Saturday 14 December 2019

Embankment station

Mind The Gap
https://secretldn.com/mind-the-gap-embankment-station/?fbclid=IwAR30gdsWyENmcHmKsPjt2_fXbwe5D_L9DTUHJjvx6Na8v-BtLy_tsjx69eI

Visitors to London Underground stations hear a friendly warning every time a train arrives; "Mind the gap!" which reminds people to step over the gap between the train and the platform. One morning at Embankment station an elderly woman approached a guard to ask why the voice making the announcement over the loudspeaker had changed. The guard told her that all the announcements across the London Underground had been updated so the old voice had been replaced.

The woman was a GP, Dr Margaret McCollum. She told the guard that the old voice was her husband; an actor called Oswald Lawrence who never became famous but had recorded "Mind the gap!" for all the London underground stations in the 1970s. Oswald died in 2007 and Margaret missed him very much; she felt alone but every day on her way to work at Embankment station she could hear Oswald's voice. Sometimes she would wait on the platform a little longer just to hear his voice every time a train in.

The staff at Embankment station listened to her story and said they would try and find the old recordings, but they knew it would be impossible as the whole system had been erased. Margaret knew that she would not hear Oswald again.

The following year, Margaret was sitting on the station on her way to work when a train arrived and the announcement came over the loudspeaker; "Mind the gap!". Margaret couldn't believe what she heard; it was Oswald speaking!

Many people at Embankment station felt empathy with Margaret; they too had lost loved ones and knew how it felt to feel alone. They wanted to help, so an operation had begun to restore Oswald's announcement. And that is why today if you travel on the underground you will hear a digitalised voice warning you about the gap at every other station, but at Embankment station you will hear only one human voice, a booming male voice saying, "Mind the gap!" and it's Oswald.

What do you see in the picture?
where is it?
What do people hear while standing at the station?

explain the story

- How do you think Margaret felt when she heard Oswald's voice every morning?
- He was only saying three words; she couldn't hold a conversation, so why do you think she would sometimes wait on the station to hear him again and again?
-  How did Margaret feel the first time the announcement was a different voice?
- The guard was probably very busy, why do you think he stopped and listened to her story?
- Oswald's recording had been erased, why do you think staff spent so long trying to restore it? Why didn't they just say, "sorry, it's a different voice now."
- what does empathy mean?
- how do you think Margaret felt when she heard Oswald again?
- this story has gone viral; why do you think that is? What does that show about people around the world today?
- Why is this story about no outsiders? (Margaret felt like an outsider, but the staff worked together to make sure she felt welcome and loved)
- what can we learn from the staff at Embankment station?

Merry Christmas everyone!

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat 


























Saturday 7 December 2019

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks
https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/12/public-transit-system-honors-rosa-parks-with-open-seat-on-every-bus.html?fbclid=IwAR1D4iGAGkRJZM7NBuZkI_Clo4FnQUCYzVrZ-h6C1DY8n_UGUmee9C_DTbg

On 1st December 1955 in Milwaukee USA, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. Rosa was sitting in seats reserved for black people, but the seats for white people were full and the driver told her to stand so that a white person could sit down; she was arrested but her act led to supreme court legislation that outlawed segregation on public transport in America.

For three days this week in Milwaukee all buses are reserving a seat in honour of Rosa Parks. Each seat has a picture of Rosa and a rose. Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele says, "Rosa Parks was a trailblazer who was guided by the north stars of equality, justice and compassion to make our country better and stronger."

"All of us have a responsibility to honour the work of our civil rights leaders, and to do our part to continue, grow and advance our efforts to achieve racial equality and make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin."

"This is a unique opportunity for our bus drivers, employees, leaders and other community leaders to come together to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future."

what do you see in the picture?
where is it?

explain the story

- what is segregation?
- who was Rosa Parks, why is she famous?
- why was Rosa Parks arrested? Does this mean Rosa was a criminal?
- why are people celebrating someone who broke the law?
- why are buses reserving a seat?
- do you think if the bus is full someone will move the poster and sit down?
- why do you think Chris Abele says achieving racial equality will make his town healthy?
- "reflect on the past and look ahead to the future" what does that mean?
- what does this story show us about laws and ideas? (they can change)
- what can we learn from Rosa Parks?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat


Sunday 1 December 2019

nappy change


https://www.storyhulk.com/2019/10/15/fathers-have-started-campaigning-for-baby-changing/?fbclid=IwAR1vSSeW9yiQEgx7i0m-sGebyAH93XqQhHO9jr5cDHvDn9yasGBvLP4u9tQ

A Dad has started a campaign #squatforchange to have public spaces available for men to change their baby's nappy. Often nappy-changing facilities are located in female or disabled toilets,  leaving men to make do in male toilets, squatting on the floor. Dad, Donte Palmer published a photo of himself squatting to change his son's nappy and the photo went viral with other Dads joining the campaign.

The campaign is starting to  work. Pampers has agreed to install 5000 baby changing tables in men's toilets across America and Canada by 2021.

Donte says, "This campaign is changing the narrative of what a father is. the dynamics of showing what a marriage looks like, like showing that marriage equality is important. My wife and I do everything equally - diaper changing is not just my wife's job, it's my job as well."

what do you see in the picture?
where is it taken? what is happening?

explain the story

- why is the man squatting?
- is that the best way to change a nappy? what does he need?
- why doesn't Mum just take the baby and change the nappy on a table in the female toilets? (lots of possible reasons: perhaps he wants to change the nappy; perhaps it's his turn; perhaps he is out without Mum; perhaps he lives in a family with two Dads or perhaps he is a single Dad.)
- why do you think most male public toilets do not have a baby changing table?
- what does this suggest about ideas around which gender should change a nappy?
- "The narrative of what a father is" what does this mean?
- Dante says, "Diaper changing is not just my wife's job, it's my job as well" why does he say that?
- why are ideas about gender roles changing today? (what does gender mean, what does 'gender roles' mean)
- Pampers are a huge company who make nappies and they are now going to fund baby changing tables in male toilets; what does this show about their attitude to gender roles today?
- what can we learn from Dante?
- Why is this about No Outsiders?

No Oustsiders in our school: teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat




Sunday 17 November 2019

Different dolls


https://crafty.diply.com/29203/woman-creates-a-doll-like-me-for-children-who-have-disabilities?fbclid=IwAR1RWhYVcpOrEHX7KfFDOhxj1OTL7-_4OuCBlS4ivMylpi4XTq6me4hQlHc

A doll maker has started making dolls that look different, for children who also look different. The doll maker works in a hospital with children who have cancer and uses dolls in her work with the children. But she noticed that the dolls had thick hair and looked healthy, in comparison to many of the children she was working with.

The doll maker wants children to understand they are beautiful, but she feels it is difficult to make a child understand they are beautiful when "they can't see themselves in anything that's supposed to look like them."

She raised money to fund her dolls and she has been inundated with requests from parents who want their children to have dolls that look like them. The story went viral and lots of messages of support came in. One person on twitter wrote, "It allows the children to realise it's ok to be different."

what do you see in the picture?
what do you notice about the children and their dolls?
why do you think the dolls look different?

explain the story

- what is a doll for?
- why do children like playing with dolls?
- why do you think this doll maker decided to make dolls that looked different?
- look at the faces of the children in the picture, how do you think they feel about their dolls?
- why do you think the children love their new dolls?
- why is the doll maker trying to make children who look different understand they are beautiful?
- "thy can't see themselves in anything that's supposed to look like them" what does this mean? How do we fix this?
- what can we learn from the doll maker?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Recalaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Coming out


A Dad overheard his son talking on his phone about telling his parents he was gay. The son was worried about coming out to his parents. The note shows Dad always knew his son was gay and he was not worried about that. The note was shared online and many people praised Dad's reaction.

At the same time as the note surfaced, back in 2013, an American Senator who had previously voted against same sex marriage announced he had changed his mind on the issue due to his son coming out. The senator said, "It allowed me to think of this issue from a new perspective, and that's of a dad who loves his son a lot and wants him to have the same opportunities that his brothers and sisters would have- to have a relationship like Jane and I have had for over 26 years."

What do you see in the picture?
read the letter- who is written for, who wrote it?

explain the story

- what does "coming out" mean in this context? ("coming out" is when a person who is LGBT chooses to share that identity with others)
- why do you think Nate was worried about telling his Dad that he was gay?
- who do you think Mike is? (Nate's boyfriend)
- How do you think Dad felt when he overheard Nate talking?
- Dad says he knew Nate was gay since he was six. Why do you think Dad never said to Nate, "I know you are gay!" (because it's important that Nate chooses when to tell people he is gay; no one else has the right to say what you are or what you are not. Nate needed to understand in his own time and choose to tell people when he thought it was the right time to do so)
- Dad thinks Nate was gay when he was six, do you think Nate suddenly 'turned gay' when he was six, or do you think it's just a part of who he is, and it has always been part of him?
- Is Dad worried about his son being gay?
- what is Dad worried about in the letter? (bringing bread home - that's the most important thing to Dad)
- how do you think Nate felt when he saw the note?
- what message to you think Nate wanted to give people by sharing this note?
- what can we learn from Nate's Dad?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat
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Sunday 10 November 2019

Remembrance Sunday

Indian troops serving with the British Army pray outside the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, Surrey.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46124467

People across the UK will hold a two minute silence this weekend to remember all those who lost their lives in World War One and all wars around the world. World War One lasted from 1914-1918 and ended at 11:00 AM on 11th November 1918. The photo shows Indian troops serving with the British army praying outside a mosque in Surrey during the war.

It is estimated that 1.5 million Indian troops fought with Britain in World War 1, and 400,000 of those were Muslim soldiers. Recent research shows that over 4 million Muslims either fought or served as labourers during the war. But another survey shows only 22% of people in Britain knew that Muslims had fought in the war.

Today many historians are trying to make sure people know about everyone who fought and died in the war. Historian Steve Ballinger says, "Finding out that Muslim soldiers fought and died for Britain to protect us and protect the freedoms we enjoy today, that's an important history for everyone to know."

What do you see in the picture?
where is it ?
do you think it looks like an old picture? how can you tell?
what are they doing, who are they?

explain the picture

- what is Remembrance Sunday?
-why do we have Remembrance Sunday?
- World War One ended over 100 years ago, why do we remember it, why don't we just move on?
- what is the two minute silence for?
- who fought in World War 1?
- In the photo there are lots of people in the background watching the soldiers pray; what do you think they are thinking?
- why do you think some people today forget the soldiers in the war were diverse?
- "It's important history for everyone to know," why?
- what can we learn from the soldiers of World War One?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

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

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Use this book to explore Remembrance day further.









Saturday 9 November 2019

zebra

Tira walks through Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve with her mother in a recent photograph.
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2019/09/rare-polka-dotted-zebra-foal-photographed-kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya has lots of animals including zebras. A baby zebra has been born who is a bit different to other zebras; this zebra has spots instead of stripes. The picture shows the baby zebra walking with its mother.

The zebra is making national news. It is not the first time this has happened but it is very rare. Life might be a little more difficult for the zebra, for example it may attract more flies as they don't like stripes but won't be put off by this spotted skin. Also the zebra will stand out from other zebras, making it more noticeable to predators.

However, research in South Africa found that in other cases where zebra's looked different, they were accepted and they lived happily with the herds.

what do you see in the picture?
where is it taken?
what is similar about the two animals, what is different?

explain the story

- what does a zebra usually look like?
- what is different about this baby zebra?
- has the mother abandoned her baby because it is different? why not?
- what does this show us about the mother zebra?
- do you think the other zebras will accept this different zebra?
- should the zebra try and grow some stripes?
- what would you say to the zebra?
- what can we learn from the zebra herd in this reserve?
- what can we learn from this zebra?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school, teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat








Sunday 3 November 2019

inclusive football


https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/manchester-city-football-club-sensory-room_uk_5da59158e4b01c76560c705a

Manchester City Football Club have opened a sensory room at their stadium for fans with autism. The room is for families during matches and is designed to help all people access the game, even if they struggle with crowds or loud noises. The room was built using feedback from families who need it to attend matches.

The room has a view of the pitch, a quiet space away from the pitch and a dark sensory room with toys. The club says, "Opening this space is a big step for us to continue our long-standing mission of ensuring football is inclusive for all."

After the announcement, one parent on twitter said, "Sat trying to hold back tears  on the train home from work here. The possibility of finally taking my son to a match is incredible. What a club!"

Many parents of children with autism have supported the room and added stories of their own:
"Amazing news! We can hopefully all now come as a family to watch games as my autistic son struggles with sensory issues and often hasn't coped at games he has managed to attend. Thank you."

"I support Liverpool. I was born with autism so I can appreciate how good a move this is. Well played!"

"Great news. It's my dream to take my daughter to Bramall Lane, but it's doubtful."

What do you see in the picture?
Where is it?
what is happening?

- what is autism? ((I asked a child with autism how to describe what autism means. Oliver told me, "autism is your brain wired differently so you see the world in a different way. It' just a different view of the world." Oliver says some things are harder for him but but also he better at some things than other children.)
- why do you think some children with autism struggle at football matches?
- why do you think Manchester City Football Club have built this room?
- why did they use feedback from families who might use the room, why didn't they just build it themselves?
- "Our long standing mission of ensuring football is inclusive for all" what does this mean?
- why is a parent crying on the way home form work after reading the announcement?
- why do you think the other parent says it's "doubtful" that they can take their daughter to Bramall lane?
- what can we learn from Manchester City Football Club?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat


Trick or Treat

4bb539dcea6e991c81ca55529f2f8689-1572524734224.jpg
https://megaphone.upworthy.com/p/nursing-homes-trick-or-treating?fbclid=IwAR2PsnCCFqpUr4ADp2Udfuek2bEUlBuytaAQMDE5aIBT0BzG_qs0ydUO5wo

Nursing homes in the USA asked for families to visit them over Halloween this year for Trick or Treat. Residents saved up chocolate and sweets to give to children who visited. Many of the residents had not been visited for Trick or Treat for a long time, one said she has not had a Trick or Treat visit for over 30 years.

A recent study showed one in three seniors in the US felt lonely. Feeling lonely increases the risk of illness among elderly people.

The director of a nursing home in Utah said, "With you coming through that door you bring that youth with you and they become kids again."

What do you see in the picture?
where are they?
what is happening?

- what is Trick or Treat?
- Who usually takes part in Trick or Treat?
- Why do you think the people in the photo are asking for trick or treaters?
- why has the resident waited 30 years for a trick or treater?
- why are children not visiting the elderly residents?
- ""With you coming through that door you bring that youth with you and they become kids again." what does this mean?
- why do you think so many elderly people feel lonely?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

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

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Saturday 26 October 2019

hijab huddle

Image result for football players huddle hijab
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/football-hijab-women-soccer-jordan-shabab-al-urdon-club-amman-club-a9170286.html?fbclid=IwAR1UZKUqWCTd019I1CLug29gfurMjXlRU2Us89b39hTilZEysK685CB1ebU

A football match in Jordan was stopped mid-game when the hijab slipped of the head of one of the players. Instead of playing on, the opposing team (who were not wearing hijabs) stopped to surround their opponent so she could fix her hijab before playing on, They made a protective huddle around her for 30 seconds.

A video of the incident has been shared online over 4 million times and people across the world are praising the team for their humanity.

Until 2014 women Fifa did not allow player to wear hijabs but the ban was overturned and the first hijab was worn in a Fifa match in October 2016.

What do you see in the picture?
where is it?
What is happening?

Explain the story

- what is a hijab? (a hijab is a head covering that some Muslim women choose to wear in public)
- why is the football player wearing a hijab during the match (because the match is in public and she chooses to)
- when the hijab slipped off how do you think the football player felt?
- why didn't the opposing team take advantage and tackle her while she fixed her hijab?
- why huddle around her?
- we can see in the picture that the opposing team are not wearing hijabs, so why worry about protecting someone who is?
- how do you think the player felt when the opposing team huddled around  her?
- Fifa used to ban the hijab on the field; why do you think they changed their mind?
- what does this show about ideas and traditions? (they can change)
- why has this story gone viral? What does this show about how people around the world feel about diversity and difference?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Saturday 19 October 2019

different arms

Image result for carson pickett joseph tidd
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/07/24/boy-with-one-hand-met-soccer-player-with-same-limb-difference-photo-went-viral/

Joseph Tidd is a one year old soccer fan living in  Florida. Carson Pickett is a soccer player and the two have something else in common; they both have a different left arm.

When Carson heard Joseph's family cheering her on at a match, she ran over and repeatedly touched Joseph's arm with hers. It took a minute for Joseph to realise they had the same arms, then Joseph shrieked with glee. Joseph's Mum says he spent the whole car ride home looking at his arm and giggling; Mum says this is because "he knew he had a friend."

Mum says Joseph is fine about having a different limb. Kids used to grab his arm to look at it and he was confused about this, but his older sister told him he had a "lucky fin" like the character in the
movie Finding Nemo.

Joseph's parents want other kids with different limbs to know, "although they may do something differently from others, they should take pride in who they are."

What do you see in the picture?
where are they?
how are the two people different and how are they the same?

- In what ways do you think Jospeh is the same as all the children in his class?
- in what way is he different?
- why do some children grab his arm? Are they being nasty?
- how do you think it makes Jospeh feel when children grab his arm?
- why do his sisters call it a lucky fin?
- Joseph's parents could buy him a longer sleeved shirt to hide his arm, why don't they do that?
- why do you think Josesph's family wanted him to meet Carson?
- "It took a minute for Joseph to realise they had the same arms" why didn't he notice straight away?
- why was he so happy?
- how do you think Carson felt?
- Carson is a soccer player- what does this show about disability in sport?
- "although they may do something differently from others, they should take pride in who they are." what does this mean?
- what can we learn from Carson?
- what can we learn from Joseph?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Sunday 6 October 2019

inclusive dolls

dolls-1569939693253.jpg
https://megaphone.upworthy.com/p/teacher-hearing-aid-dolls?fbclid=IwAR1eM5rhb3gzxl59vZ4bAEu4OCQUQWOkbnSC-S3mCuvydTUBtrb7f5GIZkc

A teacher is adapting dolls so that children who are deaf and hard of hearing can find toys that look like them. Genesis Politron says, "I teach pre-school and kindergarten for deaf / hard of hearing kids and my students never see toys that resemble their hearing devices (hearing aids / cochlear implants) so I added some to our new baby dolls myself. I wish everyone could see their faces playing with these"

People on twitter are praising the teacher; one said. "It's amazing she's exposing these kids to  knowing it's ok to be differently abled." Another described seeing the faces of her friends' children who were deaf "light up" when they were given dolls with hearing aids.

What do you see in the picture?
what are they?
why might someone put hearing aids on dolls?

- what are dolls for?
- why do children like playing with dolls?
- have you ever seem a doll with a hearing aid? Why do you think we don't see dolls with hearing aids?
- why do you think the teacher chose to do this?
- why do you think her students loved the dolls?
- the teacher has made the hearing aids very colourful - why do you think that is? Why didn't she make them flesh colour?
- are these dolls only for children who are deaf or hard of hearing?
- What does "differently abled" mean?
- in what other ways are we differently abled in our school?
- what can we learn from this teacher?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat


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Sunday 29 September 2019

shirt

View image on Twitter
https://mymodernmet.com/university-of-tennessee-t-shirt/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/09/us/bullied-student-university-tennesee-shirt.html

A fourth grader (10 year old) in an elementary school in USA was bullied because he wore a home made shirt supporting a local college. The elementary school held a "college colors day" where pupils are encouraged to wear shirts with the colours of their school; the aim is to show school pride.

The boy did not have a shirt to wear so he made his own, writing UT (University of Tennessee) on a piece of paper and stapling it to the front of his shirt. He was proud of his effort, but some children made fun of the boy because of his home made shirt; his teacher describes how he came in to the class after lunch, sat down at his desk alone and cried.

The teacher shared a picture of the shirt online asking if anyone had a spare UT shirt that they could send to the boy. The University of Tennessee saw the post and decided to create a new college shirt using the boy's design. The shirt quickly became so popular the college website crashed; 50,000 shirts have been sold in a week with proceeds going to a stop bullying charity.

Within a week the University offered the boy a scholarship to their college, covering tuition and fees.  Should he choose to go. he will be have a place at the college in September 2028.

What do you see in the picture
what do you think UT stands for?
what might the story be about?

explain the story

- why do you think schools hold College Colors day?
- how do you think the boy felt when he realised he might be the only child without a college shirt?
- how do you think the boy felt when he had the idea to design his own shirt?
- why were some children unkind?
- "he sat down at his desk and cried" why?
- why did the teacher put the photo online? What was she hoping for?
- how do you think UT felt when they heard the story?
- UT could have just sent a shirt, but they chose to use his design and make a new shirt - why?
- why has the shirt sold 50,000 in a week?
- why are UT sending a portion of proceeds to a stop-bullying  charity?
- Why have UT offered the boy a scholarship?
- what can we learn from the boy?
- What can we learn form the teacher (she chose not to be a bystander; she chose to take action)
- what can we learn from UT?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

Thank you to the Cheshire West teacher who told me about this wonderful story

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary school by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain


Saturday 21 September 2019

Crazy hair day


https://scoop.upworthy.com/young-girl-with-alopecia-wins-crazy-hair-day-at-school-now-i-love-being-bald?fbclid=IwAR0f1vLHj-oC5A7RmToMAGJGP_JnhZ48fY_pBXtBaRmF2ggTdc2zp63Pk6U

Gianessa Wride is 9 years old and lives in Utah USA. When Gianessa was 7 she was diagnosed with alopecia. Alopecia is a condition that causes hair to fall out. A child with alopecia is not poorly, they just look different as most children have hair, but they do not. Lots of people have alopecia all over the world.

Gianessa found living with alopecia difficult at first and her Mum was worried she would be bullied for being different.

Gianessa's school held a 'crazy hair day' but Gianessa does not like wearing wigs and she finds scarves often slide off her head. So Mum decided she wold create a "bald and beautiful" look for her daughter, covering Gianessa's scalp with dozens of little jewels.

Gianessa felt nervous at the start of the day but her class mates at school loved her look and she was awarded first place in the Crazy Hair Day competition. Mum said sticking the jewels on Gianessa's head, "adds some fun to what could be a stressful time for a girl with no hair. It's my hope that she will continue to want to be herself and express herself in any way she feels comfortable as she grows older."

Gianessa says she was sad at first when she lost her hair, "But now I love being bald. I can do things to my head that other kids can't."

"Your hair doesn't make you who you are - it's what's inside that counts."

What do you see in the picture?
what do you think the story is about?

- what is different about Gianessa?
- in what ways are you similar to Gianessa?
- how do you think Gianessa felt when her hair first fell out?
- why was her mum worried she might get bullied?
- how do you think Gianessa felt at first when she heard there was a Crazy Hair day at school?
- Do you think the Gianessa's school should hold a Crazy Hair Day? What are the arguments for and against the school holding this event?
- why do you think Gianessa's Mum decided to decorate her head?
- Gianessa felt nervous at first when she went to school, why?
- do you think she thought she would win Crazy Hair Day?
- why do you think she won?
- what does the win show us about her school?
- "Your hair doesn't make you who you are" what does Gianessa mean?
- what can we learn from Gianessa?
- what can we learn from Gianessa's school?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equlaity Act in Primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Saturday 14 September 2019

Real inclusion

Image result for marching band inclusion
https://www.upworthy.com/want-to-see-what-inclusion-looks-like-a-high-school-marching-band-sets-the-bar-for-us-all?fbclid=IwAR3186bpYphQK6W68hmjLF13EjA6Wo-Vj2wGQzU2S9d-WpjBFSQUf4ZJwHY

Isaac and Aiden are brothers at a high school in New Mexico, USA. Aiden is part of the school marching band, who perform at competitions and events and when his younger brother Isaac joined the school he wanted him to be part of the marching band too.

Isaac has a disability and rarely joins in the same activities as his brother. Isaac cannot play an instrument and needs constant support so Mum thought he would not be able to join in the marching band. She thought he would be given a job like setting up water bottles or carrying music stands.

Mum went to see the first performance of the year and was astonished to see Isaac not only joining in as part of the band, but also to see him placed up at the front, jamming with his drum pads. Mum could see Isaac was playing out of time and the pads had been muted but it didn't matter, more importantly he was there, at the front, part of the group and loving the experience.

Later the band director thanked Mum for allowing Isaac to be part of the band and Aiden says everyone in the band loves having Isaac as part of the group. Mum shared the story on twitter and it quickly went viral with people commenting this was real inclusion. The website Upworthy defines inclusion as:
"Making accommodations that allow a person to participate in an activity in a way that works for everyone. Often that means getting creative... it means putting compassion and empathy ahead of rigid rules or traditions. When inclusion is done well, everyone wins. In this story Isaac is happy, the band is happy, the band director is happy, Isaac's family are happy."

what do you see in the picture?
where is it?
what's happening?

explain the story

- what is a marching band?
- why do you think Aiden wanted Isaac to be in the band?
- why was Mum worried about Isaac being in the band?
- why did Mum think Isaac would be given a job like carrying water?
- why do you think Isaac enjoys playing the drums?
- the drums are muted so no one can hear what Isaac is playing; why? Is this still inclusive?
- how do you think Isaac feels when he plays with the band?
- How did Mum feel when the band director thanked her for allowing Isaac to play?
- "When inclusion is done well, everyone wins," what does this mean?
- what can we learn from Isaac?
- what can we learn from the band?
- are we inclusive in our school? how?
- why is this a story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Sunday 8 September 2019

Rainbow flags

Image result for street flies rainbow flags to support neighbour
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-49436339

When Alex hung a rainbow flag out of his window to celebrate Pride month, two men shouted and threatened him. The rainbow flag is a well known symbol for the LGBT community. Alex lives in Manchester where every August bank holiday a huge celebration of LGBT Pride is held. Prides are held in cities around the UK to show that they are inclusive places where everyone is welcome.

Alex's neighbours heard about the incident and decided to do something to show Alex belonged in their street. One neighbour bought 30 rainbow flags and all the neighbours hung the flags out of their windows. A neighbour said he was horrified about what happened to Alex; "We can't let this happen, especially in this community. The whole street is going to be decked with flags in support of Alex."

A neighbour said homophobia , "Just isn't acceptable in 2019."
Another neighbour said, "The way the neighbourhood has come together is fantastic. Everybody's got a smile on their face."
Image result for street flies rainbow flags to support neighbour

Show the top picture
What do you see in the picture?
where are they?
why do you think the people are together? How do you think the are related?
How are they feeling?

explain the story then show the second picture

- what is homophobia?
- why do some people behave in a homophobic way? (because they don't understand about no outsiders, they don't understand that it's ok to be different, some people are afraid of  difference.)
- how do you think Alex felt when the two men threatened him?
- what did his neighbours do?
- why did the neighbours hang rainbow flags out of their windows?
- how do you think that action made Alex feel?
- what does this story show about that street in Manchester and the people who live there?
- could this story happen in other cities?
- Alex said when he drove down the street and saw the flags he felt very emotional- why?
- "everybody's got a smile on their face" - why?
- what can we learn from the neighbours in this story?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Thursday 29 August 2019

First day at school


https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Photo-of-boy-holds-hands-calms-classmate-with-autism-on-first-day-of-school-558029931.html?fbclid=IwAR1DW7RhppFjMaBw3NIe6eoNOmiDhNura2WR9hvOTsCaMwoWwLhYgpb9QTg

This photo shows 8 year old Christian holding hands with Connor, a boy in his class. The picture was taken on the first day of school; Christian saw Connor curled up and crying in a corner so he walked over and took Connor's hand to walk him in to school.

The photo quickly went viral and Connors Mum thanked Christian, explaining her son was autistic. Mum said, "I worry every day that he he going to get bulled for being different and your son just absolutely warmed my heart. If there were more children like him I wouldn't worry about such things."

what do you see in the picture?
where is it taken?
what is happening?

explain the story

- what is autism? (I asked a child with autism how to describe what autism means. Oliver told me, "autism is your brain wired differently so you see the world in a different way. It' just a different view of the world." Oliver says some things are harder for him but but also he better at some things than other children.)
- why do you think Connor was crying?
- when Christian saw Connor crying, what choices did he have?
- why do you think Christian took Connor's hand?
- We don't know if Christian said anything, what might he have said?
- how do you think Connor felt when Christian took his hand?
- why does Mum worry about Connor being different?
- what do we say about being different in our school?
- what can we learn from Christian?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Tuesday 27 August 2019

Back to school shirt


Blake Rajhan is a 6 year old boy living in Georgia  USA and has designed a shirt to wear on his first day back at school. Mum told Blake he could wear whatever design he wanted; a superhero; football team; a cool dragon; Blake said he wanted to wear a shirt with the message, "I will be your friend".

Blake said he wanted to wear the shirt, "For all the kids who need a friend to know that I am here for them."

News of the shirt quickly spread and people started wearing shirts with the message #Blakesfriends.
When Blake was told about the other shirts, he said, "Oh good, now more and more people are going to have more and more friends." 

What do you see in the picture?
why do you think the child is wearing this shirt?
when would be a good time to wear the shirt?

explain the story

- what is the first day back at school like?
- what different feelings do children have when they start school?
- why do you think Blake chose to wear this shirt?
- why doesn't Blake;s shirt say, "I will be your friend if you are black" or "I will be your friend if you are white" or "I will be your friend if you are Christian"?
- does Blake care about the race or religion of his friends? Do you think Blake cares if his friends have disabilities, different genders or different families?
- what kind of person do you think Blake is?
- do you think Blake will have lots of friends? Why?
- why are people wearing shirts with the message #blakesfriends
- What can we learn from Blake?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Friday 21 June 2019

Different families

Bride's Dad Stops Wedding So Stepdad Can Walk Down The Aisle

As Todd Bachman walked his daughter Brittany down the aisle at the start of her wedding, he stopped the procession. He ran to the front row and grabbed the hand of Brittany's Step-Dad, taking him to walk their daughter down the aisle together. 

Later in an interview the Step-Dad said, "He came and grabbed my hand and said, 'You worked as hard as I have. You'll help us walk our daughter down the aisle'.... I got weak in my knees and lost it. Nothing better in my life, the most impactful moment in my life."

The two Dads admitted they had not always got along, but Todd said, "For me to thank him for all the years of helping raise our daughter wouldn't be enough. There is no better way to thank somebody than to assist me walking her down the aisle."

The photos have gone viral.

What do you see in the picture
Where are they?
what do you think is happening?

- what is a wedding for?
- what is "walking down the aisle"? traditionally who does that bit?
- why has Brittany got two Dads?
- Why do you think Brittany's Step-Dad wasn't asked to walk her down the aisle?
- how do you think he felt as he watched Todd walk Brittany down the aisle?
- Why did Todd stop the procession?
- Look at the face of the guest next to the Step-Dad as Todd grabs his hand, what is she thinking?
- Look at Todd's face; what is he thinking?
- How is Step-dad feeling?
- How do you think Brittany felt when she saw both her Dad's walking down the aisle together?
- why is this about different families?
- why have the photos gone viral? What does this show us about how people across the world see families?
- what can we learn from  Todd?
- why is this about No Outsiders?


Saturday 15 June 2019

lorry driver


The clip was filmed by Dave Woollaston - also a truck driver - when he traveled through Birmingham on Monday
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-birmingham-48588841/the-lorry-driver-in-birmingham-whose-kindness-went-viral?fbclid=IwAR3sToVlJBZHva9F5Pn4NjSxQjAcklwkpI8z9mDZ3jWRWrFujnicbsMq7Rs

Manilo Wilson is a lorry driver from Birmingham. While working last week he noticed an elderly woman having trouble crossing a busy road. Manilo stopped his cement mixer and got out, to help the stranger cross the road.

The driver behind Manilo's lorry recorded the incident and up;loaded it to social media and it had gone viral.

Manilo says, it's in his nature to help people.

What do you see in the picture?
What do you think is happening?

explain the story

- why was the elderly woman having trouble crossing the road?
- why weren't people stopping for her?
- why do you think Manilo stopped?
- why did other cars wait behind Manilo?
- How do you think the drivers behind the lorry felt when it stopped?
- How do you think the drivers felt when they realised why the lorry had stopped?
- how are Manilo and the elderly woman different?
- why do you think the film went viral?
- what does this show about people living in the UK today?
- what does community cohesion mean?
- why is this story an example of community cohesion?
- what can we learn from Manilo?
- why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat


Sunday 9 June 2019

Rainbow turban

View image on Twitter
https://www.upworthy.com/barack-obama-celebrates-pride-month-by-tweeting-an-amazing-photo-of-a-sikh-man-in-a-rainbow-turban?c=aah&fbclid=IwAR2OMOjIIhwqELStTIwRajO_mWx0E4ukLxOUCkI9z_EYD5cCEX6ENGSl_2U

Jiwandeep Kohli lives in America where June is National Gay Pride month. Jiwandeep posted a photo of the turban he wears to celebrate pride and tweeted, "I'm proud to be a bisexual, bearded baking brain scientist. I feel fortunate to be able to express all these aspects of my identity and will continue to work towards ensuring the sane freedom for others #pridemonth #prideturban #loveislove"

The post quickly went viral and former US President Barak Obama tweeted; "You've got a lot to be proud of, Jiwandeep. Thanks for everything you do to make this country a little more equal. Turban looks great, by the way. Happy Pride everybody!"

In the Sikh religion a turban represents the idea that all Sikhs are equal in the eyes of God. Jiwandeep says a turban is, "a sign to the world that you're a person the world can turn to for help."

Kholi has made his turban by weaving rainbow colours in to one of his black turbans.

What do you see in the picture?
where do you think it was taken?
what do the rainbow colours symbolise?

explain the picture

- why is Jiwandeep wearing rainbow colours?
- what does Love is Love mean?
- Jiwandeep says he is "a bisexual, bearded, baking, brain scientist" and that he feels, "fortunate to be able to express all aspects of my identity," what does he mean? What is identity? Why doesn't Jiwandeep just choose one identity to be proud of; why doesn't he just say he is "Sikh"?
- do we all have different aspects of identity?
- why does Barak Obama thank Jiwandeep for, "everything you do to make this country a little more equal"?
- why are we unequal sometimes?
- why do you think Jiwandeep wants people to know he is celebrating Pride? Some people might say he shouldn't wear the rainbow turban; why do you think he wants to wear it?
- this photo went viral; what does this show us about many people around the world and their attitude towards LGBT people?
- what can we learn from Jiwandeep?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Saturday 1 June 2019

Germany wears the Kippah

Men wear kippahs outside a Jewish community centre in Berlin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/31/germans-urged-wear-kippah-protest-antisemitism?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3G1kxnlZ1RymbYgVJUgn0MWSGjggmz6KMotfTHecEF0Esr8vv8sX7TTBs#Echobox=1559298123

In Germany 2019 there has been a rise in attacks on Jewish people. Last week a member of the government in Germany suggested Jewish people should not wear the Kippah so that they would not be recognised as Jewish and increase the possibility of being attacked. The Kippah is a small cap worn by Jewish men.

Following the comments there has been outcry across Germany. People are saying the answer is not to stop wearing the Kippah; the answer is to teach people about difference and diversity and to stop the attacks. Some MPs told Jews to ignore the warning and to carry on wearing the Kippah. In a visit to Germany, the US secretary of state said, "None of us should shrink in the face of prejudice."

A day of protest has been organised for Saturday where all people of different faith are encouraged to wear a Kippah. One newspaper has printed Kippahs for its readers to cut out and wear for the day. The demonstration is called "Deutschland tragt kippa" - Germany wears the kippa.

What do you see in the picture
Which religion is being practised?
Why is everyone wearing a cap? What is it called?

Explain the story

- Why are some people attacked because of their faith? (This happens because not everyone understands or agrees with 'No Outsiders'. Some people think the world is better of we are all the same and have the same faith, or same skin or live in the same way. It's the opposite view to us, we know that the world is better if we have different faith, different skin, if we live in different ways. We are not frightened of difference. But not everyone understands this view yet.)
- why have Jewish people been advised not to wear the Kippah?
- what do you think of this advice?
- How will this advice make Jewish people feel?
- what does the US Secretary of state mean by, "we must not shrink in the face of prejudice"?
- why are people encouraged to wear Kippah's on Saturday?
- Why is the campaign called "Germany wears the Kippah"? What is the campaign saying about Germany and Jewish people?
- What will the campaign show those people who want to attack people who are different?
- what can we learn from Germany and this campaign?
- Is one day enough? What can people do after the protest to stop prejudice?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat


Thursday 23 May 2019

Birmingham Pride

No photo description available.


National Express West Midlands has a LGBTQ+ rainbow revamp for Birmingham Pride 2019
https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2019/05/04/national-express-west-midlands-paints-city-rainbows-ahead-birmingham-pride/

Birmingham is getting ready for Pride weekend and many shops and businesses in the city centre are painted in rainbow colours.

Many cities across the UK and the world hold pride events every year to celebrate their diversity and demonstrate to all families that they are welcome. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people, and people who identify in lots of different ways, together with all their friends and supporters are encouraged to walk together through the city centre to show no one has to hide who they are. Everyone is welcome; there will be people of different gender, race, religion, disability, age, no one is left out.

The photos show a bus stop in Birmingham City Centre with a bus painted in rainbow colours  a sign in Sainsburys and a cash point; many banks in the city have painted their cash machines rainbow colours and there are many shops with rainbow colour displays.

The theme of Birmingham pride this year is Love Out Loud. Sponsors of Pride, HSBC say, "It's not about gender, race, culture or religion. Just people. And Love. Coming out and wanting the world to know. Open to all. Arm in arm, holding hands. Because when we celebrate our differences, we're part of something far bigger. You are not an island. Together we love."

This year Birmingham pride supports No Outsiders

What do you see in the picture?
Are they usually painted in rainbow colours?
What are the rainbow colours for?

explain the picture

- What do the terms Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender mean?
- Why do you think a rainbow is used to symbolise LGBT pride?
- Read the HSBC quote; what does 'coming out' mean?
- Why do they say, "It's not about gender, race, culture or religion"?
- Why do they say, "You're not an island"?
- Why do so many cities hold pride events?
- When a city holds a pride event, what are they saying about people who are LGBT?
- Why paint a bus in rainbow colours? Will going on the bus make you gay?
- Many shops have signs like the one shown in Sainsburys. Why display this sign?
- How would a person who is LGBT feel as they walk past that sign?
- Why might a person who is LGBT not always feel supported?
- What does British law say about LGBT people?
- Who else does the Equality Act protect?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat 

Thanks to Khakan Qureshi for the cash point photo and Aimee for the Sainsburys photo

Sunday 12 May 2019

The Wow Boy

Image result for handel and haydn society
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/orchestra-austism-wow-child-ronan-mattin-boston-classical-concert-a8909391.html?fbclid=IwAR0hMHSohkZyM88LQ3mqpL8Fk7RTnoyd3YFEh7Ah8SaiHDD9pDGg7T-26w4

A nine year old boy went with his Grandfather to see a classical music concert by the Handel and Haydn Orchestra in Boston USA. Ronan Mattin is autistic and does not often use speech but loves music. He rarely expresses himself in words or talks about how he feels.

Ronan listened to the orchestra play Mozart's Masonic Funeral Music and as the piece finished, he exclaimed, "Wow!" The hall was silent and everyone in the audience and on the stage clearly heard Ronan. There was a pause, a ripple of laughter and then the audience applauded.

Ronan's Mum said, "We don't hear words often from him so such a genuine, unprompted response like that was really, really special."

In the days following the concert, the orchestra mailed all their supporters and put a message on their website asking to find the "Wow boy." The president of the orchestra, David Snead said he had, "Never heard anything like it in more than four decades of classical music performing. It was one of the most wonderful moments I've experienced in the concert hall."

When Ronan's family saw the messages they contacted the orchestra and now Ronan has been invited to meet the conductor next time they play in Boston. A recording of the moment Ronan says wow has gone viral. Ronan's Mum says, "We're glad Ronan is providing so much joy to others because that's what he does for us every day."

What do you see in the picture?
what is happening?
where is it taken?

explain the story

- what is autism? (I asked a child with autism how to describe what autism means. Oliver told me, "autism is your brain wired differently so you see the world in a different way. It' just a different view of the world." Oliver says some things are harder for him but but also he better at some things than other children.)
- when people usually attend a classical music concert, what is the expectation for the audience?
- Why do you think Ronan shouted, "Wow" at the end of the music?
- why did everyone else hear him? What was everyone else doing?
- Why were Ronan's family so overjoyed to hear him say, "Wow"?
- how do you think Grandfather first felt when Ronan shouted out?
- Why did the audience laugh?
- The audience then applauded, who were they applauding?
- Was Ronan right to shout, "Wow"?
- Do you think the rest of the audience also loved the music? Why didn't they shout "Wow"?
- How do you think the musicians felt when they heard Ronan?
- "It was one of the most wonderful moments I've experienced in the concert hall" why?
- Why aren't the musicians cross with Ronan?
- why has this story gone viral? What does this show about people around the world and their view of autism and difference?
- what can we learn from Ronan?
- what can we learn from the Handel and Haydn Orchestra?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Thanks again to Oliver for his brilliant explanation.