I Got the School Spirit
#2 in I Got the Rhythm Series
What’s inside...
This exuberant celebration of the first day of school, illustrated by Frank Morrison, follows a little girl who is excited to start school. She hears the school spirit in the sounds of the bus and the bell, and sings it in class with her friends. The school spirit encourages everyone to strive and grow, prompting the question, 'What will you learn today?' Other titles by the same creators include 'I Got the Rhythm' and 'I Got the Christmas Spirit.' This book is a lively and cheerful read-aloud to celebrate the new school year.
Character compass
Unnamed Girl
Discussion points
How did the main character show they were excited about school? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What are some ways the main character made new friends? What are your favorite ways to make friends?
The story shows different school activities. Which one did you like the most and why?
How did the main character deal with challenges at school? What do you do when you face a challenge?
What does having school spirit mean to you after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and gestures to mimic the excitement of the characters while reading to make the story come alive.
Ask your child how they relate to the characters or situations in the book, encouraging them to share personal experiences from school.
Pause after exciting moments in the story to discuss your child’s thoughts and feelings, ensuring they comprehend and connect with the material.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story to keep them engaged and thinking ahead.
After reading, connect the story’s themes to real-life events at your child’s school to reinforce the positive messages about education and school spirit.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing New Experiences
Explanation: The protagonist of 'I Got the School Spirit' shows enthusiasm for her first day of school, demonstrating positivity in a new environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new situations, like starting school or a new activity, with excitement and openness, fostering a positive mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young girl expresses her feelings openly through actions and words, providing a model for emotional expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it's healthy to express their feelings and communicate their emotions with others.
Example Lesson: Developing Social Skills
Explanation: The protagonist interacts with peers and teachers, showcasing important social interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these examples by engaging with classmates and teachers, thereby developing their own social skills and building relationships.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: The main character’s positive spirit and readiness for school highlight her self-confidence, which is reinforced by supportive family and friends.
Real-World Application: By seeing confidence modeled, children can be encouraged to feel confident in themselves, particularly in educational settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book demonstrates a sense of community through interactions at school and the support from people around.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of being part of a community and how contributing positively to it can enhance their own and others' experiences.