Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade? (Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo: Super Special)
#12 of 35 in Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo Series
What’s inside...
At first, Katie and her friends are excited to start fourth grade, but the pressure of new classes, teachers, and friends soon becomes overwhelming. To complicate things further, a magic wind transforms Katie into her new friend Emma, who is busy caring for her three younger siblings, and then into her former best friend Suzanne, just as she is about to debut on the fashion runway. Katie faces various challenges as she navigates these transformations and her fourth-grade year.
Character compass
Katie Carew
Jeremy Fox
Suzanne Lock
Ms. Rosen
Discussion points
How did Katie feel about moving up to fourth grade and why do you think she felt that way?
What are some ways Katie's friends supported her during the story? Have you ever helped a friend like that?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like Katie did? What did you learn from that experience?
How do the magical elements in the story help Katie solve her problems? What would you do if you were in Katie's shoes?
Why is it important to embrace changes, like moving up a grade, even if they seem scary at first?
Tip: Role play these questions
To make the discussion more engaging, consider relating personal stories about your own school experiences. Highlight how challenges can lead to growth, and encourage your child to explore how they might handle similar situations. Foster a nurturing environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their fears and triumphs.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade?', Katie faces the challenges and changes that come with moving up a grade. Her journey demonstrates the importance of adapting to new environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be open and adaptable when they encounter new classes, schools, or any new situations in their lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Katie experiences life from different perspectives due to her magical switches, which teaches her to understand and empathize with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider the feelings and views of their peers and adults, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Katie relies on her friends to navigate the challenges of fourth grade, illustrating the importance of supportive friendships in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining friendships, helping them to develop social skills and emotional support networks.
Example Lesson: Confidence in Problem Solving
Explanation: Katie encounters various problems in the story and learns to solve them creatively and confidently, showing the readers the power of self-reliance and innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to approach problems calmly and with confidence, using their creativity and knowledge to find solutions.