Page 34 - Microsoft Word - Thinking like a wallaby 14DEC16.doc

that other children like him? Does he have many friends? Who does

he play with and what sorts of games does he play? Does he feel that
his teachers like him and help him?

Looking from Grace’s point of view, we could try to find out if there is some reason why

she may not like Arash himself or anyone who comes from his country. Has she been
listening to things that adults have said about refugees? Does she think that there is

something wrong or bad about Arash? Has Grace’s family had serious problems of their

own to deal with?

Step 2. Look for solutions

Finding a solution here is tricky, especially as you are friends with both of them. You

don’t want to blame either of them, or see anyone get hurt, so get some adult advice.

Some possibilities are:
get Arash and Grace to spend more time with each other so that they can

become friends;

invite them both to your house to play together with you (but ask your parents
first);

use the information you got from your Elephant and Spider-thinking to make a

presentation to your class about refugees (but ask your teacher first).

Step 3. Choose the best solution

Use your Wallaby-thinking to consider each possible solution – imagine what will

happen as the result of each one. Think carefully.

This problem also needs some Caterpillar-thinking as it

would be best for you to stay friends with both Grace

and Arash and for them to be friends with each other.

That will be the butterfly that emerges from this
problem.

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