This is a series of activities and related worksheets for you to download and use with the storybook Little Beauty. Learners will make a class poster based on friendship and differences and give a presentation. It forms part of the Promoting diversity through children's literature series, produced by the British Council Teaching Centre in Paris.
Age
7-8 years old
Level
A1
About the story
Little Beauty is a sophisticated multi-level and multi-dimensional exploration into the depths of friendship, inner and aesthetic beauty and the complexities of communication. Based on a true story of a gorilla who has learnt how to use ASL (American Sign Language), and inspired by the traditional tale of Beauty and the Beast, Little Beauty takes its readers on an artistic journey of self-discovery and self-expression. Browne expertly uses colour to express emotions as he explores the challenges of expressing yourself when you don't speak the same language as the people around you. He ultimately illustrates how communication can transcend barriers and how friendship always overcomes.
Language areas
- Friendship-related vocabulary
- Emotions
- Colours
- Verbs related to communication
- Art-related vocabulary through developing visual literacy
Diversity themes
- Raising awareness of sign language
- Evoking challenges of communicating with other people and expressing difficult emotions
- Raising awareness of differences between people and valuing those differences
- Building friendships
Main outcomes
- Making a colour emotion wheel
- Making a class poster based on friendship and differences
- Creating a picture in the style of a famous artist
- Writing a poem based on a picture
- Giving a presentation of the story
- Doing a project using the internet and producing a poster on elephants
- Singing a song: 'Peace loving song' based on 'We are the world'
- Giving a presentation of the story
Little Beauty, Anthony Browne, Walker Books, ISBN 978-1406319309
Story notes by Jo Bertrand
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
Thank you for sharing. I will definitely use it in my lesson.