My shadow is pink by Scott Stuart

 

Text: My shadow is pink by Scott Stuart Lesson plan by Andrew Moffat www.no-outsiders.com

Aim: To achieve self acceptance

RSE link: the importance of respecting others, even when they are very different from them (for example, physically, in character, personality or backgrounds), or make different choices or have different preferences or beliefs the importance of self-respect and how this links to their own happiness

Enquiry question: How do I fit in when my shadow stands out?

Starter: What do we mean by “fitting in”? Why do we often feel like we have to fit in? for what reasons might some children feel they don’t fit in? How does it affect you if you feel you don’t fit in? Look at the book cover – what is happening? What do you think this story might be about?

Main: Read “My shadow is pink” up to the bit where there is a soft little knock on the door, “It’s my dad walking in and I look up in shock” close the book and discuss: -          How is life different for the boy in the story? -          How does he feel about his shadow? -          Why does he think there is something wring with him? -          “It will turn blue one of these days, it’s just a phase,” why does Dad say that? -          Why does the boy want to have a shadow like his Dad and his brothers? -          Why is Dad worried when his son wears a dress to school? -          What happens when he goes to school? Why do you think the boy says he’s never going to wear a dress “not ever, no more.”  Predict what is going to happen next. Who is going to be at the door, what will they say? How do you think the story will end?

Activity: Write an ending to the story. Children could do a comic strip to show how the story ends, or write a narrative. The book is in rhyme so children could have a go writing their ending in rhyme. The key is that children consider how the boy has got to this position, and what needs to happen next to find a solution. Once the activity is complete, read the rest of the story and discuss: -          Why did Dad put on a dress? Was that expected? -          Look at Dad’s shadow – what is it doing, why? -          “It’s not just a shadow, it’s your inner-most you” “we all have a shadow that’s hidden from eyes, sometimes our shadow it lives in disguise.” What is Dad saying? What does this mean? -          What does the boy find out about people in his family, why didn’t he know this before?

Plenary: “Some they will love you and some they will not. But those that do love you they’ll love you a lot” why does Dad say this? Why does Dad out on a dress to take the boy to school? “I stride in my class and puff out my chest. I may be different but different is best.” What is the boy learning? What do you think his class are learning? How do we know at the end that the school is like ours where there are no outsiders? The dedication in the book says, “For Colin. You are loved. Exactly as you are.” Who do you think Colin might be, what is the author showing? Extension: The page where each person in the boys family has a shadow doing different things would make a great classroom display. Children could draw self portraits and show their shadow doing something that is another part of the child.