Marco Goes to School
Marco Series
What’s inside...
The irrepressibly inquisitive Marco is off to school in this picture book from New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast. Marco, the busiest bird, embarks on a school adventure filled with lessons, lunch, and an ambitious plan to build a block tower to the moon. However, Marco soon learns that his plans might be too ambitious. Fortunately, school has another surprise in store for him—a new friend. In this fun tale, Roz Chast highlights that it's not the destination that counts, but the friends made along the way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Marco felt on his first day of school and why?
Can you tell me about a time when you tried something new like Marco?
How did Marco's classmates help him feel welcome?
What would you do if you met someone new at school like Marco?
Why do you think it's important to be kind and helpful to new friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own school experiences to those of Marco, fostering a connection with the character.
Discuss the importance of friendship and kindness, emphasizing how these values are shown in the story.
Use expressive questions to help your child think about the feelings and actions of characters, enhancing their empathy skills.
Highlight moments in the book where characters show support and ask your child how they might do the same in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing New Experiences
Explanation: In 'Marco Goes to School', Marco the bird is initially hesitant about attending school, but he eventually embraces the new environment and activities. His journey illustrates the process of overcoming fear of the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own lives when facing new situations such as starting a new grade or attending a new activity class. It teaches them to approach these situations with an open mind and enthusiasm.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Marco makes new friends who make his school experience enjoyable and rewarding. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of building relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be open to making new friends in school or any social setting, understanding that friendships enrich experiences and provide support.
Example Lesson: Importance of Participation
Explanation: Marco participates in school activities, which leads to fun and learning. His active involvement is a crucial part of his positive school experience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by actively participating in class or extracurricular activities, understanding that their involvement can enhance their own learning and enjoyment.
Example Lesson: Courage to Ask Questions
Explanation: When Marco is curious or unsure, he asks questions to his teacher and friends, which helps him navigate his new experiences at school.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand that asking questions is a way to learn and clarify doubts, promoting a healthy curiosity and eagerness to understand the world around them.
Example Lesson: Learning Through Play
Explanation: The story showcases how Marco learns various lessons through playful activities in school, emphasizing that learning can be enjoyable and engaging.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to see playtime as an opportunity for growth and learning, understanding that play and education are not mutually exclusive.