Writing · Talking · Listening
Then and now
Interview a partner or family member about something they struggled with once and are good at now.
- 25 minutes
- In pairs
- Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
- Classroom or at home
- Printable: interview sheet
What to do
- Read the saying and its meaning: many a ragged colt made a fine horse.
- Pair up with a classmate, or at home with a parent, brother, sister or friend.
- Take turns. Ask the questions on the sheet one at a time and write short notes.
- The person answering chooses what to share. They can skip any question.
- Under the last answer, write one sentence that compares then and now for your partner.
Questions to talk about
- What helped your partner get from then to now?
- What is something you are a ragged colt at today?
You will need
- The printed interview sheet
- A pencil
Make it fit
Simpler: Ask the first three questions only, and draw a then picture and a now picture.
More of a stretch: Write up the interview as a short then-and-now profile, with a title.
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The interview sheet
Then and now
Name
Ask one question at a time. Write short notes.
- What is something you find easy now that was hard at first?
- What was it like when you first tried?
- What made you keep going?
- Who or what helped you?
- What would you tell someone who is just starting?
The instructions card
How to run it · Writing · Talking · Listening
Then and now
Interview a partner or family member about something they struggled with once and are good at now.
25 minutesIn pairsAges 9–12, Ages 12+
What to do
- Read the saying and its meaning: many a ragged colt made a fine horse.
- Pair up with a classmate, or at home with a parent, brother, sister or friend.
- Take turns. Ask the questions on the sheet one at a time and write short notes.
- The person answering chooses what to share. They can skip any question.
- Under the last answer, write one sentence that compares then and now for your partner.
You will need
- The printed interview sheet
- A pencil
Talk about
- What helped your partner get from then to now?
- What is something you are a ragged colt at today?
Make it fit
Simpler: Ask the first three questions only, and draw a then picture and a now picture.
Stretch: Write up the interview as a short then-and-now profile, with a title.
Goes with the printable interview sheet.