The perfect fit by Naomi Jones and James Jones

 

Y1-2 lesson plan

Text: The perfect fit by Naomi Jones and James Jones Lesson plan by Andrew Moffat

Enquiry Question: How do I fit in?

Success criteria: I know I am not exactly the same as you, I know we all have differences, I can think of ways everyone can join in

Starter: What clues does the book cover give to this story? Want do you think the story is going to be about? What is the same and what is different about shapes you see on the cover?

Main: Read “The perfect fit” discuss: -          Describe a triangle -          How are the circle making sure triangle doesn’t feel like an outsider? -          “She decided to find somewhere she could truly belong” – why? -          Which games worked with the squares, which games did not work? -          “It’s ok,” said the squares, “we don’t mind.” How are the squares making sure the triangle does not feel like an outsider? -          Which games worked with the hexagons, which games did not work? Why not? -          How did triangle feel when she found shales that looked like her? Why did she feel like that? -          Why didn’t the triangles know how to roll? -          What does triangle learn at the end of the story? -          How was it a perfect fit when triangle was not the same as the others?

Role play: The aim of this role play is to provide opportunities for children to support each other through perceived differences. On A4 paper draw large shapes – triangle, square, circle, hexagon, star (one on each paper). Tell the children that each of these shapes are feeling lonely because they think they don’t fit in. Ask for a child to stand at the from holding one of the shapes up and tell the class why they don’t fit in (e.g. “I’m just a star, I cannot roll, I cannot build a tower, no other shape looks like me. I just want to fit in!” Now ask the class to make the star feel they belong – tell the star what is good about them (“great pointy bits, great for making patterns, great for twinkling and shining!) and to show them how hey fit in. You want the children to show inclusive behaviour through their language. It’s great that the star is different – they are still a shape, they belong etc Repeat with different shapes.

Activity: Children draw pictures using each of the different shapes and showing how each of the shapes can join in. Use the pictures at the end of the story for inspiration.

Plenary: What can we learn from the triangle in this story? Why is this a good No Outsiders story? Is it also about us in this class?