mrscstrickland

Reading level and Leveling System:

Guided Reading: L

Lexile Measure: AD520L

Sarah Jane Hartwell is hiding under her covers and does not want to go to school. Mr. Hartwell reminds her how much she liked her other school and asks her to think of all the new friends she'll meet. Mr. Hartwell finally gets Sarah to stumble out of bed and get into the car. At school, the principal welcomes her and takes her to the classroom where she is introduced as "Mrs. Sarah Jane Hartwell," the new teacher. This book is great to read on the first day of school. It shows the students that even the teacher is nervous about the first day of school. A first day jitters bulletin board would be a great activity to accompany this book. As students arrive on the first day of school have the students write on a note card something they are nervous or excited about for the new school year or the first day of school. Before reading the story the teacher can anonymously read the students responses aloud to the whole class. After the story is read and the students find out it was the teacher who was so nervous about the first day of school, the teacher could then reveal something she is nervous about. This activity shows the students everyone can be nervous about the first day of school even the teacher.