1. The Kites are Flying by Michael Morpurgo Vicky Symes Chawton Primary School

3. Overview Written from two perspectives, covering the conflict in the West Bank, between Israel and Palestine Viewpoint is crucial throughout the story – Israeli / Palestinian – Occupier / Occupied – Child / Adult

4. Viewpoints are often in conflict, yet have commonalities, too Huge issues raised – very emotive Be prepared to face and discuss issues – PSHE – Racial – Political – Cultural

5. Cross-Curricular Activities D.T. – create a kite Music – compose music based on war/peace, air/kites Geography/History – look at key areas, political figures, key moments in the struggle Art – endless opportunities – War / peace – Kites – Nightmares / dreams

6. Cross-Curricular Activities RE – discuss the different religions involved in the conflict and how they impact on daily life PHSE – massive scope for discussions, debates etc. MUST BE HANDLED WITH SENSITIVITY.

7. Immersion Slow reveal of illustrations from the book Discussions based on looking at examples of illustrations Text extracts – Group into information about characters, events, themes etc Mini pics presentation – No sound – With music Discuss reactions What could the book be about?

8. Activate Prior Learning Does it remind them of anything they’ve ever read before? Discuss themes that may have arisen e.g. CONFLICT

9. Introduce Book Explain background Read opening chapter / diary entry – Stress it is written by each character, from their own viewpoint Introduce children’s diary – Their personal responses to what they have read – Written as a diary entry – Diary entry to be made after each reading of a chapter / work on a book – A personal journey

10. Key Elements Focus on character viewpoint – Who is ‘right?’ – Take on character and hot-seat key moments e.g. the shooting of Mahmoud – Would all the characters see the events in the same way? Class debates / discussions – Role of soldier – Occupier / Occupied

11. Suggested Literacy Activities Report on initial accident from both perspectives – Israeli and Palestinian Report ‘shooting incident’ from both viewpoints Diary entry by the girl in the wheelchair – Prior to Mahmoud’s death – At the end, after all the kites have flown Write a poem of peace/hope Write a prayer for peace

14. This is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read… “Friendship knows no barriers”

15. Websites of interest http://www.michaelmorpurgo.com/books/the -kites-are-flying/ http://www.michaelmorpurgo.com/books/the -kites-are-flying/ http://www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/previous -laureates/books/3/29650/ http://www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/previous -laureates/books/3/29650/ http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/3914/Th e-Kites-are-Flying-by-Michael-Morpurgo.html http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/3914/Th e-Kites-are-Flying-by-Michael-Morpurgo.html