The Illustrated Mum Teachers’ notes

AV-nr 41426 tv 1–4

The Illustrated Mum – Tv film based on a book by Jacqueline Wilson Target age group – högstadiet 8–9 and gymnasium. Theme – Family and identity. Issues – mental illness and growing up under extraordinary circumstances. The film is divided into four parts, each about half an hour. “The Illustrated Mum” is a film adaptation of the book by English Writer Jacqueline Wilson. The story is about two sisters whose mum suffers from manic depression. She is therefore not like a “typical” mum and it is often the girls who have to take care of her, and of each other. The story raises lots of issues about relationships and growing up. The resources we have developed to support these programmes are also divided into four parts – one for each episode – and take the form of worksheets for pupils. Each part includes: “Concrete” questions on episode (6–7) Discussion questions on episode Issues and themes raised in the episode, which you can develop further (including one “fun” theme) These issues and themes are structured so that there are activities: a) linked to texts b) project work If you wish to develop a theme further we have also included tips on further reading. Key:

H – suitable for högstadiet G – suitable for Gymnasium

Teachers and pupils can decided together how much of the material they wish to use.

The Illustrated Mum – Teachers’ notes

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The issues selected from each episode for further study are as follows:

Part I Issues Bullying (extract from “The Present Takers” Aiden Chambers) Children supporting each other in adversity (True Case Studies – Koluchova twins)

H H/G

Project Work – Tattooing Class debate (tips on how to organise a class debate included at the end of this document). Fun theme: Design your own tattoo, which represents you! Further Reading Bullying: The present Takers – Aidan Chambers A Spoonful of Jam – Michelle Magorian Moonies – Paul Jennings – story in “Undone” Pub. Puffin. ISBN 0-14-036823-X Children Coping Alone: Journey to Jo-Burg – Beverly Naidoo The Silver Sword – Ian Serralier

H H

Stories: Daddy long Legs – Robert Westall The Trap – Martin Waddell Batty – Paul Jennings All stories in “Adventure Stories for 10 year olds” Pub. Macmillan ISBN 0-330-39142-9

The Illustrated Mum – Teachers’ notes

H H/G H/G

2

H/G H/G H/G

Part 2 Issues Jealousy: Between Siblings (interview with twins) Between friends (text on best friends) Project work – “Home Alone” Research legal side Class Debate Prepare Guidelines for parents. Fun Theme: Fashion and Identity Presentations: how I like to/would like to look. Further Reading Being left alone: Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens Penguin Easy Reader Waiting for Anya – Micheal Morpurgo

The Illustrated Mum – Teachers’ notes

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H H/G

Part 3 Issues: A “proper” mum. (Poem – Mothers Who Don’t Understand) Interview your mum. Write a portrait of your mum and present it to the class.

H/G

Mental health problems (short text on Manic depression) What advice would you give Star and Dolphin?

H/G

Project Work – Mental Health

G

Research: Schizophrenia Psycho/sociopathy Depression Syndromes: Asberger’s Tourette’s Presentations for class. Fun theme: Your place! Plan and decorate your own room/flat

H/G

Further Reading Truth or Dare – Cecilia Rees (Asberger’s), Pub. Macmillan, ISBN: 0-330 36875-3

The Illustrated Mum – Teachers’ notes

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G

Part 4 Issues Importance of Family Ties (Simplified extract from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night) Importance of friends (Simplified extract from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet)

H/G H/G

Project Work – Families and Friends

H/G

Family Tree Family member biography What is a friend? (Brainstorm) Poetry Exercise Interview you best friend Organise talk show where best friends are guests. Further Reading Family and friendship: Heaven Eyes – David Almond Pub. Hodder Signature ISBN 0-340-74368-9 Kit’s Wilderness – David Almond Pub . Hodder Signature ISBN 0-340-72716-0 The Kin – Peter Dickinson Pub. Macmillan ISBN 0-330-39225-5

H/G H/G

Stories: The Fusiler & My Mother’s Photgraphs – in Counting Stars – David Almond. Pub. Hodder signature ISBN 0-340-78480-6 For Christmas: Brown Baby – Gwen Grant H/G Get Lost – Robert Klein H/G In The Oxford Book of Christmas Stories Pub. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-278161-8 Organising a Class Debate Divide your class into groups of 4. Get them to formulate a discussion statement. (EG tattooing is dangerous) Split each group into two pairs. One pair is for the statement (agrees with it), the other pair is against the statement (disagrees with it.) Give the pupils time to research the issue. Give the pupils time to write short speeches supporting their “for” or “against” position. The pupils then present their speeches for the class. Other classmates should be encouraged to ask questions. Vote on whether the “for” or “against” side gave the best speeches

The Illustrated Mum – Teachers’ notes

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