Life of a Chickpea

We were delighted to welcome The Dialogue Society into school last week together with representatives from different faiths. The presentation called ‘Life of a Chickpea’ allowed the Year 5 and 6 pupils of St Swithun’s C of E Primary School the opportunity to think about the benefits of diversity in our world, as well as for themselves as individuals. Using the analogy of presenting a ‘chickpea’ through three different types of food; soup (all mixed together but all identical in every way), a mixed salad (all in one bowl but all different and separating ourselves from one another), and a pudding (all different but working together as a whole) allowed the pupils to think about where they are best placed (soup, salad or pudding), and where they would like to be regardless of faith, culture or gender.

Bringing together representatives from different faiths helped to embed the idea that although we may follow different paths, we work better together regardless of our beliefs as ultimately we all strive for similar goals in life.

The pupils really enjoyed being given a sample of ‘Noah’s Pudding’ which was a reflection of the story of Noah’s Ark, as it brought to life the analogy of the pudding rather than just looking at pictures of it – they could really taste its value.

In reflection time, they said:

"I think that it meant we should accept others and their opinions, ideas and beliefs. I learnt that we can make an equal world if we work together"

"Life of a chickpea means to me that everyone sees things differently. We are all unique and we should accept that we are all different"

"It taught me that everyone should appreciate other peoples thoughts"

"Don't judge people by appearance"

"I would like to be in the pudding because we could mix together"

"It means to me that everyone is different on the inside and everyone has different beliefs and views and we shouldn't not let them in groups and like that"

"It taught me that everyone should appreciate other peoples thoughts"

"Don't judge people by appearance"

"Life of a chickpea teaches us we are all different and it teaches us values and life lessons"

"If we work together we can make a better world together even though we look the same we are different on the inside. I am a pudding"