colouring page is actually part of something much larger.
Four collaborative poster options are included in English and French. Teachers can choose between two messages:
- “Dreams are made possible if you try.”
- “Terry Fox was Métis. His courage lives on in all of us.”
Each completed poster measures approximately 42.5 by 55 inches, making it large enough for a classroom bulletin board, school hallway or Terry Fox Run display.
These Terry Fox collaborative posters include:
- Four Terry Fox poster options
- English and French versions
- Two meaningful messages
- 25 student colouring pages per poster
- Easy assembly instructions
- Original Terry Fox artwork
Collaborative art is especially meaningful for this topic because every student contributes one piece to a shared result. It offers a simple visual connection to the idea that individual actions can come together to create meaningful change.
This Terry Fox art project is perfect for teachers looking for hands on Terry Fox Run activities. The finished poster can also remain on display after the run, helping keep student learning visible throughout September.
Explore the Terry Fox collaborative posters.
Choosing Terry Fox Activities for Elementary Students
The best Terry Fox activities for elementary students will depend on your learning goals, grade level and available classroom time.
Choose the complete Terry Fox lesson when you want students to learn about his life, the Marathon of Hope and his maternal Métis heritage in greater depth.
Choose the Terry Fox mini lesson and shoe craft when you need a quick reading, reflection and writing activity.
Choose the Terry Fox collaborative poster when you want to involve the whole class in a shared art project or create a large display for your school.
You can also combine these resources. Begin with the complete or mini lesson, invite students to complete a written reflection and finish with the collaborative poster. This allows students to learn, reflect and create while preparing for the Terry Fox Run.
Making the Terry Fox Run More Meaningful
The Terry Fox Run becomes more meaningful when students understand the person, purpose and hope behind it.
A classroom activity does not need to be complicated to make a difference. A short lesson, a thoughtful written response or one section of a collaborative poster can help students connect the school event to Terry Fox’s lasting legacy.
These Terry Fox activities for elementary students move the learning beyond simply knowing that Terry ran across part of Canada. They invite students to consider why he ran, what he hoped to accomplish and what his courage can still teach us today.
Explore all of my Terry Fox lessons, writing activities and collaborative posters on TPT if you prefer USD!