As I read some books, I can already hear my students laughing out loud at the events of the story. I love sharing a book with them that makes the whole room erupt in giggles because it shows just how fun reading can be. This week we are spotlighting a book that will do just that. Picture Day Perfection is such a relatable book not just for students, but teachers too! It’ll give young readers an opportunity to make connections to the story, reflect on the characters’ choices, and try out new writing techniques. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Picture Day Perfection, by Deborah Diesen, is the story about a young boy trying to get the perfect school picture. He has been planning it for months! Unfortunately, he runs into several mishaps on picture day. These include getting covered in syrup, making a mess with paint, and having the wrong backdrop.
In the end, the boy did not get his perfect picture, he was smiling! His mom thought it was the perfect picture, but next year the boy plans to get it right.
Students will enjoy this hilarious story about school picture day. They will laugh at the boy’s mishaps and the funny pictures throughout the book.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Picture Day Perfection is a book that almost every student can relate to, making it a great way to teach a variety of concepts. When students can relate to a story, it makes reading comprehension easier and sparks inspiration for writing. The language in this book lends itself to so many different grammar lessons and can serve as model sentences for grammar skills. Picture Day Perfection’s main character can also be used as a way to discuss the importance of making good choices.
- Use the figurative language throughout the book to engage your students in discussions regarding metaphors and descriptive writing.
- Analyze plot and have students think about the problem and solution in this book.
- Have students write about their own opinions towards picture day and back it up with reasons.
- Encourage students to think through a process and write the steps to a procedure.
- Introduce students to new prefixes and suffixes.
- Examine verb tense and how it affects a story.
- Teach students about self esteem and encourage them to think about what makes them special.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
If you’re like me, you love having quality resources at the ready to give your students. Thanks to our book companion for Picture Day Perfection you’ll have everything you need not only for the students but yourself too!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieskza
- Bedhead by Margie Palatini
- The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
