Lecture on Chapter 4 of "New Kid" by Jerry Craft

Review of Chapter 3

Title reference: The musical West Side Story
- Musical involves members of rival New York street gangs falling in love

Morning at Jordan's House
- Parents are doting and overprotective
- Dad ensures Jordan has his essentials: keys, wallet, phone
- Playful moment: Jordan impersonates Batman
Jordan's Tips for Taking the Bus
- Uses his journal to detail strategies for fitting in
- Changes behavior based on neighborhoods: Washington Heights, Inwood, Kingsbridge, Riverdale
- Challenges of trying to fit in and being exhausted before school even starts
Interaction with Classmates
- Discussions about parents: Jordan's dad runs a community center; other student's dad travels often
- Teachers' plans: Kids must try out for team sports or the school production (extra fees for activities, with some financial aid available)
- Mistaken identity issues: Jordan and Drew being called wrong names
Meeting with Teachers and Counselors
- Mr. Garner (Counselor): Tries to help Jordan navigate school
- Comical misunderstanding with Mr. Roach, the biology teacher
Classroom and Social Interactions
- Meeting new peer, Murray; realizing they have little in common
- Jordan's lunch experience: Friendly banter and meeting classmates like Ashley Martin and Ruby Woo
Discussion on Stereotypes
- Teachers and students making assumptions based on stereotypes
- Example: Assumption that Jordan and Drew are on financial aid
- Importance of not believing stereotypes and understanding people as individuals
- Example with Murray: Initial expectations vs. reality

Instructor emphasizes the importance of identifying and challenging stereotypes
Interactive question to students: What sport or activity would they try out for?
Personal note: Instructor prefers basketball