A Change Book

A Change Book

Age: Preschool through elementary
Time: 30 minutes or more
Type of activity: Arts and crafts

Materials Needed:
· Paper
· Pen
· Markers or crayons
· Stapler

What to Do:

Step One: Discuss with your child how Lazlo's situation changed throughout The Brand New Kid. Then, talk about how your child's own situation has changed since the beginning of her school year. Some discussion starters: feeling more confident being on her own, making new friends; enjoying more activities, etc.

Step Two: Ask her to draw a picture of what she looked like on the first day of school. Then, ask her how she felt (sad, scared, excited, etc.). Write these words on the bottom of the picture.

Step Three: Next, ask her to draw a picture of how she looks now. Be sure to include any special activities she enjoys doing, her friends, her favorite teacher, etc. Then, ask how she feels about school now. Write these words on the bottom of the picture.

Step Four: Staple the pages together. Explain that you're going to put the "Change Book" away for a while.

Step Five: In a few months, or at the end of the school year, take the book out again. Now your child can draw another picture and label how she feels.

Step Five: Read the entire book together and notice how your child has changed throughout the year. Discuss the things that happened to make her feel different than she did in September.