Explore the latest Picture News resource hereThis week’s Picture News poster and big question features Eileen running; exploring whether it is ever too late to try something newChildren are trying new things constantly - from learning a new method for working out a problem in maths, to developing a new skill in PE, or taking part in a new club or challenge. At the same time, they may sometimes be told they are too young to do certain things, or that something might be “for when they are older”.This can shape how children think about age - what people can and can’t do, and when it is the “right time” to start something new.This week’s Picture News story explores these ideas through the story of Eileen Hieron, an 82-year-old runner who only began running in her 70s. Since then, she has completed marathons and even won her age group at the London Marathon.Her story raises an interesting question: is it ever too late to try something new?The London Marathon in the news: a primary school assembly discussionLooking at this week’s story, children explore the London Marathon and the thousands of people who take part each year, each with their own reasons for running. They learn that while some run to challenge themselves, others take part to raise money for charities, with the event raising significant amounts over time.They are introduced to the story of Eileen Hieron, who began running in her 70s and completed her first marathon at the age of 74. Her experience, alongside examples of other older runners, helps to highlight that people take on challenges at different stages of life.Children also consider what might motivate someone to take part, including personal goals, supporting others or a sense of achievement. This provides a starting point for thinking about how people are inspired to try something new, regardless of age.Assembly resource used to support discussion about the London MarathonPSHE and classroom discussion in primary schoolsThis story offers a valuable opportunity to explore how age can influence people’s experiences.Children can reflect on times when they may have been told they are too young to do something, and consider how that might feel. They can also think about how older people may be viewed, and whether assumptions are sometimes made about what they can or cannot do.Using Resource 1, children explore how encouragement - such as supportive messages or the actions of others - can help people take on new challenges. Resource 2 then builds on this by looking at examples of people’s achievements later in life, encouraging children to reflect on perseverance and personal goals.As children share their ideas, they may notice that others have different opinions or experiences. These discussions help to develop empathy, supporting children in understanding that people of all ages may face challenges, but also have the potential to try new things and achieve in different ways.Classroom resources exploring motivation,achievement and trying new thingsQuestions to support classroom discussionTeachers might explore questions such as:How important is age when trying something new?Can someone ever be too young or too old to try something?What helps people take on new challenges?How might it feel to be told you are too young or too old?What can we learn from other people’s experiences?Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessonsIs it ever too late to try something new? Exploring this question encourages children to think about how age can influence the opportunities people are given, and how it is viewed in different ways.It also provides an opportunity to explore the protected characteristic of age, helping children to understand why it is important to respect people of all ages and avoid making assumptions about what they can achieve.Each week children explore how the news story connects to one of the Protected CharacteristicsStories like this help children connect current events with their own experiences, encouraging them to reflect on challenge, opportunity and how empathy can support people at any stage of life.The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learningExplore the latest Picture News resource here
