Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation
What’s inside...
'Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation' is an autobiographical account by Floella Benjamin that vividly recounts her childhood journey from Trinidad to England in the 1960s as part of the Windrush generation. The book captures the challenges faced by Floella and her family, including racism and assimilation hardships, while also highlighting their perseverance and resilience. Floella emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s identity and promotes a message of hope and determination. The narrative also serves as a tribute to the significant contributions of the Caribbean community to British culture and society.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Floella felt when she first arrived in England, and why?
What are some of the ways Floella preserved her culture while adapting to a new environment?
How important was Floella’s family in her journey, and how did they support each other?
What can we learn from Floella’s story about courage and resilience?
Why do you think it's important to celebrate and remember the Windrush generation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine what moving to a new country might feel like.
Discuss the significance of cultural heritage and ask your child about aspects of their own culture that they value.
Highlight the importance of family support depicted in the book and relate it to your family’s values and experiences.
Praise the virtues of courage and resilience shown by Floella, and relate them to challenges your child might face.
Help your child understand historical contexts by briefly explaining the Windrush generation, and why their story is vital for modern society.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story follows Floella Benjamin's journey from Trinidad to England, highlighting her determination and perseverance despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive attitude and keep pushing forward, even when they encounter difficulties in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: The importance of embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: The book showcases the diverse cultural backgrounds of the Windrush generation and promotes an understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diverse cultures in their communities, which fosters inclusivity and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding and valuing history
Explanation: Floella Benjamin shares her personal historical experiences, providing young readers with insights into the struggles and contributions of the Windrush generation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the history that shapes our society and understand the importance of historical events in contemporary contexts.
Example Lesson: The power of hope and dreams
Explanation: Despite the obstacles she faced, Floella remained hopeful and committed to achieving her dreams, conveying a powerful message about the role of hope in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to set personal goals and remain hopeful about their future, using their dreams as motivation to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Floella encounters people who show her kindness, teaching readers about the impact of empathy and kindness towards others.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to practice kindness and empathy in their interactions, helping to build a supportive and friendly environment at school and home.