Monster and Boy: Monster's First Day of School
#2 of 3 in Monster and Boy Series
What’s inside...
Monster and Boy are back for another adventure! And this time, the best friends are headed to a place where no monster has ventured before: school. Ever since Monster, who sleeps under the bed, and Boy, who sleeps in the bed, met and became best friends, they have been spending their days playing together. However, on some days, Boy leaves for school and Monster is left alone. Curious about where his friend goes, Monster decides to join Boy at school. There, Monster meets Boy's teacher and classmates, learns about cubbies and the sharing circle, and even helps solve a mystery when a pet hedgehog goes missing. The story, told with a warm and cozy voice by Hannah Barnaby and brought to life with adorable two-color illustrations by Anoosha Syed, is filled with adventure and humor. 'Monster and Monster's First Day of School' is an ideal chapter book for children transitioning from picture books and for newly independent readers.
Discussion points
How do you think Monster felt on his first day of school? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways that Monster tried to make friends? Do you think those were good ideas?
Why do you think it's important for Monster to go to school? What do you enjoy about your school?
How did the other characters react to Monster at school? How do you think you would react if there was a new student who was very different from everyone else?
What would you do to help Monster feel more comfortable if he was in your school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about school by relating them to Monster's experiences.
Discuss the importance of acceptance and kindness, drawing parallels between the book’s themes and real-life school scenarios.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story and how they would help Monster navigate school challenges.
Highlight the value of making friends and how Monster attempted to connect with his classmates, prompting your child to talk about their methods of making new friends.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss overcoming fears of new experiences, just like Monster did.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing New Experiences
Explanation: In the story, Monster is apprehensive about his first day of school but learns to embrace the new experience with curiosity and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new situations, such as the first day at a new school or trying a new activity, with an open mind and positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Social Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Monster makes new friends and learns the importance of sharing, listening, and cooperating with others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forming positive relationships and helps them develop essential social skills that are important in school and everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Fears
Explanation: Monster deals with his initial fears about school and discovers that the experience is enjoyable and not as scary as he thought.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to face their own fears and anxieties, understanding that facing fears can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: In the classroom, Monster encounters classmates who are different from him, which teaches him to respect and celebrate individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inclusive and respectful towards peers who may come from different backgrounds or have different abilities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Monster learns to adapt to the rules and routine of the school environment, showcasing his ability to adjust to new settings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adaptability, a skill that helps them navigate various environments and situations effectively.