No Outsiders: Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann

Year 6

Text: Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann lesson plan by Andrew Moffat / equalitiesprimary

Learning intention: To overcome fears about difference

Success criteria: I can accept and work with people who are different to me, I can explore difference without fear,  I can look for solutions to challenging situations,

Starter: Discuss the success criteria; what does it mean? How can it be relevant to us in school? Look at the front cover of the book; what do you see, what do you notice about the animal and the habitat. What do you think this story might be about?

Main: Read “Leaf” stop during the story to ask children in pairs to discuss the reaction of the animals to the polar bear, also to discuss what the polar bear might be doing with the leaves. Why do the animals have such a negative and fearful reaction to the polar bear? What changes the animals’ opinions?

Role play: In the story Leaf is an outsider; Leaf doesn’t try to talk to the other animals: why not? Look at the page where the animals are talking and using words like Monster, Huge, Needs to go. Who has the power in this situation and why? (the animals have power because there are more of them and they are safe). Focus on how we could change this situation. In pairs come up with points for a discussion to encourage the animals to find a solution. Think about what you can say to persuade them; it’s not enough to say “Just listen to Leaf”. (encourage children to think about the Equality Act and protected characteristics used to ensure equality perhaps use the protected characteristics that the animals may have, to show they are all different yet they all belong)

Activity: Create a sketch of the animal meeting where they discuss reasons for and against talking to him (he is dangerous / he is lost). Label each animal and identify differences for each to show that despite their own differences, they live and work together. Our aim is to demonstrate that Leaf also has differences and that means he fits in: we all have differences.

Plenary: The last line says the animals would tell the story to everyone so that “No polar bear would ever get lost again”. What other reason is there for the animals to tell this story? What have they learned through this experience? (to accept difference, to avoid prejudice, to find solutions, to work together)

Afl questions: Why do some people show prejudice to others? What can I do when I hear someone showing prejudice? Why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in Primary Schools by Andrew Moffat

equalitiesprimary