Welcoming a New Classmate

💡 About this activity

🎯 Learning objectives

• Retell one action from the story that helped welcome the new classmate.
• Suggest a kind way to invite someone to join in.
• Recognize that a person can accept or decline an invitation.

🧺 What you need

• Printed activity sheet
• Pencil and colored pencils
• Paper for making a card, if desired

👣 How to do it

1. Gather the printed sheet and pencils.
2. Introduce the title and ask what it might feel like to join a new class.
3. Read the story aloud, showing the picture.
4. Share one way to welcome someone, such as offering to show them around the classroom.
5. Invite the child to answer the questions and listen to other ideas.
6. Ask the child to draw an idea for a card in the space on the sheet.
7. Finish by talking about one welcoming action the child would like to try.

🍎 Teaching suggestions

• Say, “We can invite someone and respect their answer.”
• If answering is difficult, reread the part where Lia invites Ravi and give the child time to think.
• Accept spoken, pointed or drawn responses.
• In a group, make space for each child to speak without requiring anyone to share.
• Recall everyday situations, such as welcoming someone into a game or showing them where the materials are.

🔀 Variations

💬 Talk about it

• How do you think Ravi felt when he arrived in the class? Why?
• What did Lia do to welcome Ravi?
• What are some other ways we can welcome someone who is new?
• What can we do if someone doesn't want to play right now?

👀 What to look for

• Notice whether the child can describe one welcoming action from the story.
• Notice whether the child suggests a kind way to invite or help someone.
• Observe whether the child recognizes that it is important to respect the other person's answer.