Web viewdiscussing word meanings, linking new meanings to those already known. ... (Zootopia, the Shire in ‘Lord of the Rings’, the Seven Dwarfs)

©Learn2Think Foundation www.learn2think.org.uk

TOPIC: Utopias - Imagining a perfect world

Year Group KS2Curriculum Area

English – single lesson

Learning Objectives

discussing word meanings, linking new meanings to those already known

participate in discussion about what is read to them, taking turns and listening to what others say

articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions

Introducing the idea

Activity Timing

This is designed as a follow-up comprehension lesson to reading chapter book, ‘Who Made you the Boss?’

Class Activities

What’s a Utopia

A Utopia is defined as “an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.”

Read out the explanation and examples from literature below.

Class discussion:1. What are the key differences between the 2

versions?2. Which do you like best and why?3. Can you think of any other ‘prefect worlds’ in

books or movies? (Zootopia, the Shire in ‘Lord of the Rings’, the Seven Dwarfs)

4. What factors do you need to look at when designing a perfect society or place?

5. Are there always winners and losers? Think of some examples where what one person wants is

10 mins

Perfect WorldsTo accompany ‘Who Made You the Boss?

Lesson PlanThis plan is downloadable at www.toleranceday.org


not good for other people

Discussion in groups/fill in worksheet

Work in groups of 4-6 to discuss, and fill in the worksheet below

10 mins

Class Discussion

Each group presents their Utopia. Class to vote on who came closest to the fairest/free-est/most fun Utopia.

10 mins

Homework/follow-on lesson

Write a vivid and powerful description of your ‘perfect’ world.

30 mins

Follow-on lessons

The pros and cons of political systemsImagine a world without school

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UTOPIA

A Utopia is defined as “an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.”

For thousands of years human beings have dreamt of perfect worlds, worlds free of conflict, hunger and unhappiness. But can these worlds ever exist in reality? Can we ever have equality for everybody and freedom to do as we please?

In 1516 Sir Thomas More wrote the book 'Utopia'. He created the word 'utopia' from the Greek ou-topos meaning 'no place' or 'nowhere'. But this was a pun - the almost identical Greek word eu-topos means a good place.

So at the very heart of the word is a vital question: can there ever be a perfect world?

Toby’s version of the perfect world from ‘Who Made You the Boss’, the political satire the Rapscallions

Hands trembling, he held the Goggles up to his eyes. What he saw made him draw a breath in amazement – it felt like he was seeing a perfect world for the first time. A world where happy children were driving around in shiny new cars, working in little pods coming up with ideas for computer games. It was his fantasy, the place he went when he daydreamed about not having to go to school, but even better.

“…..at Manners, Inc. children lead productive, well rewarded and fulfilled working lives,” a beguiling voice began. “They avoid eleven years of tedium in a school system designed to take the power, the fun, and the rewards away from them. Working for Manners, Inc. children get to use their vivid and highly imaginative minds to create the technological content of the future. In return they are given, not only independence from the drudgery of school, but also daily rewards and compensation for their efforts. Come and see for yourselves at Manners, Inc., Manners Tower, Mannerstown, Manners Island.

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Babar the King, by Jun De Brunhoff

Babar and his family build a magnificent city: Celesteville. Life is peaceful and contented, everyone has a job to do, and celebrations are frequent.

Babar was King of the Elephants. He wanted to create a magnificent city by a beautiful lake.

“This place is so beautiful that every morning when I wake up, I should like to see it. We must build our town here. Our houses will be by the water in the midst of flowers and birds,” Babar said.

In Celesteville the elephants work all morning; in the afternoon they do whatever they like. They play, go for walks, read and dream.

After their morning bathe in the lake, the elephant children went to school.

The elephants who were too old to go to school each chose a profession or trade.

For example: Tapitor was a shoemaker, Pilophage an officer, Capoulosse a doctor, Barbacol a tailor, Podular a sculptor and Hatchibombotar swept and watered the roads.

Doulamar was a musician, Olur a mechanic, Poutifour a farmer, Fandago a scholar, Justinien a painter and coco a clown.

When Capoulosse had holes in his shoes he took them to Tapitor, and when Tapitor was ill Capoulosse attended him.

If Barbacol wanted to put a statuette on his mantel-piece he told Podular and when Podular’s jacket was worn out Barbacol measured him for a new one.

Justinien painted Pilophage’s portrait, and Pilophage defended him against his enemies.

Hatchimbombotar kept the streets tidy, Olur repaired motor cars, and when they were tired, Doulamor played to them.

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After solving difficult problems, Fandago ate fruit grown by Poutifour. As for Coco, he made them all laugh.

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©Learn2Think Foundation www.learn2think.org.uk6

©Learn2Think Foundation www.learn2think.org.uk7


‘Creating My Utopia’ Worksheet

Make a list of complaints about life today

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Give your perfect world a name (the name should reflect the ideals and values of your Utopia)

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Create a slogan or moto

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What animal would symbolise your Utopian society?

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Develop a list of at least 5 rules that everyone would follow? Give a reason for each rule?

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Who makes, and enforces these rules in your Utopia? What form of government would you have?)

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What are children’s roles? Do you have an education system? If so, what is it like?

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What does a day in the life of one of your inhabitants look like? (how is work organised; do you use money; how is wealth shared; how much technology do you use?)

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Documents

Web viewdiscussing word meanings, linking new meanings to those already known. ... (Zootopia, the Shire in ‘Lord of the Rings’, the Seven Dwarfs)