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The Ellie McDoodle Diaries: New Kid in School
Last updated Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Author: Ruth McNally Barshaw
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 978-1619631748
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2023
Synopsis:
Ellie's family is moving to a new town, and Ellie is sure she won't fit in at school. The other kids play "new kid bingo" behind her back, and even the teachers can't seem to remember her name. But when her new classmates start complaining about long lunch lines (and bad food), Ellie jumps at the chance to lead a protest. And tackling the school cafeteria just might be the perfect way to make new friends!
| Note to readers: |
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Read the first opening chapters of the book.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Tell us how your semester in school is going so far. What is your teacher's name?
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Is this your first time at this school? Have you had any homework?
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What fun things do you like to do at school?
Vocabulary:
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Journal: a book used to keep a record of daily events. Like a diary.
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Four-Leaf Clover: a small leaf with four parts that if found is said to give good luck.
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Basement: a part of a home or building that is entirely below a main/ground level.
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Attic: a room or space in a home just below the roof.
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Teamwork: individuals coming together to work on a shared goal.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Do you think Elle wanted to move? Give examples to support your answer
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What did Elle mean when she said, "This is the End" when she starts the journal? Do any of you have a journal? What do you write in it? If you don't have a journal, what could you write about in one?
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Has anyone had to move from one place to another and start a new school? Were you sad like Elle?
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Who is Ophelia?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Students can draw a picture of themselves with questions flowing from their head similar to the story. Suggest how they would treat a new kid in school.
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On the first pages of the book, Ellie lists and draws things that make her house a home. Have students draw something in their home that is special to them. This could be a comfy chair in their living room, the tree outside their bedroom window, etc.
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On page 16, Ellie decorates her box with the items she brought from her last house so she knows what is in there. If the student had to move, what 5 things would they put in their box? Have them draw a box and draw the items in them.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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