Meet a Bus Driver! (In Our Neighborhood)
#1 of 11 in In Our Neighborhood Series
What’s inside...
Join Emma and Theo, two best friends exploring their neighborhood and meeting various community helpers. The series combines engaging narratives told from Emma or Theo's perspective with nonfiction elements such as real photos, maps, and Q&A with community helpers. Each book features adventures that intertwine fiction and nonfiction, providing information about the jobs of community helpers while keeping readers entertained with beautifully illustrated stories.
Discussion points
What do you think a bus driver does during their work day?
Why is the bus driver important in our neighborhood?
How do you feel when you see or ride a bus?
If you were a bus driver for a day, where would you like to drive and why?
What are some ways we can show kindness and respect to our bus driver?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversations to help children think critically about the role of a bus driver. Use descriptive praise when your child shares their thoughts and feelings. Connect the story to real-life experiences by discussing any interactions you've had with bus drivers. Ask your child to draw a picture of their ideal bus route or to describe what kind of bus they would like to drive. This will deepen their engagement and understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Community Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces the role of a bus driver within the neighborhood, demonstrating how they help people travel to work, school, and other places.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect community helpers they encounter in their own neighborhood, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Safety Awareness
Explanation: Through the story, children learn about the safety protocols that bus drivers follow, such as stopping at red lights and letting passengers board safely.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of following rules and being cautious, especially in traffic or when using public transportation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book portrays the bus driver as a responsible figure who ensures passengers reach their destinations safely and on time.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take responsibility in their own actions, like being punctual and ensuring personal belongings are secure when traveling.
Example Lesson: Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: It shows how the bus driver assists passengers, such as helping someone in a wheelchair board the bus.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be helpful and considerate to others in need, both in school and within their community.