Tulsa, Oklahoma: Melania Trump gave a second-grader a pep talk about homework on Monday as she toured an Oklahoma elementary school to open a three-state tour highlighting her "Be Best" initiative.

As the first lady talked up the value of teamwork, the year 2 student appeared to give her an earful about homework.

Melania Trump talks with a pre-kindergarten student during a visit to a Tulsa school. Credit:AP

"You wished you didn't have homework?" Mrs Trump responded to the girl at Dove School of Discovery in Tulsa. "Well, everyone wishes that, but it's important." The first lady suggested the girl spend an hour on homework "so you're prepared for the next day".

The first lady's school visit, which included classroom tours, was the first stop on an overnight trip to spotlight the "Be Best" themes of child well-being, online safety and bullying prevention, and opioid abuse.