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Lesson 4: Family and friends

Task 1: Family tree

Having support when we face obstacles can help to build our resilience. Draw and label a family map for the main character, Annie Shearer. Identify key relationships and how Annie’s connections help shape who she is. Include the following characters:

  • Susie Shearer: Annie's mother
  • Bryan Shearer: Annie's father
  • Max Shearer: Annie's brother
  • Dolly Shearer: Annie's grandmother
  • Runt

Use the following questions to help add information to your family map:

  • Why are these people important in Annie’s life ?
  • How do her family help her throughout the story?
  • What actions show us that they care about each other?
  • Are there any quotes from these characters that show the importance of family and support? 

Task 2: What does family mean to you?

Create something visual that shows what family means to you. This could be:

  • A poster or drawing
  • A photo collage
  • A digital presentation
  • Or something else creative

You can include people, pets or anyone else you think of as family. Then, write a few sentences to explain your creation. You might want to add:

  • What makes your family special?
  • How your family is similar or different to Annie’s?
  • What you think really matters in a family

Task 3: Friendship Annie and Runt

In RUNT, one of the biggest and most heartwarming themes is friendship. Runt and Annie might seem like an unusual pair - a stray dog and a young girl - but they make a great team. They believe in each other and help each other through tough moments. Their friendship shows us how powerful it can be to have someone by your side who gets you. Think about Annie and Runt’s friendship and discuss the following questions:

  • What kind of friend is Annie to Runt? How do we see her showing kindness or support?
  • How does Runt help Annie, or make her feel better, when she’s sad or upset? What makes their friendship special?
  • Why do you think friendship is important when someone feels alone or is being treated unfairly? How can a good friend make a difference?
  • Can you remember a moment in the film when Annie and Runt's friendship was strong? What did they say or do that showed they cared about each other?
  • How can having a pet, like Runt, be similar to having a friend? In what ways do pets show us love and support, just like human friends do?

Then draw a moment from the film that shows how Annie and Runt support each other. Add speech or thought bubbles to show what they might be thinking or saying.

Task 4: What does friendship mean to you?

Think about a time when you helped a friend who needed support or a friend helped you through something tricky or challenging. Create a comic strip with 6 - 8 panels telling the story. You might like to include speech bubbles to share what the people are saying and thought bubbles to show what they are thinking.

Once you have finished your story or comic, take a moment to think about Annie and Runt.

  • What parts of your story remind you of their friendship?
  • Why do you think real friends are important?
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