Alfie at Nursery School
Agent Alfie Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
Alfie at Nursery School is a charming story that follows a young boy named Alfie as he experiences his first day at nursery school. The book captures his excitement and apprehensions as he navigates through new experiences, makes friends, and learns new things in a supportive environment. Additionally, Alfie's sister, Annie Rose, is eager to join him at nursery school, leading to a sticky situation that Alfie must navigate. The story includes playground games and special concerts, all depicted through heartwarming illustrations by Shirley Hughes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Alfie felt on his first day at nursery school?
What activities at the nursery school would you like to try?
Can you tell me about a time when you made a new friend like Alfie did?
Why is it important to help others, like Alfie helped his friends?
What would you do if you were in Alfie's place at various points in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about starting new experiences, relating them to Alfie’s first day at nursery.
Discuss the activities shown in the book and ask your child about their favorite activities at school.
Highlight the importance of friendship and teamwork, taking examples from Alfie’s interactions with his peers.
Ask open-ended questions to foster your child's critical thinking and connection with Alfie’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In the story, Alfie learns to share toys and space with other children at the nursery, which helps in creating a harmonious playtime environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson at school or during playdates by sharing their belongings, fostering friendships and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Adjustment to New Environments
Explanation: Alfie experiences initial challenges adapting to a new setting away from home but gradually becomes comfortable with the help of supportive adults and peers.
Real-World Application: This lesson is valuable for children who are transitioning to new schools, classes, or any unfamiliar settings, helping them understand that feeling uneasy initially is normal and can be overcome.
Example Lesson: Value of Routine
Explanation: The story details Alfie’s daily activities at the nursery, showing how a stable routine helps him feel secure and manage his day better.
Real-World Application: Maintaining a regular schedule can help children manage anxiety and improve their ability to handle daily tasks effectively.
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Alfie openly expresses his feelings of joy, nervousness, and frustration, demonstrating healthy ways of emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express their feelings appropriately, which is crucial for emotional development and building strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: When faced with challenges, such as disagreements with peers, Alfie learns to find solutions and cope effectively, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that setbacks are natural and can be dealt with constructively, preparing them for obstacles they may face in their lives.