To recognise refugee week, Year 5 looked at the poem Refugees by Brian Bilston. The poem is a palindrome which gives two very different perspectives of how refugees are perceived and welcomed by their host countries. We decided that we would not share too much information with the children initially in order for them to discuss their reactions and emotions. We then read the poem backwards and they were so relieved to hear how different the words made them feel.
As a class, we recorded the children reading a line from the poem in character of the different perspectives. They were brilliant! Below I have shared some of the quotes from the children; I am sure that their maturity and empathy in what is such a current and prevalent situation will make you as proud as we were.
‘Reader, don’t worry, you have to read it backwards, you’ll feel so much better.’ Scarlett
‘I hope that everyone who reads this poem agrees with the backwards version.’ Logan
‘The backwards way IS RIGHT! Don’t think about the wrong way- everyone is equal.’ Phoebe
‘I didn’t feel comfortable reading the poem, we should let refugees into our country as theirs is not safe.’ Amelia B
‘It made me feel really angry when he said – A place should only belong to those who were born there- THIS IS NOT TRUE!’ Pansy
‘The words- they cannot share our food, share our homes, share our countries- creates a sad image of refugees struggling to survive.’ Joni
‘I was outraged when I first read what Brian Bilston wrote, but now I see that he is not selfish, he is selfless.’ Lily
‘Brian Bilston is trying to make people kind; refuges should come to our country to find tranquillity and peace.’ Shiva
‘I love Brian Bilston’s creativity with the poem. Refuges need our help!’ Sophia
‘I know that we should comfort and respect everyone.’ Ella
‘The words- It’s not okay to build a wall to keep them out- made me imagine everyone breaking down a wall.’ Lillian
‘BE KIND to refugees, they just need a little help- it’s a big shock when you have to leave your home,’ Evie
‘Brian Bilston is trying to make people see the other side of things. Be grateful, not everyone has what you have.’ Pihu
A final inspirational thought from Ira.
‘I completely agree with refugee safety and that everyone should be accepted in this world. Everyone needs to act if we want human rights to be ensured and help everyone in need. This poem (if read the right way) is inspirational and if we work together world peace can be accomplished.’
Thank you, Year 5!
