If your class are anything like the children we know, then they’ll be fascinated by how ‘stuff’ works. Particularly, how adults decide things – who is in charge, who makes the rules and how it is all made fair. These questions, and their associated concepts, can be tricky to understand…but very interesting for inquisitive children who want to know how the world runs.

British Values was introduced to the UK curriculum over 10 years ago to help prepare children for life in modern British. The values include democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance. Teaching these values helps children to understand how the country runs, how we include people of different beliefs, and why laws are important.

These values feed in to children’s PHSE and RSHE learning; incorporating topics such as ‘Respectful Kind Relationships’, ‘Caring Friendships’ and ‘Shared Responsibility’. We love using books to teach British Values, as they are the perfect vehicle to delve in to some of the more complicated topics and debates.

Don’t forget, we also have a free lesson resource for KS2 based on the book ‘The Island’ by Armin Greder. A great story for teaching all the British Values! Find out more here

Teaching British Values using Stories

If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug, Ella Okstad, and Rosie Hedger

Age Range: KS1 and LKS2

A sweet and sensitive look at some big topics! Follow one boy’s imagination as he considers how different the world would be if he could just change a few things. Even adults reading this story will rethink their views, seeing issues through the eyes of children.

British Values Theme: Democracy, Rule of Law

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Age Range: KS1 and LKS2

With it’s predecessors success, this book needs little introduction. Another fantastic installment filled with beautiful illustrations and a go-getting lead character who shows us the power of an idea.

British Values Theme: Democracy, Rule of Law

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Age Range: EYFS and KS1

A simple exploration of diversity, set to the back drop of a school. This is the perfect book for discussing tolerance and mutual respect. It inspires us to think about how we celebrates our differences and similarities and an engaging, child-friendly, way.

British Values Theme: Mutual Respect, Individual Liberty, Tolerance

Vote For Effie by Laura Wood

Age Range: KS2

A likeable and fun read for KS2 children that follows the story of Effie, as she tries to join the school council in her new school. It echoes lots of the feelings Year 6s will experience in their transition to Year 7, too.

British Values Theme: Democracy, Rule of Law

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

Age Range: KS1

A wonderful true story about the power of community action. The themes in the book lend themselves to discussions about individual liberty, respect, and the idea of collective democracy. It would also be a good starter to a conversation about school council and how children can be involved in changing their surroundings.

British Values Theme: Democracy, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect

Emmeline Pankhurst by Lisbeth Kaiser and Ana Sanfelippo

Age Range: KS1 and KS2

What better than a Little People, Big Dreams book to talk about the history women’s rights. This is a wonderful non-fiction book to add to discussions about democracy, fairness and voting.

British Values Theme: Democracy, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Rule of Law, Tolerance