Understanding People Discussion Topics

Spid’s ‘Understanding People’ discussion topics and activity is to help KS1 and KS2 children learn skills to understand and get on with other people. This is a great Halloween activity to help children through the scary season.

In Spid the Spider Helps Count Spidula, Spid and his friends are frightened of Count Spidula because he looks scary and lives in a spooky castle. But later, they discover there is much more to him than they first thought.

This story reminds us that:

• people are not always what they seem
• first impressions can sometimes be wrong
• kindness and understanding can build friendships
• asking questions helps us understand others better
• everyone has feelings, worries and hopes

Here are some start-point questions and discussion ideas:

❓ What do you think is important to do to understand and get on with people?

Possible Answers and Discussion Ideas

• Listen carefully to what people say
• Be kind and respectful
• Try to understand how other people feel
• Ask questions instead of making assumptions
• Give people a chance before judging them
• Work together and help others
• Be patient if someone seems different from you
• Look for the good in people
• Think about how your words and actions affect others
• Try to solve problems calmly and fairly
• Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, try and see things from their point of view …

Sometimes people behave in unusual ways because they are:

• lonely
• worried
• nervous
• shy
• upset
• misunderstood

Count Spidula seemed frightening at first, but really he was lonely and wanted friends.

❓ What is it helpful to say to understand and get on with other people?

Possible Answers and Discussion Ideas

• Research suggests that people who ask questions and follow-up questions are perceived as more friendly, trustworthy and interesting …
• So ask more questions, particularly open-ended questions (what, tell me about, how type questions) rather than closed questions which make assumptions and just prompt a “yes” or “no” response
• Follow-up questions demonstrate an interest in a topic – so delve more deeply with follow-up how and why questions ; who knows what you might discover …
• Asking people how they feel about things often solicits  insights on people’s personality and motivations. This questioning technique is often employed by professional journalists and interviewers seeking to write or uncover interesting stories.

❓ How is it helpful to behave to understand and get on with other people?

Possible Answers and Discussion Ideas

• Research suggests that body language tends to account for the majority of communication, some sources suggest it accounts for 50-90% communication. Body language includes posture, hand movements, and face gestures.
• So smile, look people in the eye, be confident, shake hands, have a relaxed and open-body posture …

See our Spid the Spider Meets Count Spidula Comprehension Activity to further explore the issues raised in the story.