Engaging with key themes in 'The Proudest Blue'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the key themes in 'The Proudest Blue'.
Key learning points
- A theme is a big idea, topic or message that appears in a story.
- Themes in a story are used to convey deeper meaning and messages to the reader.
- 'The Proudest Blue' explores themes of identity, pride and differences, among many others.
- Stories can create a personal response linked to the reader's own views or personal experiences.
- Many different factors can contribute to a person's identity and everyone deserves to feel normal and proud.
Keywords
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that appears in a story
Identity - the different aspects that make up who we are
Pride - the feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements or qualities
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to understand the concept of challenging the idea of what is 'normal'.
Explore examples of how 'normal' looks different everywhere. Encourage children to consider things that may feel normal to them but not to others as a a tool for exploring the concept.
Teacher tip
Exploring the themes of sisterhood and community in more depth and how they are linked to identity and pride within 'The Proudest Blue' could enhance the teaching of this lesson. Teachers should be mindful of the different identities of the pupils in the class.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2020 Andersen Press edition of ‘The Proudest Blue’ by Ibtihaj Muhammad for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What challenges do Faiza and Asiya face in 'The Proudest Blue'?
Q2.How do Faiza and Asiya respond to people treating them differently?
Q3.Why does the author compare Asiya's hijab to the skies and the sea?
Q4.How can we uncover the deeper meaning of a story?
Q5.True or false? Everyone will have the same opinions and perspective on a story.
Q6.What is the definition of identity?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a theme in a narrative?
Q2.Which of the following are key themes in 'The Proudest Blue'?
Q3.Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.
Q4.True or False? Personal identity is determined by one aspect of a person's life.
Q5.True or false? There is one way of being 'normal'.
Q6.How can you support others in feeling proud of their identity?
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Engaging with key themes in 'The Proudest Blue', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Engaging with key themes in 'The Proudest Blue', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 English lessons from the 'The Proudest Blue': reading and writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.