ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 2 The New Class | Kids Book Read Aloud | Story Time with Khan Academy Kids | Back to School
Hello everyone! My name is Denise, and I’m part of the Khan Academy Kids team. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite stories from our free app. It’s called “The New Class,” and it follows the adventures of Cody Bear as she joins a new ballet class. Cody’s story is not just about ballet; it’s about facing new challenges and learning something valuable along the way.
In “The New Class,” Cody Bear decides to try ballet because she read that it could improve her athletic skills. With enthusiasm, she asks her parents to sign her up for a class. Cody is already skilled in various sports, so she feels confident that she’ll excel in ballet too. She even gets a new ballet outfit, although she thinks her sparkly workout clothes are cooler.
When Cody arrives at the class, she notices everyone wearing the same ballet outfit, making them look like a coordinated team. As the class begins, the teacher offers to help Cody with the first position, but she declines, determined to figure it out on her own.
As the class progresses, Cody finds the initial steps too simple and yearns for a challenge. She observes other dancers performing powerful and graceful moves, which inspire her. Cody attempts to replicate their elegance, but soon realizes that ballet is more challenging than it appears. By the end of the class, she feels frustrated and doubts her ability to dance like the others.
Feeling disheartened, Cody wonders if returning to ballet class is worthwhile. She asks her dad if she’s hopeless at ballet. Her dad encourages her to give it another try, reminding her that learning a new skill requires patience and practice. Cody recalls that she didn’t hit a home run at her first baseball practice either, which gives her hope.
Cody’s story teaches us an important lesson: learning something new takes time, and it’s okay not to be perfect right away. Whether you’re starting a new class, joining a new team, or beginning a new grade at school, remember to be patient and kind to yourself. Your teachers and classmates are there to support you on your journey.
If you enjoyed Cody’s story and want to explore more, you can download our free Khan Academy Kids app from the Amazon, Google Play, or Apple App Store. Thank you for joining me today, and I hope to see you next time. Remember, you’ve got this!
Role-Playing Ballet Class: Gather some friends or family members and pretend to be in a ballet class like Cody. Take turns being the teacher and students. Try to learn a simple ballet move together, such as the first position. Discuss how it feels to try something new and what you can do if you find it challenging. This activity helps you understand the importance of teamwork and supporting each other when learning new skills.
Challenge Chart: Create a “Challenge Chart” at home. Every time you try something new, whether it’s a sport, a game, or a hobby, write it down on the chart. Next to each challenge, note how you felt at first and how you feel after practicing a few times. Share your chart with a family member or friend and talk about the progress you’ve made. This will help you see how patience and perseverance can lead to improvement over time.
Observation Walk: Go on a walk with a family member or friend and observe people doing different activities, like playing sports, painting, or gardening. Talk about how everyone was once a beginner at what they are doing. Discuss what steps they might have taken to get better. This will help you understand that everyone faces challenges and that practice is key to learning new things.
