Reading Champion: Going to School
Reading corner. Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'Reading Champion: Going to School' by Katie Woolley, young readers are introduced to the daily adventures of going to school. The book provides a detailed look at routine activities and new experiences that children can expect, fostering a sense of familiarity and anticipation for their own school journey. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude about school. The book is part of the Reading Champion series, which is linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills and developed with UCL Institute of Education (IOE). 'Going to School' explores different ways people travel to school, offering repetitive sentence structures to support early independent reading. The book includes engaging artwork and a reading activity, and is graded to match a child's reading ability to encourage reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
How did the character feel on their first day of school? Have you ever felt the same?
What new things do you think the character learned at school?
If you were going to school like the character, what would you be most excited about?
How can you help a new friend feel welcome on their first day at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a cozy reading environment and use a calm, encouraging tone to make the discussion inviting.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences, such as their feelings on their first day at school or meeting new friends.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking follow-up questions to their responses.
Use facial expressions and gestures that reflect the emotions in the book, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
End the discussion by summarizing key points and asking your child to reflect on what they learned or enjoyed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing New Experiences
Explanation: The story follows a child's journey on their first day of school, highlighting the excitement and curiosity of new environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by approaching new activities or settings with optimism and openness, reducing anxiety about unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: As the protagonist meets classmates, the book showcases the formation of new friendships through sharing and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be proactive in making friends and teaches them the importance of teamwork and cooperation in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Listening and Learning
Explanation: The character learns to pay attention to instructions and absorb new information, which is essential for academic success.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to improve their focus in educational settings, leading to better learning outcomes and knowledge retention.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist gradually becomes more confident as they navigate school routines and socialize with peers.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more confident in their abilities and interactions, fostering a positive self-image and resilience in face of challenges.