The Same Inside
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
The Same Inside is a sweet and thoughtful collection of poems for children, about friendship, empathy and respect by three of the nation's best-loved poets, Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and Roger Stevens. These fifty poems deal sensitively with feelings, empathy, respect, courtesy, bullying, disability and responsibility. They are the perfect springboard to start conversations.
Age
9-12
Length
94 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters in the story felt when they realized they were more alike than different?
What are some ways you can show kindness to someone who seems different from you?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something in common with a friend that surprised you?
Why do you think it is important to find similarities with others?
How would you help a new friend feel welcomed and understood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a time you felt similar to someone else despite initial differences.
Encourage your child to talk about their friends and the things they have in common with them.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding, and how this can be expressed daily.
Ask your child to draw or write about a time they made a new friend who was different from them.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and any personal connections they make to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book encourages children to be empathetic by exploring different perspectives and feelings of various characters.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the emotions of others in real-life situations, fostering compassion and encouraging deeper connections.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Through characters who are diverse in their backgrounds and experiences, 'The Same Inside' teaches that despite differences, everyone shares common human emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in embracing diversity at school and in their communities, promoting inclusivity and respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of friendship, showing how it can provide support and happiness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by nurturing their own friendships and being supportive friends in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Characters in the book encounter conflicts and learn to resolve them through communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: Kids are equipped to handle disagreements in a healthy way, learning to resolve issues through dialogue rather than aggression.
Example Lesson: Self-Reflection
Explanation: The book prompts readers to reflect on their own feelings and actions through the introspective journeys of its characters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice self-awareness and personal growth, helping them understand their own emotions and behaviors.