When It's the Last Day of School

Last updated Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Author: Maribeth Boelts
Illustrator: Hanako Wakiyama
Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 0399234985
Grade Level: 2nd
Date(s) Used: July 2004

Synopsis: James can barely contain his excitement on the last day of school, but he vows to be good and get Mrs. Bremwood’s last gold sticker of the year.

Discussion topics for before reading:

• What is the last day of school like?
• What do you do on the last day of school?

Discussion topics for after reading:

• What kinds of things is James doing on the last day of school? How is that different from all of the other days?
• What would you like to do on the first day of vacation?
• Have you ever felt like James? When? What did you do?

Craft ideas:

• Make a thank you card for your teacher, and draw on it what you will do on the last day of school.
• Make a calendar of the Month of July, and decorate it with all that you want to do.

Special challenge:

• While reading the book, write a list of all the things that happen. At the end, cover that list up. Divide the class into two teams. Have each team try to remember (tell one volunteer, who writes it down) everything that happens on the last day of school.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!