Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School
#1 of 37 in Young Amelia Bedelia Series
What’s inside...
The New York Times bestselling picture book! Amelia Bedelia goes to school and mixes up just about everything in this funny picture book about the childhood of the iconic character. The first book in the nationally bestselling series about the childhood of America's favorite literal-minded housekeeper, Amelia Bedelia is sure that she will absolutely love school—after all, what's not to love? But after hopping on the bus 'just like a bunny' (hurry up, sweetie!), confusing her name tag with a game (we are not playing tag), and gluing herself to her seat (oh, dear), Amelia Bedelia discovers that what she takes for granted is not always the way the world works. Still, friendships are formed, lessons are learned, and projects are completed, and through it all Amelia Bedelia's teacher, Mrs. Edwards, offers gentle guidance and an open heart. The Amelia Bedelia books have sold more than 35 million copies!
Discussion points
How did Amelia Bedelia feel on her first day of school? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some of the funny misunderstandings that Amelia Bedelia experienced? Why do you think they happened?
If you were Amelia, how would you have handled the mix-ups at school?
What did you learn from Amelia Bedelia about making new friends?
How would you help a new student on their first day at school, like Amelia Bedelia?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own first day at school memories with your child. This will make them more comfortable in sharing theirs.
Laugh together at Amelia Bedelia’s funny mix-ups to make discussion about misunderstanding and communication more approachable.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking how they would resolve similar situations that Amelia faced.
Discuss the importance of friendship and understanding, highlighting characters in the book that displayed these traits.
Use the book's illustrations to talk about non-verbal cues that might help in understanding how Amelia Bedelia and other characters are feeling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Following instructions
Explanation: Amelia Bedelia often misinterprets instructions due to her literal take on language, leading to humorous outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of listening carefully and seeking clarification if they don't understand, helping them follow instructions more accurately in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Flexibility and Adaptability
Explanation: Amelia faces many challenges as she navigates her first day of school, yet she adapts to new situations with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace new experiences and environments with an open mind, enhancing their ability to adjust in different settings like starting at a new school or trying out a new activity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Despite the mix-ups, Amelia's classmates and teacher learn to understand her unique perspective and appreciate her literal interpretations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of empathy by recognizing and celebrating differences among peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Amelia's literal interpretations lead to creative, albeit unintended, resolutions to problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn that creativity can be a valuable tool in problem-solving, encouraging them to think outside the box during challenging situations.