Read together
Jo was shy on the first day. The hallway felt long. Some students were tall,
some were short, and Jo did not know where to stand.
A girl with curly hair waved. "Hi. I'm polite if you are patient — I talk a lot."
A boy with straight hair grinned. "I'm funny, or at least I try. Don't be sad."
Jo stayed quiet but listened. At lunch a helpful classmate shared crayons.
When Jo dropped a book, three friendly hands reached down at once.
By afternoon Jo felt happy enough to ask a question. Nobody laughed in a mean
way. Someone made a gentle joke, and Jo smiled.
"You don't have to be loud to belong," the curly-haired girl said. Jo still felt
a little shy, but no longer alone — and that was enough for one good day.
Talk about it
Reflection
How did the new student feel at the start, and what changed by the end?