A Kid in my Class
on Goodreads (147)
What’s inside...
This new collection by Rachel Rooney, winner of the CLiPPA Award, features a diverse range of poems that represent every child in the class. From the pushy one to the shy one, the whizz kid to the daydreamer, the best friend-er to the kid in the wheelchair, the tough kid, the poet, and even the class hamster, each poem captures the unique essence of its subject. The collection is brought to life with the imaginative illustrations of Chris Riddell, former UK Children’s Laureate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
88 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the poem about the 'Quiet Kid' make you feel? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
What do you think the 'Daydreamer' imagines about? How do you use your imagination in school?
Which kid in the class would you like to be friends with and why?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of each classmate? Which illustration is your favorite?
If you could write a poem about yourself, what would you include in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings and perspectives of various characters in the book.
Encourage creativity by discussing different character traits and asking your child which traits they see in themselves or would like to have.
Utilize the book’s illustrations to deepen understanding, asking your child to describe what they see and how it connects to the text.
Create a supportive environment by sharing your own school experiences relevant to the themes discussed in the poems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diversity
Explanation: The book provides insights into the thoughts and feelings of different classmates, showcasing a wide range of personalities and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the differences in their peers, fostering a more inclusive and understanding school environment.
Example Lesson: Recognition of individual strengths
Explanation: Each poem in the book highlights unique traits and talents of the students, emphasizing that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to discover and value their own abilities and those of others, promoting self-esteem and collaboration.
Example Lesson: Coping with various emotions
Explanation: The characters in the book experience a spectrum of emotions, from joy to sadness, providing a mirror for children to understand their own feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and express their emotions healthily and constructively, aiding in emotional development and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and social skills
Explanation: Interactions between the characters demonstrate the joys and challenges of friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to form positive relationships, understand social cues, and develop crucial interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Celebrating individuality and inclusivity
Explanation: The book portrays each classmate’s distinct personality through engaging poems, teaching that differences make the classroom a vibrant community.
Real-World Application: This promotes an understanding and appreciation of diversity, helping children to embrace and celebrate individual differences in real-life social settings.