ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 2 Saying Hello And Making New Friends | Read The Book Bonjou! | Circle Time with Khan Academy Kids
Hello, friends! I’m Caroline from the Khan Academy Kids Team, and I’m thrilled to have you join us for Circle Time. Just like Circle Time at school, our sessions are filled with reading, playing, and engaging in fun activities. Today, we’re excited to introduce new books in our Khan Academy Kids App, focusing on themes like friendship, teamwork, and celebrating diversity. These stories feature children from various cultures and backgrounds, so don’t forget to ask your parents to download the free app to explore these wonderful books.
Today, we have a special guest, Naomi O’Brien, who will read one of our new books. Naomi is the author of these stories, and we’re delighted to have her share “Bonjou” with us. Welcome, Naomi!
Hi, everyone! I’m Naomi, and I’m excited to read my story, “Bonjou,” to you all. I wrote this book inspired by my classroom experiences, where many of my students spoke multiple languages. I was always impressed by their ability to communicate in different languages with their families and friends. Let’s dive into the story, and I hope you enjoy it!
One day, on the bus ride home from school, Leo noticed a new boy sitting alone. As Leo passed by, he greeted the boy with a “Hello,” and the boy replied with “Bonjou.” Leo was surprised because “Bonjou” was the Creole word for hello, the language Leo spoke at home with his family. No one at school knew Leo spoke Creole, and he was hesitant to share this part of himself.
The next day, Leo decided to sit next to the new boy. He whispered “Bonjou” to him, and the boy, named Jean Edward, responded with a smile. Leo introduced himself, and they quickly became friends. Later, Leo saw Jean Edward trying to communicate with a teacher, but the teacher didn’t understand Creole, and Jean Edward couldn’t speak English. Leo hesitated to help, fearing his friends might laugh at him.
However, when Leo heard Jean Edward say “Bwat manje,” which means lunchbox in Creole, he decided to step in. Leo explained to the teacher that Jean Edward had forgotten his lunchbox at home. The teacher thanked Leo and assured him that Jean Edward would receive a school lunch. Unbeknownst to Leo, two of his friends had overheard the conversation and were impressed.
His friend Ryan asked, “You can speak another language? That’s so cool.” Leo was surprised by their positive reaction, as he always thought they might find it strange. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, Leo agreed to teach them some Creole, and Jean Edward joined in. On the bus ride home, they all practiced speaking Creole and English together.
That’s the end of the story. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Bye!
Thank you, Naomi, and thanks to all of you for joining Circle Time. If you want to read more stories like this one, be sure to ask your parents to download the Khan Academy Kids App. We look forward to seeing you next time for more reading and fun. Goodbye for now from Caroline and the Khan Academy Kids Team. Bye-bye!
Language Detective: Just like Leo discovered a new friend who spoke Creole, you can become a language detective! Ask your family members or friends if they speak any other languages. Learn how to say “hello” in those languages and practice greeting them. Can you find out how to say “hello” in three different languages?
Friendship Bracelet Craft: Make a friendship bracelet for a friend, just like Leo made a new friend in the story. Use colorful threads or beads to create a bracelet. While making it, think about what makes your friend special and how you can celebrate your friendship. Share the bracelet with your friend and teach them how to say “friend” in a different language.
Story Time Role Play: With a family member or friend, act out the story of “Bonjou.” One of you can be Leo, and the other can be Jean Edward. Practice saying “Bonjou” and other Creole words you learned. How does it feel to help someone understand and feel included, just like Leo did?
