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First Grade Jitters
Last updated Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Author: Robert Quackenbush
Illustrator: Yan Nascimbene
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 9780060776329
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2026
Synopsis:
Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade and doesn't know quite what to expect. Will his friends be there? Will he have to know how to read and spell? What if he can't understand anything his teacher says?
Looks like a case of first grade jitters!
The author and illustrator tell a reassuring story that is sure to chase away those jitters for any soon-to-be first grader.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you ever had to move to a new school before?
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Do you remember what your first day of school was like?
Vocabulary
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Stumble - to trip or lose one's balance in walking or running
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Crowded - very full, or too full, of things or people
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Trudge - to walk in a heavy way with much effort or weariness
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How did you feel about the ending of the book?
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What do you think the author wants you to learn from this book?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Jitter Juice Box Materials: Construction Paper, Markers, Crayons 1. Draw a juice box on a piece of paper with a straw coming out from the top. 2. Draw an emoji on the front of the juice box representing how you would feel on your first day of school.
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| Special activities: |
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Guess The Animal 1. One player thinks of an animal and the other player asks questions to figure out what animal it is.
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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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