The little island by Smriti Prasadam-Hallis and Robert Starling

Y5-6 lesson plan

The little island- Smriti Prasadam-Hallis and Robert Starling

LI: To be competent in the art of speaking and listening and participate in debate Lesson plan by Andrew Moffat / No-outsiders.com

Starter: What is an island? What countries today are islands? Look at the cover; what do you think the story may be about. There is a leaflet on the floor, “Better together” what’s that about, do you think?

Main: Read ‘The Little Island’ up to the page where the foxes attack (“Save us!”) Discuss the following questions: ·         The first page says, “They worked hard and each was at liberty to live and work where they chose… it wasn’t perfect and they didn’t always agree, but they liked it.” What does this mean? Is this how society works today? Give examples. ·         How does the unrest begin? Why do you think the geese are grumbling? Who are they blaming for the way things are? (other animals) ·         Why don’t the other animals stop this happening? ·         When things go wrong, why do the geese keep saying, “At least we are happy!” ·         The foxes have come! What do you think will happen next? Predict the end of the story.

Role play: Once the footbridge is gone it is difficult to change the situation. If someone had presented an alternative view, do you think the geese would have changed their minds? Look at the arguments put forward in the meeting; write them up on the board: “Our island was once a green and pleasant land, the apples were much redder, the grass was much greener, the sun was much warmer, the food tasted better. Now it’s too busy. We should leave the rest of the farm and live on our own just as we please”  Ask children to consider these arguments and respond. The aim isn’t to agree or disagree, the aim is to consider how to effectively engage in a debate; how to listen to an argument and respond. You could set up ground rules before the debate, appoint a chair, put up hands etc. We never hear a response from the ducks; what do you think the ducks might have said?

Activity: Choose one of the arguments listed above and record a transcript of two sides of  the class debate demonstrating alternate views.

Plenary: Why is the bridge re-built at the end of the story? There is a sign placed on the island side of the bridge – what does it say, why? What did the geese learn in the story? Consider the meeting and the events that followed; there is no right or wrong answer to the question of the bridge but how can the animals make sure all voices are heard? What can we learn from this story? Why is this story about No Outsiders?