We would like your help to make Norfolk a more welcoming place! Our county has a long history as a place of sanctuary. A place where people can come to if they need a safe place to restart their lives. Over the centuries many refugees have come to Norfolk fleeing war or persecution. Did you know? At one point in the 16th century more than a third of Norwich’s population were refugees

In what part of the world is Syria In what part of the world is Syria? Why has it been in the news in the last few years?

Because of the war, millions of people have had to leave behind their lives, homes and loved ones behind to find sanctuary.

GET THE WHOLE CLASS TO STAND UP AND ASK HALF OF THEM TO SIT DOWN TO BUILD AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCLAE OF THE DISPLACEMENT

We’d like your help to show that The UK has promised to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees. 50 have already resettled in Norwich and over the next two years 100 more will be coming to start a new life in Norfolk. We’d like your help to show that

If you’d like an insight into the lives and experiences of these families. You could: Watch The Boy on the Bicycle that shows the stories of three remarkable Syrian children who grew up in the Za'atari refugee camp (28 minutes). If the above is not on iplayer you may be able to find either New Boys in Town or the excellent this CBBC documentary, The Boy on the Bicycle – two years on which are both often repeated. Alternatively read Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland. You can find many more book recommendations to explore refugee rights and experience here

Do you recognise any of the languages? Your class is going to make a welcome card for one of the families resettling in Norfolk. This artwork shows how to say welcome in some of the languages commonly spoken by sanctuary seekers in Norwich. Do you recognise any of the languages? The card is to welcome them to their new home and to welcome them to Norfolk!

In Syria most people speak Arabic In Syria most people speak Arabic. Inside the card we are going to include a message in Arabic. Which of these would your class like to be inside your card? Have a vote.

Your class card Everyone is going to draw a picture of themselves to add to the card. You will draw a few mini self-portraits that include your head and shoulders. Your teacher will choose the best one of each of you and put the pictures all together to create the card. When it is finished you can all sign it!

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME! 5B WE ARE

Here are some examples of what your card may look like! Play in slideshow to see animations.

Steps to success Do an outline of your face and shoulders. Try and fill most of your rectangle. Lightly mark in your eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Think carefully about their positioning. Use pencil and colouring pencils to add detail and colour to your face. Add your hair too. Finally choose a bright colour for the background!

Or why not get your work added to your school website! We would love to see what you produce and to share it with the rest of the Norfolk Welcomes family! You could post it on Twitter @NorwichSOS with the hashtag #NorfolkWelcomes or email it to us directly at info@norwichschoolsofsanctuary.org Or why not get your work added to your school website!