Most of us begin going back to school during the month of August, so I chose a book that is perfect for the month of August and the first days of school. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. Each year when my students arrive to school on the first day, they harbor a wide variety of feelings about school in general, beginning a new year, making new friends, and leaving loved ones at home after summer break has ended.
I love using the Kissing Hand as a first days read aloud to begin a discussion on feelings and character. The first open, honest, discussion helps to set the tone in my classroom throughout the year.
I first introduce the book to my students by telling them that Chester the Raccoon is having a hard time thinking about going to school. I then ask students to think about how they are feeling about school today {the first day of school} and keep their feeling in their mind while I read.
Next, I read the book straight through to my class. After I have finished reading the book, I ask my students to think about how Chester felt. We will have a short discussion on how he felt and why he felt that way. Discussing the 'why' is important with first graders, I want take my students beyond the yes or no questions right away in the school year! I want my students to be thinkers from day one.
Then I draw my students attention to the compare and contrast anchor chart on the focus wall. We each student will have a heart with their name on it, Chester has one too, even Mrs. Decatur has a heart! One side of the Venn-diagram has a small illustration of Chester and says "Nervous" the other side has a happy smiling Raccoon Illusions and says "Excited". Each student gets a chance (if they want to) to place their heart on the side that matches their feeling about the first day of school.
After each student has had a turn, we have a short discussion to compare and contrast how each of us feels, some of us may even share why we feel a certain way! I like doing this because it allows my students to express their feelings in a safe place right away.
I also have a response sheet ready so my students can draw & write about their feelings. I want each of them to feel validated & that their feelings matter, no matter what they may be! Even if they are mad or very upset about returning to school, I like to find out ASAP so I can work on changing that!
If you enjoy the freebie be sure to check out the whole packet {varied response sheets, class book, anchor chart cut outs & more} Click the picture to link directly to the item in my TpT store!
I also have a response sheet ready so my students can draw & write about their feelings. I want each of them to feel validated & that their feelings matter, no matter what they may be! Even if they are mad or very upset about returning to school, I like to find out ASAP so I can work on changing that!
Click the picture for your reading response freebie! :)
If you enjoy the freebie be sure to check out the whole packet {varied response sheets, class book, anchor chart cut outs & more} Click the picture to link directly to the item in my TpT store!
Check out these other awesome ideas I found on Pinterest! Click the pictures for the links!
Be sure to enter the giveaway and check out the other bloggers below and see what books they are using for back to school!
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This book melts my heart!!!
ReplyDeleteCourtney
Ramona Recommends
I know! My first year teaching my mentor suggested it for a Valentine's day story and I kind went with it on a whim, ever since then I just LOVED it and read it on the first day. So heart warming, I like to talk about family during the first week, it can be so hard on the kids to be parted!
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