We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
The first feature of August is here with We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins.
With the school year beginning across the U.S., I thought about which picture books I’d want to read to my class (if I were still teaching) in the first weeks of school and this one was at the top of my list! This clever, humorous, sweet story is definitely a must read in every classroom!
It’s the first day of school and Penelope Rex is excited to meet her classmates! But wait, why do they have to be SO delicious?! As a dinosaur, how is Penelope supposed to make it through an entire day of school without a taste of her human classmates? This is stressful! She’s up for the challenge, but fitting in and making friends is a lot harder than she thought.
This story brings together humor, life lessons, and relatability for both kids and adults.
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these FREE printables below.
Have the kiddos reflect on the story and decide which items Penelope Rex is allowed to eat, and which ones she is not.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Use this journal page to have kiddos think of something else Penelope SHOULD eat instead of eating her classmates. They should draw a picture of what they decide and write the word on the line. Example: Penelope should eat PIZZA instead of her classmates. Draw a pizza in the square.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Have children fill in the parts of story using this story retell printable. They can draw pictures or write in words.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
As with every picture book, I also want to offer a fun hands-on activity as an extension of the book.
I love the MANY messages/lessons that are sprinkled throughout this book. From choosing good choices and bad choices to making new friends to how deal with stressful situations, there is important lessons for both children and adults.
For this hands-on activity, I chose a DIY stress ball. The first day/weeks of school can be EXTREMELY stressful for many students (and adults), why not help ease some of that with allowing children to make AND use their own stress ball as needed.
I found this adorable DIY Penelope Rex stress ball at:
https://www.craftsbycourtney.com/how-to-crafts/diy-stress-ball-we-dont-eat-our-classmates-book/
Supplies Needed:
Flour
Funnel
Glue
Orange Felt
Sharpie
Yellow balloons
(I have made stress balls using balloons and sand. So that is another option)
Allow to dry and let kiddos use throughout the day as needed. :)
I hope your kiddos/students enjoy this story, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, the printables and hands-on activity!
Please considering purchasing this book using links above or checking it out at your local library. After reading this story, PLEASE leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. :)
Stay tuned for more Picture Books, Printables and Play!—OH MY!
