What Happens on Wednesdays
on Goodreads (243)
What’s inside...
A preschooler marks the progress of her day by the sequence of activities she does, such as lunch, nap, swimming, and visiting the library, rather than by the clock. She also navigates her multiethnic Brooklyn neighborhood based on landmarks like the cat outside the deli and the bagel store, rather than street signs. Through the child's perspective, the book captures the sounds, tastes, smells, and sights of her environment and encourages children to create their own sensory maps and document their daily routines.
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Unnamed Narrator (The Little Girl)
Mommy
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.