Diary of a Welsh Victorian Schoolchild
Diary of a Welsh Victorian Schoolchild
Items in this lesson
Diary of a Welsh Victorian Schoolchild
What do you already know about the Welsh Not?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to write a diary entry in the first person, describing the feelings and events after receiving the Welsh Not at a Victorian school.
What was the Welsh Not?
The Welsh Not was a piece of wood put around a child’s neck as punishment for speaking Welsh in school.
Imagine: You Are That Child
Today, you were given the Welsh Not at school. Close your eyes and imagine how you might feel going home.
Vocabulary for Feelings
embarrassed, scared, ashamed, confused
angry, upset, lonely, unfair
More Emotions
Emotions You Might Feel
Role Play: Telling Your Parents
What might you say to your mum or dad? Would you tell the truth or try to hide what happened?
Success Criteria for Writing
✔ Use I, me, my. ✔ Describe what happened at school. ✔ Say how you felt. ✔ Mention the Welsh Not. ✔ Share your thoughts about school.
Super Sentence Starters
Dear Diary, Today at school something horrible happened… I had to wear… Everyone looked at me and I felt… I wish… When I got home…
Model Diary Entry
Dear Diary, Today was the worst day at school. I spoke Welsh without thinking and I had to wear the Welsh Not. Everyone stared at me and I felt so embarrassed. When I got home, Mam gave me a hug. I feel scared about tomorrow.
Challenge Yourself: Go Further!
Try to add a rhetorical question, powerful words (like 'humiliated', 'punished'), and end with a hopeful or sad note.
Reflect: Plenary Question
Would this child grow up loving school? Why or why not? Share your ideas with a partner.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
