Story Visuals and Activities for

We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

"We Don't Eat Our Classmates" by Ryan T. Higgins is a charming children's book about a young T. rex named Penelope Rex who is nervous about her first day of school. She discovers that her classmates are children, not other dinosaurs, and despite her best efforts, she can't resist eating them because they look so tasty. However, she quickly learns that eating classmates is not a good way to make friends. After experiencing being eaten herself by the class goldfish, she understands how it feels and decides to change her ways. The story conveys themes of empathy, friendship, and learning to adapt to new situations.

Check out story visuals and activities to use with this cute story. 

Story Vocabulary

There are many great words in this story. Display on a word wall or make a scavenger hunt to find around the room or in the story. 

Play games with new vocabulary such as Bingo or Dots and Boxes. 

Discussion and Comprehension

After reading the book, have a class discussion about how Penelope feels when she eats her classmates and when the tables are turned. Ask students to share times when they might have felt left out or different and how they handled it.

Ask questions as you read or at the end of the story. 

Retelling

Talk about the beginning, middle and end of the story. 

Retell the story details. 

Sequence

Sequence story details. 

Characters

Talk about the characters in the story. How did Penelope grow and change? Who are the other characters in the story and how did they help Penelope? 

Describe what makes Penelope special. 

Alphabet and Reading

Trace the letter D and color. 

Create simple related stories with repetitive text to pactice reading at individual level. 

Writing 

What was your favorite part of the story? 

Write your own silly dinosaur story. 

Classroom Rules 

Encourages students to think about positive behavior and the importance of classroom rules. Create a classroom rules poster inspired by the book. Each student can contribute one rule that promotes kindness and respect, like "We don't eat our classmates" but more applicable to their everyday interactions.

Science

Since Penelope is a dinosaur, incorporate a mini-lesson on dinosaurs. Discuss different types of dinosaurs, what they ate, and their habitats. You can tie this back to the book by talking about how Penelope is different from other dinosaurs.

Are dinosaurs real or pretend? The title page metions that dinosaurs are extinct. What does that mean? 

Laminate dinosaur / not a dinosaur mat. SMash playdough on the dinosaurs. 

Compare dinosaurs and chidlren. 

Talk about what dinosaurs were like. Compare different dinosaurs.

Art

Create a new classmate. Use bulletin board paper to trace bodies and decorate to make a new classmate. Have students design and create their own classmate (using paper, markers, and craft supplies). They can then introduce their creation to the class and explain what makes them special.

Color and decorate your own dinosaurs using various materials. 

Have fun reading and learning together!