Reinforce the Skills
Literature Extension Activity
The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric
Note: This classroom activity accompanies a book review.
In her introduction to The Brand New Kid, Katie Couric says, "I hope that The Brand New Kid can be used as a springboard to talk about basic human kindness and compassion in our daily lives…I hope this story will inspire all of us to reach out and make someone feel a little less scared and a little less lonely."
The book can be used as a starting point for discussions about kindness, respect, and tolerance with kindergarten through second-grade students. But students of all ages can learn from the book's message, so feel free to use this activity with the upper grades too.
Classroom Discussion Ideas
Imagine Lazlo
Reread pages 11–15 to students. Before you begin, say, "As you listen, close your eyes and imagine that you are Lazlo." Afterward, invite volunteer "Lazlos" to describe how they felt during the reading.
Talk About Feelings
Show students the illustrations on pages 19 and 20 of the book. Have students describe what is happening in each picture. Ask the following questions.
- How do you think Lazlo feels in the first picture? (Sad, lonely.)
- What clues do you see in his body and on his face? (His sad face, his head is hanging.)
- How do you think Lazlo feels in the second picture? (Happy, surprised.)
- What clues do you see in his body and on his face? (He is smiling, his eyes are wide open.)
Follow up by asking, "What could you do if you noticed that a new student at our school looked like Lazlo does in the first picture?"
Define Respect
Present the following STEPS TO RESPECT definition of respect to students: "Respect means treating people the way you want to be treated. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect." Invite students to brainstorm a list of specific behaviors that demonstrate respect.
Encourage students to pick a respectful behavior to use throughout the week.
