Stormzy and #Merky Book authors on finding your voice and using it

In November 2019, British rapper, singer and songwriter Stormzy; International footballer Eniola Aluko; and #Merky Books authors Chelsea Kwakye & Ore Ogunbiyi (authors of Taking Up Space) and Derek Owusu (That Reminds Me) visited Stormzy's old secondary school to engage in a wide-ranging discussion on finding your voice and using it.

Resources

Age: Key Stages 3 – 5

Subject: PSHE

Topic: Finding your voice

The following activities give KS3-5 students the opportunity to identify and discuss what we mean by ‘voice’, why their voice is important, and how to develop a voice. The following activities can be used as standalone activities, or used together with the starter and plenary to form a complete lesson (approx. 1 hour 30 mins in total).

Learning Objectives:

  1. What is a ‘voice’ and why is having one important?

  2. What are the best ways to develop your voice?

  3. How else can we find our voices?

Activity one

The four Merky authors discuss their personal opinions on why it is so important for young people to find their voice.

Activity two

The authors discuss finding their voice and building the confidence to use it. Stormzy also joins the authors on stage to reinforce the message.

Activity three

The Merky authors share a range of valuable advice, including how to deal with anxiety and maintain your sense of purpose.

The full Penguin Talk

About #Merky Books

#Merky Books is an imprint within William Heinemann, dedicated to publishing the best new fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Curated by Stormzy, #Merky Books forms a home for a new generation of voices.

More from #Merky Books

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