Curious George's First Day of School
Curious George New Adventures Series
on Goodreads (1,459)
What’s inside...
It’s the first day of school, and George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper. George is just the right monkey for the job—that is, until he starts to make his usual mischief. A mixture of red and yellow paint makes orange, a mixture of yellow and blue makes green, and a mixture of all the paint colors makes a big mess! After a speedy adventure up and down the halls of the school, George and Mr. Apple clean up the classroom—with a little help from George’s new friends. Your little monkey will enjoy giggling at George's back-to-school mischief, as well as the satisfying happy ending.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Curious George
Mr. Apple
Discussion points
How do you think Curious George felt on his first day at school? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways George tried to make friends? What would you do in his place?
Why is it important to listen to the teacher? What happens when George doesn’t listen?
How do you think the story would change if George followed all the rules?
Can you think of a time when you were curious like George? What did you learn from that experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by discussing George’s feelings and comparing them to your child’s own experiences.
Highlight George’s actions and decisions in the story to discuss the consequences of actions and the importance of following rules.
Use examples from the book to talk about friendship and the ways to make new friends, especially in new settings like school.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Create a 'What if?' scenario asking your child how they would act differently from George in the same situation and discuss the potential outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Curious George's keen interest in his new environment at school drives the story. His excitement to learn and explore new things serves as the central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace new experiences and environments, using their curiosity to learn and grow.
Example Lesson: Listening to Instructions
Explanation: Throughout the book, George learns the consequences of not following instructions, which leads to various misadventures. This highlights the importance of listening and following guidelines for safety and order.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing attentive listening in school and at home, understanding that it can help avoid confusion and ensure safety.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: George faces several challenges during his first day at school and creatively finds solutions to problems, showing resilience and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, enhancing their problem-solving skills in real situations.
Example Lesson: Impact of Actions on Others
Explanation: The book demonstrates how George's actions affect those around him, particularly when his curiosity leads to chaos in the classroom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the consequences of their actions on their peers and surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.
Example Lesson: Adapting to New Environments
Explanation: George's first day at school is a journey of adapting to a new setting and learning the unwritten rules of the classroom.
Real-World Application: This lesson is valuable for children as they encounter new environments, such as starting school or joining a new activity, helping them learn to adapt and thrive.