Episode 5:
An important visitor
The purpose of this episode is for learners to share their learning about ways to make sure everyone has a sense of belonging.
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…be critical thinking global citizens that challenge discrimination and prejudice through an understanding and awareness of the behaviours, practices and processes that create injustice in the world (Principle 6)
…be empowered to bring about new ways of being together in the world by valuing and promoting empathy, solidarity and shared humanity that is often disrupted by systemic racism (Principle 9)
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readiness to think through consequences of words, actions and choices on others
belief that individuals and groups can improve situations
willingness to cooperate with others to change things for the better
Suggested activities
Following the visit/letter, discuss ways in which we can communicate how to make our class and school welcoming and so that everyone feels like they belong. How can we offer the hand of friendship to others
In pairs, learners should decide who is A and B. Learner A should ask Learner B about what they have learned through the situation with their character. Learners can then swap. This could be an oral or written activity. Depending on your learners, you may want to give them a starter sentence for example ‘I used to think ____now I think ____. Gather responses and record these to support the next activity (this is also a way to assess any attitudinal change in your learners)
One example might be to make ‘hands of friendship’ - Ask learners to draw around their hands. Identify 5 ways to offer the hand of friendship to others. These can be written on each finger, or drawn around each hand. Be explicit about including some positive messages about skin colour. These can then be shared with others. For example you could create a video, a song/chant or you might display the hands in your classroom/school.
Watch this Sesame Street video Sesame Street: See Us Coming Together Song with Ji-Young, Elmo, and their friends! Can you write a class song or rap about everyone feeling valued?
Extension Activity: watch this animation Taking Action for Anti-Racism. What can you do to be anti-racist? You might wish to use some of the associated taking action for anti racism 2nd level activities.Look again at all the points the learners have made on their hands of friendship. Discuss how important it is that we all have a role to play in making not only our class and schools, but our communities and our wider world a place where everyone belongs. What (if anything) might your learners want to add to the hands display to take this further?
Preparation
Either arrange for your headteacher to visit the class, or write a letter from them.
For example:
Dear Class
I’ve heard about the fantastic birthday celebrations for your character and how welcomed they have felt. I would like to tell all my other headteacher friends about this. Would you help other schools learn how to welcome new classmates into their class, please? This will help to make sure that everyone feels like they belong.
