'Small Things' Picture book 

As part of a recount (diary entry) writing topic, Year 5 explore the completely wordless picture book 'Small Things' by Mel Tregonning. The children make their own inferences about the boy's mental health as he seems to be having a hard time in school.

To further build empathy for what the little boy might experience on a regular school day, Year 5 went on a walk around of different areas of our own school. This enabled each pupil to observe school situations as an outsider. They put forward vocabulary for how a pupil who has 'small things' affecting them in school may feel. Towards the end of 'Small Things', things seem to look up for the little boy; therefore, Year 5 also came up with positive vocabulary for how a pupil may feel in school once they feel supported with their 'small things.'

"I liked that the sister shared her feelings with the little boy so that he knew he wasn't the only one who was struggling." - Adam

"I now know how important it is to get things off your chest, otherwise they just eat away at you, like the monsters in the story." - Emily