1️⃣ To Parents
In this school-life story, Isaac faces the challenge of leading his class when their regular teacher is out and a strict substitute arrives. The story explores patience, leadership, and empathy, helping students reflect on group dynamics and fair problem-solving.
- Past tense narration
- Dialogue-based reading
- Vocabulary around school life and emotional intelligence
2️⃣ Today's Reading
On Monday morning, Isaac walked into class and noticed something unusual—the whiteboard said: “Welcome, students. I’m Mr. Kwan.”
“Where’s Ms. Chang?” someone asked.
“She’s out sick,” said a tall man with square glasses. “I’m your substitute teacher today.”
Mr. Kwan looked serious. “Sit. No talking.”
The room fell silent. Isaac glanced at his friends. Usually, they began the day with jokes and warmups. Today felt different.
During math, Mr. Kwan called on Gigi. She stumbled on the answer. He frowned. “You should know that.”
Isaac raised his hand. “Excuse me, sir. Gigi worked hard on this last week. Maybe she just needs a minute.”
Mr. Kwan paused. “I see. Thank you, Isaac.”
Later, in gym class, some kids began whispering and tossing a ball. Mr. Kwan stopped the game. “No one plays until you show respect.”
The class groaned. Isaac walked up. “We got excited. We’ll focus now. Can we try again?”
Mr. Kwan nodded slowly. “Alright. But this time—teamwork and listening.”
By the end of the day, the mood had changed. Mr. Kwan even smiled once.
As the bell rang, he said, “Isaac, thank you. Your calm words helped everyone learn today.”
Isaac smiled. “Sometimes, being captain means more than just sports.”
3️⃣ New Vocabularies
- substitute /ˈsʌbstəˌtut/ – 代課老師
A substitute teacher came when Ms. Chang was sick. - respect /rɪˈspɛkt/ – 尊重
Mr. Kwan reminded the class to show respect. - glance /ɡlæns/ – 瞥一眼
Isaac glanced at his classmates to check their mood. - focus /ˈfoʊkəs/ – 專注
Isaac asked the class to focus during gym. - captain /ˈkæptɪn/ – 隊長、領導者
Isaac believed being captain meant leading by example. - calm /kɑːm/ – 冷靜的
Isaac’s calm words helped the classroom stay peaceful.
4️⃣ Hi, Kids!
Have you ever had to speak up for someone or help calm a group when things got stressful?
Write about a time when you led with kindness. “Even though I wasn’t sure what to say, I stayed calm and...”
5️⃣ Questions
- Who was the substitute teacher?
A. Ms. Chang B. Mr. Kwan C. Coach Lee D. Mr. Isaac - What was different about the class that day?
A. It was a half day B. There was no homework C. A new teacher arrived D. Everyone had to sit outside - How did Isaac help Gigi?
A. He told her the answer B. He raised his hand and spoke up for her C. He laughed D. He ignored her - What did Isaac do during gym class?
A. Yelled at his classmates B. Left early C. Helped fix the class’s behavior D. Started a new game - What lesson did Isaac learn?
A. Gym is better than math B. Being captain is only about sports C. Speaking kindly can guide a group D. Substitutes are always mean
6️⃣ 🌟 Good Job
Great work! Being a leader doesn’t mean being loud—it means being fair, brave, and kind, just like Isaac.
