What Happens on Wednesdays
on Goodreads (243)
What’s inside...
A preschooler marks the progress of her day, not by the clock but by what happens after lunch, after nap, after swimming, after the library - and after Daddy comes home. She doesn't map her neighborhood by street signs, either. Her morning walk to see dogs in the park takes her past the cat outside the deli, past her friend Errolyn's building and the daycare where she used to go when she was little, and down the block to the bagel store. The sounds, tastes, smells, and sights of a multiethnic Brooklyn neighborhood, as seen through a child's eyes and captured with enchanting pictures by debut illustrator Lauren Castillo, will encourage children to make their own sensory maps and list the events in their daily schedules.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the protagonist's Wednesday routine? Why do you think you liked that part the most?
How do the things that happen on Wednesdays make the protagonist feel? Can you relate to those feelings on any day of your week?
If you could add an activity to the protagonist's Wednesday, what would it be and why?
Why do you think the author chose to talk about Wednesdays? What do you think is special about this day?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of what happens on Wednesday? What is your favorite picture?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child about their expectations of the book based on the title and cover.
Pause after reading about each Wednesday activity to discuss it briefly—ask how they feel about that activity and if it reminds them of any of their own routines.
Encourage your child to imagine their own version of a perfect Wednesday and discuss how it would look.
After reading, compare and contrast your child's typical Wednesday with the character's day to enhance personal connection to the story.
Highlight the emotions shown in the book and ask your child if they have ever felt the same way, deepening emotional understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Routine and Structure
Explanation: The narrative follows a young girl's day, detailing her consistent weekly routine, from morning rituals to nightly bedtime stories.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of a structured day and how it aids in managing time and expectations, providing a sense of security and stability in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: Exploration and Curiosity
Explanation: Throughout her day, the protagonist engages with her surroundings, discovering and learning about her environment, illustrating a child's natural curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and interact with their environment, fostering a natural love for learning and inquiry into the workings of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The book highlights the activities the child does with her family members, showing various interactions that strengthen familial ties.
Real-World Application: Promotes spending quality time with family, showing children the value of family support and togetherness in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Independence and Confidence
Explanation: The young girl performs tasks such as getting dressed and choosing her own snack, which showcases developmental milestones in independence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of self-reliance and builds confidence as they perform tasks on their own and make personal choices.