I read The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson at the start of each school year. It’s perfect for introducing sophisticated topics to young children, such as exclusion and racial tension. The story deals with big ideas in kid-friendly ways, helping us have conversations about kindness in an effort to build healthy relationships and communities.
The author explains how she hopes the story of Clover and Annie will inspire young people to change the world each day through the seemingly simple act of invitation and seeking to understand.
QUESTIONS THAT LEAD TO BIG IDEAS
If you’re using The Other Side with children in grades K-2, try these questions to get your conversation going… although in my experience, young children are eager to talk about issues of separation and unfairness with very little prompting. I think our role as teachers during this time is more about listening deeply and creating safe spaces for their voices to be heard.
- Why do you think Jacqueline Woodson wrote The Other Side?
- How does this story make you feel?
- Why do you think the fence is pictured on almost every page?
- Does this story remind you of anything from your own life?
- What words would you use to describe Clover? How about Annie?
- What gives Clover the courage to finally talk to Annie?
- At the end, all of the girls are sitting together on the fence. What message do you think the author is trying to send?
- How can we use the lessons from The Other Side in our classroom this year?
By the end of the story, the girls from each side have come together ON the fence. It’s no longer a barrier, but a meeting place for friends. The book has been around since 2001, so hopefully you’ll be able to find it in your library. If not, you can CHECK IT OUT HERE. I think it deserves a spot in your back to school lineup, or anytime you want to address issues of diversity and inclusion.
RELATED BLOG POST
Speaking of back-to-school must-haves, if you haven’t seen THE GREAT FUZZ FRENZY, go check it out. It’s a big topic thoughtfully disguised beneath cute critters and humor. If you read with voices for the key characters, your students will love it!
Happy teaching!
Maybe an adult class in this would be appropriate now!
It couldn't hurt. 🙂