Teacher Resource

Welcome Book

  1. How many drawings were entered in the Welcome Book campaign?
  2. Why was the book created?
  3. If we had included every drawing as a page in the book, it would have been the ______biggest book every published.
  4. How many drawings were included in the book?
  5. What country is the Ali family from?
  6. What was it like for the Ali family when they moved to Australia 3 years ago?
  7. What did you like about the BTN story?
  8. How do you welcome new students at your school that have come from another country?
  9. Write a message about the story and post it in the comments section on the story page.
  10. Check out the Welcome Book Gallery on the BTN website.

Class Discussion

After watching the BTN Welcome Bookstory, respond to the following questions:

Hold a class discussion to clarify students’ understanding of the following:

  • Who is a refugee? (Explain to students the ways in which a refugee and an asylum seeker differ from a migrant)
  • Where do refugees come from and why?
  • What has shaped your understanding and opinion of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants?

Ask students to watch the BTN Refugees and Migrants story then answer the following questions:

  1. Which country did Georgia come from?
  2. Why did she move to Australia?
  3. Finish the following sentence: A migrant is a person who...
  4. What does Georgia have to remind her of life in New Zealand?
  5. Which country did Mahya come from?
  6. Why did she move to Australia?
  7. Finish the following sentence: A refugee is someone who...
  8. What did Mahya find difficult about moving to Australia?
  9. What do you think would be one of the most difficult things about moving to another country?

Watch the BTN Welcome Book Winner storythen answer the following questions

  1. Why did Veron decide to enter the competition?
  2. What does her picture represent?
  3. How did she feel about being the winner?
  4. How did her classmates react to Veron winning?
  5. Explain how Veron felt about having her design on the front cover of the Welcome Book.
  6. What is her message to kids who have just arrived in Australia?
  7. What did you like about the BTN story?
  8. What would your message be to refugee and migrant kids who have recently arrived in Australia?
  9. Write a message about the story and post it in the comments section on the story page.

Welcoming Migrants and Refugees

Discuss with students the importance of feeling welcome and belonging to a community. What gives them a sense of belonging to a community? What things can make them feel welcome in unfamiliar situations? Think about the diversity in backgrounds, experiences, interests and age of people in your school community. Broaden your discussion and talk about your local community and Australia as a whole.

Explain to students that developing positive relationships can help build a sense of belonging and inclusion. Provide a range of opportunities for students to share their personal stories to create an atmosphere of cultural respect and acknowledgement of diversity.

Working in small groups, ask students to think of ways to welcome migrants and refugees in their school and local community and on a national level.

Students will explore the theme of Refugee Week 2017 and ways to recognise it in their school.

Go to the Refugee Week website and find out what the theme is. Discuss as a class. Record your student’s responses on the class whiteboard.

  • What does this theme mean to you?
  • Why do you think the Refugee Council of Australia chose this theme?
  • Think of reasons why it takes courage to be a refugee.
  • Students will design a poster using Canva to reflect the theme for Refugee Week 2017 and hold an art exhibition to present their artworks. The exhibition will celebrate the courage, resilience, strength and contributions of people of refugee background. Invite other classes to participate in the exhibition.

Organise your own Refugee Week event or activity at your school. Visit the Refugee Week website and download their resource kit for a guide on planning your own event.

  • Brainstorm ideas as a class.
  • What goals do you have for your event/activity? What are you trying to achieve?
  • What kind of event will you be holding?
  • Plan your budget – will you be fundraising?
  • Use your contacts – including your school community and local council.
  • Evaluate your event – how much of a success was it?

BTN – Refugees and Migrants

BTN – Welcome Book Winner

BTN – Welcome Book Gallery

Refugee Week 2017 – Resources

©ABC 2017