Lesson 1 People Equal Poetry - Reading for Meaning

Learning Objectives / Key Questions / Teaching and Learning Activities / Resources
To perform a poem with actions and expression
To understand how all people are equal but different through a poem
Range and Content
The purpose of this lesson is to develop discussion on the concepts of diversity and equality exploring the Schools Linking Network key questions: Who are we? How do we all live together? / What does the word equal mean in maths?
What does the word equal mean if when we say people are equal?
What kind of personality are you?
Success criteria
Thoughtful communication in words and actions
Clear expression as you perform poem together
Vocabulary
“If one thing equals another it means they are as good (or as remarkable) as each other.” Collins Dictionary / Starter:

Show the children an = sign and talk about the word equal in maths EG 2+6=8 3+5=8.
Show a mango and the same weight of tomatoes. Different but equal in weight. Not better or worse, different but equal. (Or rice and pasta - different food but equally pleased to have either for tea!).
Watch the five minute video about human rights and about everyone being born free.

Main Activity:

Listen to James Berry’s People Equal poem together. (Look at the People Equal powerpoint and if possible listen to the poem read aloud by James Berry on CD).
Allow the children one minute to reflect on the text on their own.
Clarify understanding of vocabulary (mango- sweet tasting, taste of tomato, nervous,hammer).

Talking Partners (TP)Do you have a favourite personalityin the poem?
TPAre there any descriptions that you think are like you?
Read the example of a children’s poem together (see powerpoint)
Vote Which is your favourite verse?
TP What does it mean if people are equal?
Arrange the children into sixgroups of five. Give each group two verses (see attached handout for cutting up to give each pair two verses) and ask them to practice reading them together with expression that matches the words.
Mini plenary: Hear each group perform their two verses. Advice given to improve expression. Then ask the groups to add actions and movement to the words. Eg ‘rush to the front’, nervously ‘hang back’ and ‘shoot up tall’.
Plenary: All watch groups perform their two verses. Explain that in another lesson we will be thinking about writing our own verses about people who are equal but different so be thinking… / Mango, cherry tomatoes, People Equal ppt, poem sheet per group, We are all born free on You Tube, pencils andscrap paper
Possible assessment opportunities

Pupils can recognise and appreciate diversity and equality
Pupils can discuss equality and diversity
Pupils can perform a poem as a group with meaningful expression

Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural
Moral-understanding of moral duty to promote equality.
Social - working on a collaborative group task.
Cultural - understanding of difference.
Additional notes for teachers
Sensitivity, awareness and understanding your class and community is essential before exploring any activities relating to identity

SLN People Equal Pack Lesson 1 – People Equal Poetry – Reading for Meaning Lesson Plan