Tommy Big Words and The New Student
Written by Jeremy Thurber and Kim Wilson from the Northwest School in Leominster, MA
Illustrated by Jeremy Thurber
This book is dedicated to the students at Northwest School.
Special thanks to the Massachusetts Department of Education whose funding supported teachers and parents in the development of this story. © CAST, 2006
Hi, my name is Tommy and I am in first grade, but I tell people I am in the fourth grade because I use big words. Today, I have been asked to show our school to a new student, Maria.
“Hello Maria, welcome to our school. It is my responsibility to give you a tour.”
“Nice to meet you Tommy,” said Maria “What is a responsibility?”
“It’s a big word for something you have to do,” said Tommy.
“Let’s start the tour. Here is the media center,” said Tommy.
“Does he mean the library?” thought Maria
“This is our physical education center,” said Tommy.
“It looks like a gym to me,” said Maria
“Inside our arts and crafts room you will need to cooperate with students to make a final project,” said Tommy.
“I am good at working with others,” said Maria
“This is Mr. Bean our administrator,” said Tommy.
“He must be the principal,” thought Maria
“Well, looks like my job is finished here,” said Tommy.
“Oh, you mean your responsibility,” said Maria.
“See Maria? You can use big words, too.”