Activity

  1. Look at the book Black and British: An Illustrated History by David Olusoga. Show an image from the book, for example you could choose one of the images from pages 28 and 29.
  2. Ask them to write headings on a piece of paper: See, Think, Wonder
  3. Put a timer on the board. Give them two minutes to write under each heading their thoughts about the image: What do you see? What do you think is going on? What does it make you wonder?
  4. Share ideas as a class. Ask students to follow up on their thoughts by asking: What makes you say that? Encourage light touch and friendly debate if students have different opinions. Encourage students to share if they are changing their minds based on hearing what others think and their reasons.
  5. Explain that students are being inquisitive and curious, but they also may be making assumptions and taking things at face value. Reveal information about the image (who it is and what is happening).

Reflection

  • Did anyone feel like they had their assumptions challenged?

  • Did anyone feel like they were challenging assumptions?

Go Further

Now students know more about what is happening in the image, what do they now wonder? Choose one of their questions to discuss (a philosophical open-ended question rather than one which requires research to find factual information).

Inquisitive: Wondering & Questioning

Through discussion students build on others’ ideas, develop their critical thinking, and start to challenge opinions - or have their own assumptions challenged.