Girls Don't Have Cooties #4 (Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo)
#4 of 35 in Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo Series
What’s inside...
Katie has plans to go to Suzanne's all-girl sleepover party, but Jeremy wants her to ride the hot new rollercoaster. Annoyed, Jeremy and the other boys from Class 3A decide that all girls have cooties. When Katie finds herself in Jeremy's shoes-literally-she tries to reunite the boys and girls. Will Katie's plan work? Or will it just be one big mess?
Discussion points
What do you think Katie learned about friendship in this story?
How did Katie handle her feelings when the boys said girls have cooties?
Why do you think understanding and respecting each other's differences is important?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood like Katie? What happened?
How would you have solved the problem if you were in Katie’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Relate the themes to their own experiences to deepen understanding. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or solutions to promote creative thinking. Highlight the importance of empathy and respect by discussing Katie’s interactions. Use expressive reading to keep the conversation lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Girls Don't Have Cooties #4', Katie magically switches places with a boy and experiences life from his perspective, which helps her understand and empathize with the opposite gender.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of considering others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive attitude towards peers.
Example Lesson: Breaking gender stereotypes
Explanation: The title itself, 'Girls Don't Have Cooties', challenges the common playground taunt and promotes the idea that boys and girls can be friends without limitations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by interacting and playing with peers regardless of gender, promoting equality and reducing gender-based segregation.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Katie’s experiences of switching bodies teach her to adapt quickly to new situations, a key part of her adventures.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of being flexible and adapting to changes, whether these are new schools, new family dynamics, or other life adjustments.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Katie faces various challenges that require her to think critically and creatively to return to her own life.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems with a proactive mindset, enhancing their ability to navigate challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Katie collaborates with friends to solve the problems caused by her switch, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value teamwork and seek collaborative solutions in group settings at school or in play.