My First Day

Share this book

1. Talk about what school is like for kids in different parts of the world. Did readers know that some kids get to school by boat? Together, research some of the incredible journeys kids around the world make to get to school. Then talk about how there are some kids who have never had a first day of school—not in person, not virtual, not ever.
2. Worldwide, before the pandemic, 258 million kids and teens were already not in school. Together, research why so many children can’t go to school. If kids are inspired to help ensure that everybody gets to go to school and learn, ask them to generate ideas for how to help. Introduce them to organizations like UNICEF or Save the Children and help them make it possible for everyone to get an education.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. Taking the boat by himself is a special first for An. Do you think you could pilot a boat all by yourself? Talk about a special “first” in your life.
2. An found a way to be brave and joyful about his new experiences. If you were in the boat with An, what would you say to him? What could you say to someone who might be anxious about the first day of school or trying something new?
3. Think about your first day at school. How did you get to school? What do you appreciate about how you get to school?
4. How did you feel before your first day of school? Was there anything you were worried or excited about?
5. Do you think the river is a character in this story? What do the illustrations of the river communicate?

Related Resources

• My First Day Educators’ Guide from Random House Children’s Books
• How Do You Get to School? from Scholastic News
• Why Are So Many Children Still Not In School? Lesson plan from World’s Largest Lesson
• A look at journeys to school around the world UNESCO video