This is a series of activities and related worksheets for you to download and use with the storybook Is it because? Learners will make an anti-bullying poster and give a presentation of the story. It forms part of the Promoting diversity through children's literature series, produced by the British Council Teaching Centre in Paris.
Age
9-10 years old
Level
A2
About the story
Is it because? skilfully addresses the issue of bullying. It tells an objective story that succeeds in engaging sympathy for both the bully's victim and the bully himself. The story is structured around the question 'Is it because?' and is told in rhyme. 'Is it because he's got silly names? Is it because he's no good at games?' a small boy asks his pet dog why a bully is picking on him. After many 'Is it because?' questions, the little boy comes to the conclusion that Peregrine Ffrogg is unhappy, has no friends and is jealous of him. 'Is it because he'd rather be me!' The questions he asks make him think and lead him to a greater understanding of himself and of the bully. Is it because the bully is a victim, too?
Language areas
- Personal descriptions
- Abilities
- Cause and effect, problems and solutions
- Friendship
- Similes
Diversity themes
- Becoming aware of similarities and differences
- Understanding the behaviour of a bully and the reasons for bullying
- Valuing friendship
Main outcomes
- Giving a presentation of the story
- Singing a friendship song
- Making a friendship tree and display
- Making an anti-bullying poster and display
Is it because?, Tony Ross, Andersen Press, ISBN 1-84270-296-3
Story notes by Gail Ellis and piloted by Julia Diallo
The materials form part of the Promoting diversity through children's literature series, produced by the British Council Teaching Centre in Paris. You can download materials for five sessions of around three hours each. The materials include:
- A sequence of activities – a plan for you to follow
- Worksheets – for you to print and use with your learners
Comments
Hello!
Thank you for sharing this extraordinary link!
I am teaching an 11 years old kid. I belief a lesson plan that includes a story like this -bullying...- will help me draw his attention to the content.
I've been looking for the storybook (told) to read first, and then introduce the list of materials one by one. Is there such a story on which the materials are based? Or does it build up as the tutor student interaction progresses?
I think I am missing something!
Thanks in advance for replying
Ahmed
A pity we cannot find a plan
A pity we cannot find a plan and a worksheet for this work :(( It looks great..
Downloading a file
Hi Wajida
To download, right click on the zip file or the link and save to your computer.
Sally
Really helpful!!
I teach English at a very difficult school in argentina, and I was looking for some interesting material for my kids. They live in very poor conditions and in a extreme violent neighbourhood. Stories like this one will help them a lot! I'm really happy, thanks a lot!
Thanks.
I have just discovered this website and found it fantastic so far.
Specifically, because I was trying to figure out an ending, let us say, for my lesson plan about bullying when I read the lesson plans for this Is it because? unit and just got it!
Taking advantage of the opportunity, since I am not an English native-speaker, I am looking for pen-pals so that we can have a long distance friendship for me to practice my English.
Thanks!
Worksheets for the story 'Is it because'
Thank you very much for providing practice materials (worksheets) for the story.
is it because?
I must say it's great article, really helpfull! Thanks for downloading material, it can be helpfull to me too.
Thanks for sharing these materials.