Wake up, Emily, It's Mother's Day (Kids of the Polk Street School)
#16 in Polk Street School Series
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
In 'Wake up, Emily, It's Mother's Day,' part of the Kids of the Polk Street School series by Patricia Reilly Giff, Emily Arrow is eagerly preparing for Mother’s Day with her classmates. However, Emily is faced with a challenge when she realizes she doesn’t have a gift for her mother. Despite her initial disappointment with a failed marigold plant, Emily, with the help of her friends, dives into planning an unforgettable surprise. This story encapsulates childhood creativity, family bonds, and the joy of giving, highlighting the thoughtfulness children can exhibit on special occasions like Mother’s Day.
Discussion points
How do you think Emily felt when she was preparing the Mother’s Day surprise?
What are some ways you can show appreciation to someone you care about?
Why is it important to celebrate special occasions like Mother's Day?
Can you think of a time you worked hard to create a surprise for someone? How did it feel?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and respond.
Relate the questions to your child’s own experiences to deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reassuring them that there are no wrong answers in such discussions.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their engagement and build confidence.
Follow up on their answers with further questions or relate them back to the book or their daily life to extend the conversation and deepen understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Appreciation
Explanation: In 'Wake up, Emily, It's Mother's Day', Emily and her classmates learn the significance of showing appreciation by preparing a special day for their mothers. The story mirrors how they plan and execute thoughtful gestures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express gratitude and appreciation for their loved ones by engaging in small acts of kindness, such as helping around the house or making thank-you cards.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book shows Emily working together with her friends to make Mother's Day special. This collaboration underscores the power of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by participating in group activities, whether in school projects or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emily and her peers face various challenges in organizing the Mother's Day celebration, which they overcome through creative thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and adaptability, encouraging them to think creatively to solve problems in daily situations, from homework assignments to conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Emily takes on the responsibility of ensuring the Mother’s Day event goes well. The narrative focuses on her actions and planning, highlighting her growing sense of duty and reliability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their tasks and actions, be it in completing their homework on time, taking care of a pet, or maintaining their personal spaces.
Example Lesson: Joy in Doing for Others
Explanation: The happiness and satisfaction Emily and her friends experience by making the day memorable for their mothers underline the joy derived from doing things for others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of altruism and experience the joy of selflessness by engaging in volunteer work or by simply doing unasked favors for family and friends.