Out to Lunch
#2 of 35 in Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo Series
What’s inside...
Katie has to navigate various challenges at school. She needs to help her friends Suzanne and Jeremy stop fighting, and also convince the principal to rehire Lucille, the lunch lady, after she unintentionally gets her fired. Additionally, Katie deals with her own unique problem of transforming into other people, including Lucille the lunch lady, which leads to chaotic situations in the cafeteria. It's up to Katie and her classmates to resolve these issues and restore peace at school.
Discussion points
What do you think Katie Kazoo felt when she turned into the school principal? How would you feel in her place?
Katie learned an important lesson about understanding others. Can you think of a time when you learned something similar?
How did Katie’s friends help her solve her problem? Why is teamwork important?
What would you do if you had the power to switch places with anyone for a day? Who would you choose and why?
What is one thing that Katie enjoys in her lunch that you also like? How does it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by reflecting on a personal story where you faced a challenging situation, relating it to Katie’s experiences in the book.
Emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, highlighting Katie’s growth throughout the story.
Discuss the value of friendship and teamwork showcased in the book, encouraging your child to share examples from their own life.
Incorporate a fun activity where you and your child imagine what it would be like to switch places with someone else for a day, discussing potential scenarios and outcomes.
While discussing the book, ensure to maintain an open and non-judgmental atmosphere to make your child comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Out to Lunch', the main character learns to share her lunch with a new friend who forgot theirs, demonstrating empathy and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings or snacks with classmates, fostering a sense of community and friendship.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story explores the consequences of forgetting essential items, like a lunchbox, and teaches planning and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more responsible for packing their school bags or helping with preparing their meals.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Characters in 'Out to Lunch' come from diverse backgrounds. The book showcases acceptance and learning from each other's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity in their classrooms and playgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The main character solves the problem of sharing a single lunch between two people creatively.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to think creatively in solving their own problems, whether it's sharing resources or other challenges.
Example Lesson: Building friendships
Explanation: Throughout 'Out to Lunch', the act of sharing and understanding leads to forming a new friendship.
Real-World Application: Kids can see the value of kindness and cooperation in building and maintaining friendships in their own lives.