Photographs maps and illustrations describe the land people culture and traditions of Korea.

Everywhere across the United States, children from other countries are joining American classrooms. How can their classmates prepare? Learning about the culture, geography, and history of a new student's native country can help smooth the transition. Greeting the student with a few words in his or her language, making a traditional craft, and whipping up a well-known dish are all sure to help the child feel welcome. In this vibrant and colorful series, students and teachers can find out how to Meet a New Student—and maybe make a new friend. A new student from New Zealand is joining Fred's third-grade class and everyone is curious. They want to know everything about New Zealand! Read about this small island country far south of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. It is a land shaped by ancient glaciers that cut huge valleys. It is home to a rare bird with nostrils at the far end of its beak. Find out about how people from Europe discovered New Zealand, and about the Maori people who were already living there. Then join Fred and his class in preparing a Kiwi dish and welcoming a new Student from New Zealand. Kia ora!

Mayowa Adewale, an eight-year-old girl from Nigeria, will join Julie’s third-grade class next week. Julie and her classmates are determined to learn all they can about Nigeria in order to welcome Mayowa to the United States. They discover that Nigeria is a land of many peoples and cultures. The “giant of Africa” is a land of rain forests and savannas, villages and modern cities, and home to 135 million people who speak over 250 different languages. The students learn how to prepare Mayowa’s favorite food, dodo, and make a Nigerian mask. Kaabo, Mayowa!

For two months, Kimberly had kept her secret: a pen pal from Mexico! Now her long-distance friend is going to be a student in Kimberly’s school, and neither girl can wait to meet the other. As Mrs. Turner’s class prepares for Marisa’s arrival, they learn a great deal about her lively home country. Join Kimberly and her classmates as they find out about Mexico’s exciting history, busy cities, and traditional foods. Help them welcome Marisa with chips and guacamole and a party piñata. Hola, Marisa!

As soon as the teacher announced that a new student from Israel was joining their class, the kids were ready for a party! Stephanie and the others found out there was a lot to know about Israel before Ziv arrived. They heard about ancient stories, languages, and traditions that are alive today. High tech, nature, soldiers, and candy–there were so many things to explore. Yummy new foods and fun crafts filled the room on the day their new friend Ziv arrived from Israel.

Nicaragua is a land of baseball and beautiful beaches, soaring mountain ranges, and smoking volcanoes. The rich history of this small Central American country contributes to a blend of different cultures, including those of the Spanish settlers, native Indians, and others. Its vibrant history also includes political strife from civil wars, protests, and military intervention by the United States. Join Danny and his fourth-grade classmates as they explore the history, culture, geography, and climate of the country to prepare for the arrival of Ramon, a new student from Nicaragua. Best of all, find out how to make gallopinto, then paint a clay piggy bank you can make yourself. Hola, Ramon! (Recipe and craft instructions included.)

Fatou Toure, a young girl from Mali, will be joining David s class next week. David and his classmates are determined to learn everything they can about Mali in order to welcome their new classmate. They learn that Mali is a land rich in history, with many different peoples and cultures. The varied country can claim deserts, forests, lions, hippos, gold, ancient and modern cities, and some of the world s greatest music. The students learn how to prepare Fatou s favorite snack, bene, and make a Malian Kanaga mask. I Bisimilla, Fatou!