It is so important for teachers to create classroom community where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. We know how important it is to celebrate the diversity of our students and help them to learn about the world from one another. This week we are spotlighting The Day You Begin because it is a great way to teach diversity and celebrate each student’s unique story. This book is great to use at the beginning of the school year to build classroom community and allow students to share about their backgrounds. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
The Day You Begin follows different students as they spend time at school. Each student feels different from their classmates, and shys away from what makes them unique. One student spent the summer reading books and taking care of her sister, one student speaks another language and is from another country, and another student enjoys a lunch that is unfamiliar to her classmates.
The day that each student begins is the day they share their stories about who they are and what makes them special.
Students will enjoy this story that explores diversity and the importance of owning who we are.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
In addition to great social emotional learning and discussion The Day You Begin can be used to teach so many skills essential to young readers and writers. Whether it's reading comprehension, different writing styles, or grammar you’re looking to expose your students to, The Day You Begin is a great resource.
- Throughout the story, students will hear new or unfamiliar vocabulary which is a great opportunity to help them expand on their word knowledge.
- Help students make connections between the book and their own lives.
- Similes and metaphors are prevalent throughout the story, making it a great way to examine how authors use figurative language in their writing.
- Practice narrative and expository writing skills as students reflect on what makes them unique.
- Use The Day You Begin to teach or study plural nouns, proper nouns and compound words.
- Celebrate diversity and self esteem in the classroom community and encourage students to take ownership.
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
This resource has everything you need to get started with your instruction right away!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
- My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
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!
