Off to Kindergarten
on Goodreads (153)
What’s inside...
Award-winning author Tony Johnston and illustrator Melissa Sweet create a joyful story about the first day of kindergarten. The story follows Bill as he prepares for his first day of school, making a long list of things he feels he needs to bring along, including his bear, a little chair, a pillow, cookies, a sandbox, some digging moles, and even a moving truck! With rhyming text by Tony Johnston and delightful illustrations by Melissa Sweet, this touching story captures the first-day jitters and hopes of a young child.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think will be the most exciting part about going to kindergarten?
How do you feel about making new friends like the characters in the book?
What are some things you would pack for your first day at kindergarten?
How do you think the boy felt on his first day? Can you relate to that?
If you were in the story, what would you do differently on your first day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express both excitement and fears about kindergarten, mirroring the emotions from the book.
Relate personal kindergarten experiences during the conversation to create a deeper connection and understanding.
Use descriptive language from the book to help your child visualize what kindergarten might look like.
Acknowledge your child's feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to be nervous, just like the characters might have been.
Emphasize the fun aspects and new opportunities that kindergarten presents, as highlighted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Preparation and anticipation
Explanation: The story follows a child preparing for their first day of kindergarten, capturing the excitement and nervousness that comes with new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of preparing for new challenges and view them positively, helping them adapt more readily to change.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child figures out what to take to school, solving small dilemmas and making decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of thoughtful decision-making and equip them with the confidence to solve problems they face in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The protagonist uses creativity to decide on items to bring, such as a school bus big enough for all his friends.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in day-to-day tasks, enhancing creative thinking skills useful in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Sharing and social skills
Explanation: The child plans to share his supplies with classmates, highlighting the values of sharing and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This can instill the spirit of teamwork and generosity, teaching kids the benefits of sharing and cooperating with others at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Dealing with emotions
Explanation: The book touches on managing emotions when faced with the unknown, showing the child’s initial nervousness and eventual confidence.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that it's normal to feel nervous about new experiences and that confidence grows with familiarity, aiding emotional intelligence development.