Online Session: Radical Empathy and Igniting Students’ Creativity

My novel Songbird, and the sequel Sunflower, are based on the experience of an eleven-year-old Iraqi refugee who has fled Iraq with her family and is settling into a new life in Australia. I have taught migrant and refugee children for many years and my writing was inspired by their courage and resilience. In this session, we explore the themes in Songbird including identity, community, belonging and the refugee experience. Students are prompted to consider what it might be like to suddenly leave your country and your community. I am an experienced and engaging presenter and I value interactivity in my sessions. I show slides which include quotes and encouraging speaking prompts.

Topics covered

* Songbird & the Refugee Experience
* Identity
* Belonging
* Community
* What is empathy?
* What makes a good writer?

Delivery platform

Skype or Zoom or your school’s preferred platform