Melanie Watt’s book, You’re Finally Here, is a must read for the first day of school. It is the perfect way to show students how excited you are to have them in class and get them excited about the start of a new school year. This is a great read aloud to start the year off because it is funny and engaging. Students will look forward to read alouds going forward after this engaging book. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
The narrator and main character of this book is an energetic rabbit. As soon as the book starts, readers learn he is excited they have finally arrived. The rabbit explains he has been waiting a long time for the reader and asks where they have been. Throughout the book the rabbit explains how rude and annoying it was that he had to wait so long, but is sure to show readers just how happy he is to have them in the book. The rabbit even asks the reader to sign a contract saying they will stay and give him their undivided attention.
Soon after, the rabbit starts receiving phone calls from family and friends. Even though he is in the middle of a conversation with the reader, he takes the calls anyway. When he starts to ignore the reader, the rabbit shows he is surprised that they are leaving!
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Teachers, upon first glance you might not think you can use this book as a read aloud to teach comprehension or writing. However, there are so many different skills you can introduce to students using this book. We selected the strategies and skills this book is best used to teach and designed our book companion with that in mind. Check out some of our lessons that are included in our planner.
- Encourage students to make personal connections to the story. Not only does this help students reading comprehension, but it’ll help you get to know your students better.
- Ask students to summarize and retell the story. This is a basic reading comprehension skill that is easy to practice at the beginning of the school year.
- Allow students to write their opinions about the main character in this book. Make sure they support their opinions with specific reasons.
- Introduce letter writing by asking students to write letters to or from the main character.
- Explain what interjections are and why writers use them.
- Teach a lesson on the different types of sentences.
- Discuss the importance of manners and patience.
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
There are so many different activities included in this book companion. Teachers love how easy it is to select the resource they want to use, print, and be ready to teach. The best part is there is so much variety you can use these activities across multiple grade levels and subject areas. You will be so happy you purchased this resource!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Schoolโs First Day of School by Adam Rex
- We Donโt Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
- Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
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!
