Time for School, Little Blue Truck: A Back to School Book for Kids
Little Blue Truck Series
What’s inside...
Little Blue Truck and his friend Toad are heading to school and along the way, they encounter their animal friends heading to school too. They face obstacles but work together to overcome them. On their journey, they meet a bright yellow school bus and see all the animals in its windows. Blue wishes he could be a school bus, but worries it’s too big a job for him. However, when someone misses the bus, it's up to Blue to get his friend to school on time. Join Blue in his adventures including a bedtime ride in Good Night, Little Blue Truck and a trip to the city in Little Blue Truck Leads the Way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Little Blue Truck feel on his first day of school and why?
What are some ways that Little Blue Truck helped his friends in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Little Blue Truck did?
What do you look forward to the most about going to school or a place where you learn and meet friends?
How do you think being kind like Little Blue Truck can make school better for everyone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, briefly discuss your child’s feelings about school to make personal connections with Little Blue Truck’s experiences.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think Little Blue Truck feels and how they would feel in similar situations.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book or a scene where they helped a friend.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life events in your child’s school life, enhancing the relevance and depth of the discussion.
End the conversation by highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness, asking your child to share how they can be a good friend tomorrow.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: In 'Time for School, Little Blue Truck,' the protagonist helps his friend Toad gather school supplies. This act of kindness demonstrates the importance of supporting others in need.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their peers with school activities or sharing their own resources.
Example Lesson: Value of Punctuality
Explanation: Little Blue Truck emphasizes arriving on time for school, highlighting the importance of punctuality and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their time effectively, ensuring they are punctual for school and other activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: Throughout the story, Little Blue Truck tries new activities at school, encouraging kids to overcome fears and embrace new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in new extracurricular activities or try new subjects at school with enthusiasm and open-mindedness.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book showcases various characters working together to prepare for school, underlining the benefits of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to collaborate with classmates on projects or in team sports, understanding that collective efforts yield better results.
Example Lesson: Respect for Teachers and School Rules
Explanation: Little Blue Truck and friends demonstrate respect for their teacher and adhere to school rules, teaching respect for authority figures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of respecting teachers and following school protocols to maintain a harmonious learning environment.