This literacy lesson is all about Black History Month.
Presenter and journalist Ayshah Tull and teacher Mrs Vee, star of Bitesize Daily and Live Lessons, explore the inspirational lives and contributions of black writers, musicians, activists and more.
Together with guest readers Angelica Bell and David Lammy, they explain how language is used in songs and speeches to inspire us, demonstrate the importance of proof-reading, and challenge pupils to write about their dreams for a better world.
The books featured in the lesson are:
Young, Gifted and Black
Author: Jamia Wilson
Illustrator: Andrea PippinsLittle People, BIG DREAMS ® Aretha Franklin
Author: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrator: Amy Blackwell
(Original concept of the series by María Isabel Sánchez Vegara, published by Alba Editorial, s.l.u. “LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS” and “PEQUEÑA & GRANDE” are trademarks of Alba Editorial s.l.u. and Beautifool Couple S.L. Produced under trademark licence from the trademark owners.)
This is part of a series of weekly Live Lessons for Autumn 2020, designed to support children in catching up on literacy and numeracy as they return to school after lockdown.
Each week, we published two lessons, one for KS1/First Level and one for KS2/First & Second Level. The lessons are designed for use in the classroom, but are also suitable to be used at home should schools be closed again.
Please note that this lesson was published in 2020 and we are no longer reviewing emails and messages from schools for inclusion in the lesson.
Supporting resources from Twinkl
This Live Lesson is supported by free teaching resources from Twinkl. Download today using the links below:
Curriculum Links
Children are encouraged to:
- Identify what a biography is
- Explore what the word ‘Respect’ means using own experiences
- Sequence events from Aretha Franklin’s life
- Using what they have read, summarise what Aretha Franklin’s greatest achievements were
- Explore different song lyrics & their features (for example similes/metaphors) and the impact they can have on the listener
- Proof-read a paragraph and correct the errors (grammar, punctuation, spelling and tense
- Identify the impact language can have in a speech and how this impacts on our audience
- Using Key Stage 2 writing expectations, write a short section explaining their dreams and goals for 2020
Beyond Black History Month: Teaching black and diverse histories and experiences. video
In partnership with TES, Beyond Black History Month broadcast live on Wednesday 21 October, 2020. This panel discussion programme for teachers was an opportunity to discuss and share ideas and best practice around teaching black and diverse histories and experiences.
Live Lessons - 2024/2025. document
Information about our latest series of Live Lessons, to bring schools and year groups together for shared learning.
BBC Teach Live Lessons for primary schools. collection
Explore a range of curriculum-mapped interactive lessons for primary-aged pupils.
Little People, BIG DREAMS. External Link
More information on the best-selling biography series by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara featured in the lesson.
