Little People Discussion

Overview

This 45-minute lesson engages Key Stage 2 students (ages 7-9) in speaking and listening activities inspired by the Little People, Big Dreams biography series. Through collaborative storytelling, discussion, and reflection, students build competency in English speaking and listening, aligned with the National Curriculum for England.

National Curriculum Links

English - Spoken Language:

Pupils should be taught to:
- listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers
- ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
- articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions
- give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes
- maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations
- use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, pupils will be able to:

Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully in discussions about inspirational figures.
Use clear spoken language to share opinions and ideas confidently.
Ask and answer questions to deepen their understanding of a biography.
Retell a short story about a famous person using their own words.

Resources

Selection of Little People, Big Dreams books (e.g., Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, or Martin Luther King Jr.)
Story map templates (printed or digital)
‘Talking Token’ objects (small items like a soft ball or ‘listening owl’)
Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Welcome and explain the focus: exploring stories of inspirational people through talking and listening.
Briefly show a chosen Little People, Big Dreams book cover and ask: “What kind of person do you think this book is about?”
Set ground rules for respectful listening and speaking (e.g., one voice, listen carefully, use kind words).

2. Shared Reading & Modelled Talk (10 minutes)

Read aloud a short biography excerpt (approx. 2-3 pages) from the chosen book with enthusiasm.
After reading, model thinking aloud by summarising the person’s key achievements and personal qualities.
Demonstrate asking an open question (e.g., “Why do you think Marie Curie kept going despite difficulties?”).

3. Paired Discussion Using Talking Tokens (15 minutes)

Divide class into pairs. Give each pair a ‘talking token’ (the object passed between speakers to support turn-taking).
Task: take turns to discuss a set of three prepared questions related to the biography, e.g.:
- What did you find most interesting about this person’s life?
- What qualities do you think helped them achieve their dreams?
- How can we learn from their story today?
Encourage pupils to use full sentences and to listen carefully to their partner’s answers before responding.
Teacher circulates, scaffolding language and prompting elaboration where needed.

4. Story Map Activity and Group Sharing (10 minutes)

Provide each pair with a simple story map template (e.g., key events, challenges, achievements).
Pairs summarise the biography on the map using their own words, discussing as they work.
Invite pairs to share one interesting fact or opinion from their discussion with the class.
Highlight effective use of speaking and listening skills observed during sharing.

5. Reflection and Plenary (5 minutes)

Whole-class circle: each pupil says one new word or phrase they learnt today related to the story or talking skills (e.g., ‘perseverance’, ‘inspirational’, ‘listening carefully’).
Reflect on why it’s important to listen to others and share ideas clearly.
Congratulate the class on their respectful and confident discussions.

Assessment for Learning

Teacher observes and notes pupils’ participation in paired talk, focusing on use of relevant vocabulary, question asking, and turn-taking.
Informal assessment of pupils’ ability to summarise the biography through story map discussion.
Plenary check: pupils’ verbal contributions demonstrate understanding and engagement.

Differentiation

Support: Provide sentence starters for paired discussions (e.g., “I think... because...”).
Challenge: Ask higher ability pupils to make connections between the biography and their own life goals.
EAL: Pre-teach key vocabulary from the biography and provide visual aids.

Extension Ideas

Pupils create their own short biography mini-books about a chosen inspirational figure.
Hold a ‘Biography Hot Seat’ where pupils answer questions in role as the famous person.

This lesson plan combines creative engagement with rigorous curriculum standards, cultivating confident speakers and active listeners inspired by real-life role models.