What Kids Learn:

• How to make a new classmate feel welcome
• What’s rude, and what isn’t
• A wise way to deal with distractions

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy—and kids often need extra support, guidance, and encouragement to do so. A helpful guiding principle: Ask your child, “What do you think Gallant would do?”

You can find Goofus and Gallant on page 10 of the May 2018 issue, or you can read the recaps here. Then, using the conversation starters that follow, find a quiet moment to explore these issues with your child.

Recap 1: Goofus rudely tells a new kid in school he’s too busy to help her find the office; Gallant politely agrees to help another child locate his bus.

Ask your child:

1. Has another student ever asked you for help—say, for information, a homework assignment, or directions? What did the student need? How did you help? What did you say or do?

2. Was there ever a time you needed help from an adult or another student? What kind of help did you need? How did you show your appreciation?

3. What one word would you use to describe Goofus’s behavior?

4. And what one word would you use to describe Gallant’s?

5. At school, who would you turn to for help if you couldn’t find your bus, a classroom, or an office?

Recap 2: Goofus snaps in frustration because the noise around him is too loud for him to concentrate. Gallant asks his teacher’s permission to read in the library where it’s quieter.

Ask your child:

1. What types of things are distracting for you when you’re trying to concentrate? 

2. When you get distracted, how do you refocus?

3. Even if a classroom is quiet, why might it be difficult to concentrate if your best friend is at the table?

4. What is wrong with the way Goofus reacted? 

5. What else could he have done if he couldn’t control the noise?

6. Do you find it easy or difficult to concentrate with background music or noise?