Big Day: Moving House
The big day! Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This photographic book provides a look into a child's day during a move, highlighting the emotional journey from packing to settling into a new home. It serves as a conversation starter for young children and adults about first experiences and managing feelings associated with change. The book is part of 'The Big Day' series, which helps young children navigate and cope with various life changes, such as starting school, welcoming a new sibling, and hospital visits, using simple and relatable language.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt about moving to a new house?
What would you pack first if we were moving to a new home?
Can you imagine a new room for yourself? What would it look like?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different season?
What are some ways the main character could make new friends in their new neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a time you moved or experienced a big change, to make a personal connection with the theme. Use the illustrations in the book to point out emotions and ask your child to guess how the characters are feeling at different points. Encourage them to draw their dream bedroom after discussing the book. This not only makes the conversation interactive but also helps them connect deeper with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Big Day: Moving House', the story follows a young child as they prepare to move to a new home, capturing the mix of emotions that come with change.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand that change is a normal part of life and it can lead to positive new experiences and opportunities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The protagonist is faced with challenges like packing toys and saying goodbye to friends, which they address creatively and positively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop problem-solving skills, helping them address and adapt to various situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Throughout the book, the family supports each other during the move, providing comfort and assistance.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of family during major transitions, teaching children to rely on and provide support within their family unit.
Example Lesson: Building Resilience
Explanation: As the child in the story adjusts to their new environment, they learn to overcome initial fears and uncertainties.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children resilience, helping them learn to bounce back and thrive in new situations or environments.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendships
Explanation: The story addresses making new friends in the new neighborhood and cherishing old ones despite the distance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of maintaining and nurturing relationships, no matter where they are.