First Day Jitters
Picture Book Read Aloud
book summary
First Day Jitters is a classic to read on the first day of school! Everyone, regardless of who you are, can relate to Sarah Jane Hartwell. Students, parents, teachers, and even principals can relate to the sleepless night and butterflies in your stomach that comes with the first day of school regardless if it is your 1st or 30th first day of school.
Will my teacher be nice? Will I have any friends in my class? What should I wear? Am I forgetting to put something in my backpack? Will I miss the bus? All these thoughts and more are swirling around in our heads during the hours leading up to the first day of school.
Sarah Jane does not want to get out of bed. When Mr. Hartwell comes to wake her up, she pulls the sheets back over her head and refuses to budge! Mr. Hartwell is finally able to convince her to get out of bed, get some breakfast, grab her lunch box, and set off for the first day of school.
Mr. Hartwell drives the reluctant Sarah Jane to school, where the principal greets her, escorted her to her room, and introduced her to her new class. Suspense is built for the reader because the true identity of Sarah Jane is not revealed until the very end of the book. The unexpected surprise ending is sure to bring a smile to kids of all ages!
suggested teaching point
First Day Jitters can be used for modeling and teaching making inferences.
On page 20, ask students to make an inference. Mrs. Burton, the principal, comes to the car to greet Sarah. Mrs. Burton offers to walk Sarah to class. Why do you think Mrs. Burton would want to show Sarah where to go? Do you think that having Mrs. Burton walk her to her class will make her feel any better? Why or why not? Turn to your partner and share your ideas.
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