Identities

3. This lesson helps us explore our identities and appreciate the many cultures which enrich the U.K. today.

4. Let’s Find Out About Each Other!

9. None of us the same, yet all of us comparable, Each distinct, but with so many things sharable. So many questions with answers to discover, On our journey to find out about each other.  

10. Nan says that red brings you lots of luck. Her favourite food is noodles and duck. Our Chinese letters take a long time to make. We name years after animals including the snake.  

11. My hair is strong and hardy, so I can style it all fancy! I was brought up on stories about the spider, Anansi. My bed is draped with Kente cloth, woven on a loom. Dad’s talking drum messages can lift any gloom!  

12. My dad was born in the same place as Marie Curie. He tells me that Polish history is a war-torn story. My mum cooks pork and sausage in many a different way. Some people find my name quite difficult to say.

13. I read the Koran. It helps me live a good life. I pray five times a day, through good times and strife. My mosque has special patterns on the walls and floor. Many Muslims give part of their pay to the poor.

14. Some say our food is bland, cos we don’t cook with spice. But what’s wrong with fish and chips, I think it’s rather nice! My friends ask where the power lies, with our government or queen. They want to know what ‘Union Jack’, our British flag, might mean.

15. The Sabbath is our rest day, our holy book the Torah. Come Hanukkah nine candles light up our bronze Menorah. Did you know that there is ‘magic’ in our chicken soup, And that some people speak Hebrew in my family group?

16. Did you know our pretty saris are often held up with pins? And that we believe the River Ganges can cleanse all our sins? With so many Hindu Gods, I sometimes get confused. At weekends Bollywood movies keep my family amused.

17. You may know our special colours are gold, reds, and greens, But can you tell me what ‘rastafarian’ means? My brother loves reggae with its rhythmic beat. We all enjoy carnival – the party in the street.

18. Your dad wears a beard, mine shaves his head. My mum wears abaya, yours dresses instead. Round your neck a cross, a kara on my wrist. Some dance the Samba, others the twist.

19. Traditions maintained, new customs adopted. Always enriching, changed and adjusted, We live in a world which is adapting apace - And learn from the best of each culture and race.

20. Glossary Comparable – similar, like Exclusively – solely, only Bland – tasteless, dull Complex – complicated, difficult Rhythmic – with a beat Traditions – customs, habits Maintained – kept, continued Adopted – taken up Enriching - improving Adjusted – altered, tweaked Adapting - changing