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School is More than a Building
Last updated Thursday, September 1, 2022
Author: Kelley Donner
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 1955698007
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2022
Synopsis:
A great school is so much more than a building... it is a place where children feel accepted for who they are. It is a place where kindness and empathy are commonplace. It is a place where children know and feel that people are there for them and that they are safe and loved.
With its delightful watercolor illustrations of school life, School is More Than a Building paints a positive picture of a school environment where children know and understand that the people who work there care and look out for their best interests. When read aloud, children are reminded that they are part of a very special community and that schools are there for them.
| Note to readers: |
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This is the first in-person reading club in a very long time. Be prepared for the kids to be extra talkative (or extra shy) being in the room together.
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Some schools will meet outdoors, so be prepared for distractions as well.
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The letter from the author on page 17 can help inspire you to get excited about being back in school – which is much more than a building 😊
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Invite the kids to talk about what it’s like to be in person compared to online learning.
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Ask them to share what they like about being back in school. Explain that this story is told by a child who has many reasons to love his school.
Vocabulary:
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Frustrated: feeling upset or angry when something is difficult
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Comfort: to make someone feel better
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Janitor: the person who keeps the school clean
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Staff: all the people who work there
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Independent: thinking for yourself and not being controlled by others
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Unique: Not like anyone else
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Global community: A community is a group of people who live in the same place or share the same interests. Everyone contributes. The whole world can be considered a community because we’re all connected. Also, students may come from all over the world.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How would you describe your school building?
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Describe your teacher or the principal.
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Who are your friends? Do you see them at school? What do you do together?
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What kind of food is available at your school? How can you make healthy choices?
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What does it mean when he says, “My school is a big family”?
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When people say they are going to school, they’re usually talking about the building or the place. Why is it more than that?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Go back through the book and point out the star-shaped badges/stickers. What words/phrases would the kids use when they think of their school? Help the kids cut out big stars from construction paper of different colors. They can write/draw/color on them (you might help with spelling.) Then use tape to wear them on their shirts. Who has the most? Discuss them with each other.
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Draw a picture of your school
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Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 11th. Make a greeting card.
(Note: Grandparents Days was established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 to acknowledge the special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren).
Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2022-back-to-school-fun/
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| Special activities: |
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Get to know your classmates. Sit in a circle and ask everyone the same question. When everyone has answered, ask another. Do they have a pet? What’s their favorite color? Favorite food? Do they like a sport? A certain song? See how much they can learn about each other. (Avoid questions about family/parents/housing.)
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Explore your classroom or the outside of your school with your group. What do you see that you might not have noticed before? How would you describe your school?
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*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!
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