This School Year Will Be the BEST!
What’s inside...
On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids' hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it's looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone's wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt-this school year will definitely be the best!
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would make this school year the best one for you?
Which character in the story do you relate to the most and why?
What are some goals you have for this school year?
How do you think teamwork helps in achieving a great school year?
Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as planned at school and how you handled it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about one of your memorable school years.
Listen actively, and show interest in their thoughts and feelings about starting a new school year.
Relate the book’s scenarios to real-life experiences your child might encounter to make it more relevant.
Encourage your child to think about and plan personal goals by discussing the goals of characters in the book.
Use positive reinforcement to commend their thoughts and insights, fostering a supportive environment for these discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Setting Positive Expectations
Explanation: The story encourages children to express their hopes and dreams for the upcoming school year, fostering a positive mindset.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new challenges in school and other areas of life with optimism and enthusiasm.
Example Lesson: Value of Sharing
Explanation: Students in the story share their thoughts and listen to others, emphasizing the importance of communication and respect in a classroom setting.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and respect diverse perspectives, enhancing their social interactions and collaborative skills.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: Characters set specific personal goals for the school year, such as learning to read better or making new friends.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to set their own achievable goals and work steadily towards fulfilling them, which promotes self-motivation and accountability.
Example Lesson: Coping with Disappointment
Explanation: The book illustrates how not all expectations are met, and some hopes may not materialize, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to handle setbacks and disappointments constructively, understanding that they are part of the learning and growing process.