All Our Stories: Collaborating with The British Library

Phase One of The Linking Network’s Schools Linking programme focuses on exploring the question, Who am I?

At first it appears to be a simple enough question; but stop and think – how would you answer this question?

What makes you who you are?

What are all the different elements that comprise your identity?

Can you describe yourself in a way that truly represents the entire essence of you?

Have some parts of your identity been consistent all your life and others changed?

When teachers introduce the concept of identity with their children, they start by exploring their names as well as visible and invisible similarities and differences between each other. They think about the things they like and dislike, the people who are important in their lives and places they have been – the what, who and where that have impacted their identity.

We offer a range of classroom activities to delve deeper into identity and we are very excited to also be collaborating with The British Library and utlilising their ‘Step Inside Your Story’ resources for identity work in Schools Linking.

Stories come from everywhere and can be told by anyone!  The British Library learning team have worked with The Linking Network to collate a Padlet of resources just for Schools Linking teachers with a great selection of resources to inspire children before they create their own zig zag books all about themselves. This activity will help children put themself at the heart of their own story, explore what makes them special and then take readers on a journey of discovery.

Exploring “identity” is an opportunity for every child to share their unique story; this can include their family story, their heritage, their faith, languages spoken in their family, their hobbies, interests and pastimes etc and exploring how identities have many different elements for everybody. Through The British Library resources, children can also hear the stories of authors such as Joseph Coelho and Malorie Blackman.

The British Library is hosting a FREE Step Inside Your Story livestreamed event for primary children to celebrate representation, heritage and identity. This will be held on Thursday 10th October at 11am – 12pm. Sign up here.

Click here to find out more about Schools Linking.