Wanda's First Day
What’s inside...
Wanda, a friendly young witch, mistakenly ends up in a school for fairies on her first day. Feeling out of place among classmates with wings and wands, she soon forms a connection thanks to a kind teacher and welcoming peers. As she navigates this new environment, Wanda learns that even when we feel different, friendship can always be found.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Wanda
Discussion points
How do you think Wanda felt on her first day at witch school, and what would you do if you were in her shoes?
Why do you think it is important for Wanda to make friends, and how can we help others feel welcome?
What did Wanda learn by the end of the book, and what did you learn from her experience?
How do you handle situations that make you nervous or scared, similar to Wanda's first day?
If you could use magic to help your friends, what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Wanda’s feelings and actions, building empathy and connection.
Discuss the importance of friendship and inclusivity, using scenarios from the book to highlight these values.
Praise your child for any insights or connections they make, reinforcing their understanding and confidence.
Ask your child how they might use their 'magic'—their talents and abilities—to help others in their school or community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: Wanda, a young witch attending a school primarily for fairies, embodies diversity and uniqueness. The book showcases how her differences are a source of strength and individuality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their own uniqueness and that of others, promoting inclusivity and understanding in diverse environments such as schools or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Wanda experiences nervousness on her first day at a new school, a common fear among children. Her courage in facing this new environment is emphasized, showing her growth and resilience.
Real-World Application: This serves as a relatable scenario for children starting new schools or activities, inspiring them to face their fears with courage and adapt to new situations with optimism.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Wanda makes friends who accept and celebrate her differences. This highlights the importance of friendship and social support in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build strong, supportive friendships and to be open to making friends who might seem different from them, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: The fairies’ initial reaction to Wanda changes as they extend kindness and understanding towards her, which transforms the school atmosphere positively.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the impact of kindness and empathy towards others, influencing them to act compassionately in their interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Wanda adapts to a new environment and learns to integrate her unique abilities with those of the fairies, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of adapting to different environments and situations, utilizing their unique strengths to contribute positively.