First Day Jitters - Children's Book
This story is a cute example of how everyone is nervous for their first day of school, not just the students!
It is a great story to read aloud to younger grade levels at the beginning of the year. It helps break the ice with a new group of students when they see that teachers can be nervous too.
The children in my class asked questions like, "Is that true? Were you nervous before school today?" It opened up discussion and helped to bond the group together from our very first day!
Danneberg, the author, does a good job of keeping the reader in suspense as to who exactly the main character is. The illustrations assist the text in keeping the main character's face hidden throughout the story. This element of surprise helps to keep the feelings expressed by the main character far more "real" to the kids.
Parents can read this story at home to help ease the feelings of nervousness that often come before the first day of school. Children feel more comfortable once they know nervousness is natural -- for everyone!
