School Beginnings During a Pandemic
Inspiration Books:
Lena's shoes are nervous : a first-day-of-school dilemma by Calabrese, Keith — Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.0. Lena is excited about starting kindergarten but her favorite shoes are not until, with the help of her father and a very special headband, she convinces the shoes--and herself--to be brave. Anxiety, Clothing and dress, First day of school. CCBC
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We don't eat our classmates! (Mother Bruce Series - PK) by Higgins, Ryan T— Disney-Hyperion, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.0. When the class pet bites the finger of Penelope, a tyrannosaurus rex, she finally understands why she should not eat her classmates, no matter how tasty they are. Dinosaurs, First day of school, Humourous fiction. CCBC
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The day you begin by Woodson, Jacqueline — Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider. Friendship, Immigrants, Individuality, Schools. CCBC
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Mae's first day of school by Berube, Kate — Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.1. Today is Mae's first day of school. But Mae says, 'I'M. NOT. GOING.' With the help of Rosie and Ms. Pearl, will Mae be ready to start the day? First day of school, Schools
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Ten rules you absolutely must not break if you want to survive the school bus by Grandits, John — Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.2. Before Kyle rides a school bus for the first time, his older brother gives him a list of rules he must follow but after breaking every single one the first day, Kyle discovers the rule his brother left out. Brothers, First day of school, Humorous fiction, Rules(Philosophy), School buses.
Rationale: The beginning of the school year is hectic. This year is even more so as teachers, librarians, administrators, and general staff need to adjust to social distancing, wearing masks, and other health requirements and regulations. Or, will school be live or virtual. For the youngest, the fours and fives and sixes the new year is even more stressful and confusing than ever because, neither parents nor grandparents have had experiences to comfort them. Change is difficult.
In addition to all the changes, there are a ton of rules and policies and procedures that the littlest need to assimilate for the first time. By the end of the day, their heads are swimming and they are exhausted. Some who haven’t taken a nap for years may come home for a snack and a nap--they may fall asleep watching their favorite shows; they may fall asleep eating.
Now, to make the whole newness less stressful, I try to make things more simple. And this year, even more so. I have only five basic rules : 1. Sit cross-legged in your spot on the floor or sit flat at your spot at the tables. 2. Keep your hands to yourself. 3. Talk quietly and when it’s your turn, and keep your mask on. 4. Walk don’t run. 5. Listen carefully with eyes on the teacher/librarian.
Another day we talk about handling books, book care, and book return.
Grades PreK-2--I’m a Little Scared
Background: One of my favorite young male teachers who became a principal, then superintendent of a small district would ask every new school year for the latest new book(s) about school or the beginning of the school year. Even after he moved to a new district he would call me and ask for for the latest beginning of the year book. Then he visited each classroom, introduced himself and the new book that eventually ended up in the library. Students would often ask for that book when they came to the library, and over the years, would stop in the library and ask what the principal was going to read.
That principal, as I mentioned, moved on, but I took his idea. Depending on the size of the school, I visited each classroom or had them come to the library on that first day of school --in some cases it was the second day of school. You see, I want the library to always be front and center in the teachers’ minds and the students’ minds. I DO NOT wait until the second week of school and use the first week as quiet prep time--like the classroom teacher the library, computer lab, and librarian are ready to go when the students arrive. It’s a PR thing.
Since the Books Alive lessons are based on 2018 titles, those are the titles I have worked into this lesson for PreK-2 even though the suggested bibliography ranges from 2010-2020. I chose 2018 books because more libraries will have the slightly older titles than the brand new ones, but if you already have the newer titles give yourself a pat on the back. Next year it will be books published in 2019--there are some good ones. I can hardly wait. Watch for the Beginning of the Year posting next year.
The basic lesson for each group PreS-2 is the same. I’ve indicated modifications for various grades accounting for the students’ knowledge from previous years. With those slight modification for grade, the basic lesson can be repeated and easily updated by simply using the latest titles.
Preparation:
Tape tape numbers from 1 to number of students in largest group of floor socially distanced.
Tape numbers from 1 to number of students in largest group on chairs at tables socially distanced. (Note: You may need to divide larger groups if your facility is small to allow for distancing.)
If you have a puppet(s) that correlates with one of the books, use the puppet to introduce yourself, the library, the book, etc. I have a large body-size puppet that sits next to me in a small rocking chair as sort of a library mascot for much of the first month or even the first quarter.
Collect as many first day of school books as possible from the Related List below (copyright 2010-2020 and highly recommended) plus any older titles you have used for years.
Determine whether you will allow students to take the books home prior to the lesson on book care. The first month or so of school I don’t have kindergarteners or preschoolers browse the shelves, but my helpers pull books I’ve suggested based on a theme and place them at student tables for browsing. We work into the shelf browsing. Also determine if and how you are going to “sanitize” the books when returned.
Copy of the classlist. Prepare materials and computer for check-out purposes.
Introduction: (Greet students at the door with your puppet of choice.) “ I am …. And this is my puppet friend, Suzy. Follow us please.” (Then lead them to the story area and, with the teacher’s help, seat the students on the marked socially distanced spots or at the tables, whichever works best for you. Then, sing to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin”) “Where is Suzy, Where is Suzy” (to the puppet), and then have Suzy (your puppet’s name) answer, “Here I Am, Here I Am.” You respond with “How are you today, Suzy?” Suzy responds, “I am Fine, I am fine.” Is there anybody who would like to introduce themselves to Suzy? (Use the class list to choose if there are no volunteers or in the case of returning students, select any new students.)
Was anybody nervous about the start of a new school year? Was anyone excited? Was your back pack nervous? How about your lunchbox? In our first story, Lena’s shoes were nervous.
Read aloud:
Lena's shoes are nervous : a first-day-of-school dilemma by Calabrese, Keith — Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.0.
Ask your students to share some of the questions they wondered about before starting school. Were any of them like Lena’s?
When you know what is going to happen, you don’t need to be so nervous. Did your teacher phone you? Send you a letter? Did you come to school a day or two early? Did your mom or dad or brother or sister tell you what might happen in school?
Knowing the rules help, too. I have only five basic rules : 1. Sit cross-legged in your spot on the floor or sit flat at your spot at the tables. 2. Keep your hands to yourself. 3. Talk quietly and when it’s your turn, and keep your mask on. 4. Walk don’t run. 5. Listen carefully with eyes on the teacher/librarian.
Let’s see if you can show me how to follow the rules. (Go through each rule--maybe with the puppet and have the group or individuals demonstrate.)
(Depending on timing, continue with one of the activities for the grade level, reading another book, and/or check-out.)
PreS-K Modification:
Activity: Have your students take a “field trip” around the library to learn more about the new place.
Grade 1 Modification:
Activity: Compile a list of rules that will help the teacher have the best year ever.
Activity: Gather the whole class on the rug. Select a few students to act out a “bad” behavior and ask the other students to explain why the behavior is not okay for the classroom. Then have the same students act out the “good” behavior. Repeat with different sets of students to address different rules you are reinforcing in your classroom.
Activity: Have the class write an illustrated postcard to a friend or family member, telling about their fun the first day/week of school! E-Blast
Activity: This one will get kids riled up so after reading have them stand up and shake their sillies out.
Grade 2 Modification:
Activity: As a whole class, brainstorm “rules” that will make this year the best ever. Then, have students transfer their ideas to a class promise poster that can hang prominently for the rest of the year. Have each student sign their name to make it official.
Activity: Have your students play get-to-know-you bingo to find out just how much they have in common with their classmates.
Activity: Have students draw a star, put their name in the middle, and write one wish for the school year on each point (total of five). Then, have them loop a colorful ribbon through a hole on top to hang from the classroom ceiling.
Activity: Have students write about a time they were scared and how their situation turned out! Or, have students partner with a friend and tell their stories to each other.--FlipGrid
Activity: Project a photo of your school and/or library onto the board and have kids draw and color in their own version.
Grade 2 Read Aloud: School days according to Humphrey (Humphrey The Hamster, Book 7) by Birney, Betty G — Puffin Books, c2011 p2012 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 3.9. Humphrey the hamster is excited to return to room 26 on the first day of school, and though he is at first shocked to see an all new group of students, he soon comes to know and love them, and gets understandably nervous when he hears talk of moving him from Mrs. Brisbane's room. Friendship, Frogs, Hamsters, Schools. 3C
Grade 2 Read Together: Mr. Wolf's class (Mr. Wolf's Class, Book 1) by Steinke, Aron Nels — Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, 2018. 741.5; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 2.6. Mr. Wolf has just started teaching at Hazelwood Elementary. He wants the first day of school to go well, but he's got his hands full with his new class. Some of his students include: Margot, who is new in town and is trying to make friends. Sampson, who brought something special to school for show-and-tell. Aziza, who just wants everyone to be quiet and do their work. And Penny, who is very sleepy because she has a new baby brother at home, goes missing. Elementary school teachers, First day of school, Friendship, Graphic novels, Humorous fiction, Schools. CCBC
Other Highly Recommended Beginning of the School Year Books Published 2010-2020 to Choose From with an Occasional Activity:
The class by Ashburn, Boni — Beach Lane Books, 2016 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.4. Twenty young students, some eager, some nervous, some grumpy, prepare for their very first day of kindergarten. Emotions, First day of school, Schools. NSSTB 2017
Mom, it's my first day of kindergarten! by Yum, Hyewon — Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.5. A five-year-old boy, ready and eager on his first day at "the big kids' school," must calm his very worried mother. First day of school, Kindergarten, Mothers and sons, Schools, Worry. Titlewave, Freeman
The pigeon has to go to school! (Pigeon, Book 7) by Willems, Mo — Hyperion Books for Children, 2019 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.9. The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him. Titlewave.
Back-to-school rules by Friedman, Laurie B — Carolrhoda Books, 2011 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6. Wearing his monogrammed school cardigan, young Percy Isaac Gifford explains his rules of success for getting the most out of the school year.
The book with no pictures by Novak, B. J — Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, 2014 : -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6. In this book with no pictures, the reader has to say every silly word, no matter what. Books and reading, Humorous fiction. Titlewave, Freeman
Bonaparte falls apart by Cuyler, Margery — Dragonfly Books, 2020 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. Bonaparte the skeleton is literally falling to pieces and needs help from his friends to pull himself together before the first day of school
Carmen learns English by Cox, Judy — Holiday House, 2010 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. Newly-arrived in the United States from Mexico, Carmen is apprehensive about going to school and learning English. English language, Immigrants, Mexican Americans, Schools FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
This school year will be the best! by Winters, Kay — Dutton Children's Books, 2010 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. When a teacher asks her students on the first day of school what they wish for in the coming year, the answers range from having a good school picture to receiving a perfect report card.
Dad's first day by Wohnoutka, Mike — Bloomsbury, 2015 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.9. Oliver and Dad have spent a fun summer together but when it comes time for the first day of school, Dad discovers that he is not ready and does everything he can to postpone the big day. Fathers and sons, First day of school, Humorous fiction. Freeman
The pigeon has to go to school! (Pigeon, Book 7) by Willems, Mo— Hyperion Books for Children, 2019-E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.9. The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him. WeAreTeachers
My name is Yoon by Recorvits, Helen — Square Fish/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.1. Disliking her name as written in English, Korean-born Yoon, or "shining wisdom," refers to herself as "cat," "bird," and "cupcake," as a way to feel more comfortable in her new school and new country. Emigration and immigrations, First day of school, Korean Americans, Names Personal, Schools
Edda : a little Valkyrie's first day of school by Auerbach, Adam — Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2014 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.4. Edda, the littlest Valkyrie, leaves the magical land of Asgard to attend school in hopes of making a friend her own age, but feels like an outcast until she finds her courage and learns that being different makes her special. First day of school, Individuality, Mythology Norse, Valkyries (Norse mythology). CCBC
Rain school by Rumford, James — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.5. The children arrive on the first day of school and build a mud structure to be their classroom for the next nine months until the rainy season comes and washes it all away. Rain and rainfall, Schools. CCBC, CBS
Pirates don't go to kindergarten! by Robinson, Lisa; illustrated by Kaban, Eda— Two Lions, 2019 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.7, Emma the pirate does not want to start kindergarten, so she returns to her preschool classroom to stir up a mutiny against kindergarten.
Activity: Ask students to share their favorite things about preschool and write them on a piece of chart paper. As you list them, tell students something that will be just as fun about coming to the library.
The king of kindergarten by Barnes, Derrick D — Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2019 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.8. "Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten. First day of school, Kindergarten, Schools, Self-confidence.
Activity: Have students tell them one thing they were most excited about on the first day of school.
How to read a book by Alexander, Kwame — Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2019 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.3. Suggests a method of reading that begins with planting oneself beneath a tree and leads to a book party one hopes will never end. CCBC, CBS
Activity: Write one sentence per student on white board/chart in praise of reading.
Is your buffalo ready for kindergarten? by Vernick, Audrey; illustrated by Jennewein, Daniel — Balzer + Bray, 2010 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.3. Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, one who follows the rules and tries his best will get along fine.
Activity: Follow along with Buffalo’s checklist and look at first-day-of-school jitters.
