A Kindergarten Tale: Chasing Pete the Cat on a Tour of Lower School
By Jim Klar, Communications Officer
How do you explain to a group of newly arrived 5-year-olds the key locations on a 15-acre campus occupied by over 2,000 other students? You call on the aid of an immensely popular, rascal character from children's literature known for being cool under any circumstances. You call on Pete the Cat.
In the vast landscape of children's literature, certain characters manage to capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers in an exceptional way. Pete the Cat is one such character, a lovable feline with a penchant for spreading positivity and groovy vibes. Pete the Cat has become an icon in children's books, teaching valuable life lessons through his adventures.
The book series stands out not only for its charming illustrations but also for its underlying messages of unflappable optimism. This trait makes Pete an endearing role model for young readers. Pete's catchphrase, "It's all good," encapsulates his philosophy of taking life as it comes and finding the positive aspects in every situation. So who better to instill confidence and help 5-year-olds get comfortable navigating what might seem like the giant world of Taipei American School?
The kindergarteners' journey began with constructing their own blue cat hats and a read-aloud from one of "Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes," which, according to the Lower School librarian, has been a mainstay at TAS since it was published in 2011. "Rocking in My School Shoes " has been borrowed hundreds of times from the Lower School Library,” said Friedman. “We have 96 copies of titles from the Pete the Cat series, including the newest addition of comic books for young children."
A note from Pete found in the class said Pete was late this morning and needed to get a tardy slip from the Lower School Office. When the students arrived, they had just missed Pete, but he left another note saying he felt a little sad, so he would meet them in the Lower School Counseling Office. And on it went with the students just missing Pete but finding another clue-laden note in the Nurse's Office, Lower School Library, Lower School Gymnasium, TAS Pool, and finally back to their classrooms where Pete promised to meet them all. Unfortunately for the kindergarteners, Pete had to return to his school. Still, he left each student a cookie at their seat.
All in all, it was a great event. Entertaining, suspenseful, a little mysterious, and very informative – leaving every Kindergarten student with an introduction to the vital locations on what probably seems to them to be a giant campus. The Pete the Cat scavenger hunt is just one of the ways Taipei American School's mission helps today's students become the confident, informed leaders of tomorrow.
l