Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School



Last updated Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Author: Herman Parish
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0062032747
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2016

Synopsis: Amelia Bedelia is sure that she will absolutely love school — after all, what's not to love? But after hopping on the bus "just like a bunny" (hurry up, sweetie!), confusing her name tag with a game (we are not playing tag), and gluing herself to her seat (oh, dear), Amelia Bedelia discovers that what she takes for granted is not always the way the world works. Still, friendships are formed, lessons are learned, and projects are completed, and through it all Amelia Bedelia's teacher, Mrs. Edwards, offers gentle guidance and an open heart.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite part of the first day of school?
•  How did you feel on your first day of school?
•  What do you like most about school?

Vocabulary

•  Hollered- to call out loudly
•  Deserve- used to say that someone should or should not have or be given something
•  Tambourine- a small musical instrument held in the hand and played by shaking
•  Chuckled- to laugh
•  Memories- something that is remembered
•  Assembly- a group of people who have gathered together
•  Toured- to go through a place to see the different parts of it

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Did you know who your teacher was on the first day of school?
•  What do you like about your classroom?
•  What part of your school day do you like best (ex. gym class, lunch, music)?
•  What kinds of things did Amelia Bedelia's teacher say that confused her?
•  Have you ever gotten confused by the meaning of words?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a thank you card for your teacher.
•  Make a daisy crown. Cut out the band from construction paper. Then cut flowers out of different color construction paper and glue to the band.
•  Draw a picture of your favorite animal.
•  See examples on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2016-back-to-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!