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We Don’t Eat Our Classmates: Friendship Activities

“We Don't Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins is always a favorite read-aloud book…for the teacher and the kids! It is funny, engaging, and sparks meaningful conversations. Penelope Rex is starting the school year in a class full of children and she is very nervous! She has some trouble making friends…because she keeps eating them!

It is a great story about friendships, getting to know new friends or new students, rules in the classroom, feelings about the first day/week of school, and being a good classmate.

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

“We Don't Eat Our Classmates” is the perfect book to read to talk about friendships. It is so cute and funny, your students will absolutely love listening to it, and you will love the conversations that come up while following along with Penelope Rex.

While reading this book, you have a chance to discuss:

  • first day of school feelings
  • questions students have before school began
  • surprises from the first day
  • ways to make new friends
  • how to express when you're feeling lonely like Penelope
  • qualities of a good friend
  • being a good friend to others

Class Discussions:

“We Don't Eat Our Classmates” also brings up some great discussions about:

  • the importance including others
  • being flexible and admitting when you are wrong
  • creating friendships
  • talking about your feelings
  • sharing when you feel lonely
  • accepting differences

“We Don't Eat Our Classmates” is sure to become one of your favorite read-aloud books. You will love Penelope and her classmate eating antics. Your students will fall in love with the story and you'll all reap the benefits of the lessons it provides. I hope you and your students love it!

You can grab a guide for using this book in your classroom here:

You can find more of my favorite beginning of the year read-aloud books HERE.

And read more about why I think reading aloud is so important HERE.

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Happy Reading!

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