Ready and Waiting for You
What’s inside...
The bus driver, the principal, the teachers -- all these and more wait behind doors, ready to welcome new students. Each school setting offers warm and friendly characters perfect for reassuring any child nervous about starting school. Children will be delighted by the colorful illustrations and the exuberant text of this book, and its unique format that allows readers to open flaps revealing the school settings waiting for them behind. 'Ready and Waiting for You' is the perfect introduction to the first day of school, and will leave young readers eager to be on their way!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the children in the book felt when they were welcomed at school?
What are some ways that you like to be welcomed by friends and family?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel comfortable in a new place?
Why is it important to make others feel welcome?
What are some things you can do tomorrow to make someone feel included?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their experiences to those of the characters by sharing their own stories of starting at a new place.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing why feeling welcomed is important and how it affects us.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of various characters, and discuss different ways they could make newcomers feel welcome.
Praise examples of welcoming behavior in the book, and relate them to real-life actions they can take.
Use the book as a starting point to plan a small welcoming gesture for someone in your community or school.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse range of characters from different cultural backgrounds, encouraging children to appreciate and embrace diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to interact respectfully and curiously with peers from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their everyday environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the story highlights the value of friendship and being supportive to one another.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to build strong, supportive relationships with their peers, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Welcoming Attitude
Explanation: The narrative creates an inviting atmosphere for all characters, demonstrating the importance of being welcoming and open to new experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open and inviting, making new friends and embracing new opportunities that come their way.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: Characters in the book work through initial shyness to engage and connect with others, showcasing personal growth.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that it's okay to feel shy and provides strategies for overcoming their fears to engage with others positively.
Example Lesson: Joy in Participation
Explanation: The book celebrates joining in activities and contributing to group efforts, emphasizing happiness and fulfillment in participation.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to take part in group activities, whether in school or during play, enhancing their social skills and bringing joy through collective achievements.