This activity is tied to a simple story “hook”, encouraging children to show empathy and use their languages at the same time. You might start by telling how a newly arrived child joins a group of other children – in a playground, in school, wherever you see fit. The child seems shy and doesn’t speak, so asking children what they might do or say to make the child feel welcome.
From there, lead into the activity “Weaving Words of Welcome” – explain that words that make us feel happy, welcome and safe can be like a blanket that keeps us warm, and invite children to share the words that make them feel good. When I run this activity, I have an A2 version of the template, and do one “blanket” collectively with children.
Video by Toby Little
Instructions for template: The A4 template includes 6 vertical lines – you can either cut all of these (best to use a craft knife) and use strips of paper cut across the full width of A4 paper, or you can cut the inside 4 vertical lines, creating a 15cmx15cm square piece of weaving. To create an even weave, you’ll want strips just under 3cm wide. The large version in images is done with A2 cardboard, with cuts spaced 6cm apart, and strips 30cmx5.8cm.
