Read the book to the class once, allowing them to comment on things that they notice, and asking questions to check understanding (especially make sure everyone understands the ‘misunderstanding’ that forms the basis of the book). This may raise issues about assumptions about race, but is also a good media activity as observations about body language, expressions etc will make the answer clear.Ģ. Then you can show the cover and learners can consider which is Joe, and which the new boy.
A good starter activity with this book may be to explain to the class that the story is about a boy who comes from another place, and makes friends with Joe, his new neighbour. The story shows a friendship developing between the two boys, but it also makes Joe realise that actually he can’t find a peaceful and quiet place for his friend, and learners are introduced to the threats or tensions that exist in our local environments. KEY QUESTION: Do I feel welcome everywhere? Backgroundīen Morley’s picture book The Silence Seeker tells the story of Joe and his quest to find a quiet place for his new neighbour who his mum tells him is an asylum seeker, but Joe misunderstands. We often use the beginning and end of this book to start a conversation in the classroom and we have known teachers use it with Key Stage 3 pupils. This steady, kind story helps key stage 2 children move forward in their empathy and understanding of asylum seekers and is a perfect way to gently open discussion around the refugee crisis. He misunderstands and tries to help the older child from the new asylum-seeking family to find silence. By Ben Morley 2009 Tamarind ISBN: 978-1848530034īen Morley’s picture book The Silence Seeker tells the story of a child who seeks to help his new neighbour who his mum tells him is an asylum seeker.
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