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The first day of school is a big deal for every child, filled with excitement, curiosity, and, let’s face it, a few jitters.
That’s why I wrote a book that not only entertains but also offers comfort and encouragement to students stepping into a new school year.
One of the biggest issues I noticed as a teacher on the first day of school is kids getting anxious about making new friends. Even if a student has been at the school since kindergarten, they are placed in a classroom with a different set of kids each year. Some years they are with their friends, while other years they are in a classroom filled with kids they know but don’t really know.
This was the inspiration behind writing and creating “Jay’s First Day of Alien School.” It’s a little story to help children understand that feeling nervous about making new friends is totally normal, and with a little bravery, those nerves can turn into wonderful friendships. Oh! And of course, as a former classroom teacher, I created a free activity to go with this read-aloud!
Continue reading to see how to use this book and the free First Day of School Writing Activity during your back-to-school period.
“Jay’s First Day of Alien School” Overview
In a galaxy far, far away, an alien named Jay has spent his summer preparing for his first day of school. He’s practiced his star-counting, mastered writing his name, and packed his backpack with care. But when the big day arrives, Jay realizes there’s one thing he didn’t prepare for—how to make friends.
This intergalactic adventure takes young readers on Jay’s journey through the ups and downs of starting school—but not just any school, an alien school! From the initial nervousness to the triumphant moment of making a friend, kids will see themselves in Jay’s story, learning that being brave and saying “hello” can lead to amazing new friendships.
Back to School Read Aloud Lesson Plan: Facing Fears and Making Friends
Objective: Students will learn about the importance of facing fears and making new friends through the story of Jay’s first day at alien school.
Pre-Reading
Start by showing your students the book cover and ask them to predict what the story might be about. Discuss their first-day-of-school experiences and feelings, connecting their emotions with Jay’s.
Questions to Ask:
- What do you think it would be like to go to school in outer space?
- Have you ever felt nervous about making new friends?
- What are some ways you can be brave on your first day of school?
During Reading
As you read, pause when Jay feels lonely and sad because he doesn’t have any friends. Discuss whether the students can relate to Jay and understand why he felt that way. Then pause again after Jay makes his first attempt to make a friend. Discuss what happened and how Jay must have felt in that situation.
Questions to Ask:
- How do you think Jay feels when he walks into class for the first time?
- What do you think Jay could do to make a new friend?
- What would you do if you were in Jay’s situation at the playground?
Post Reading
After the story, have students reflect on Jay’s journey and how it relates to their own experiences. Discuss the importance of trying again, even if things don’t go perfectly at first.
Questions to Ask:
- How did Jay feel at the beginning and end of the story? What changed?
- What did Jay learn about making friends?
- How can you use what Jay learned to help you on your first day of school?
Activity: Alien First Day of School Writing Craft
Extend the fun and learning with a creative back-to-school writing craft! Let your students imagine they are aliens attending school in outer space. What would their first day be like? This is the perfect opportunity to teach about personal narrative as well. If you plan on using the Writing Process in the classroom, this writing project is an excellent way to introduce the writing process or assess students’ initial writing skills.
Materials Needed:
- Drafting paper
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Free first day of school writing craft template
Instructions:
- Imagine and Discuss: Begin by asking your students to imagine what it would be like if they were an alien attending school for the first time. Encourage them to think about how they would feel and what they might experience.
- Brainstorm Ideas: Collaborate with your class to brainstorm ideas. Use an anchor chart or the brainstorming sheet provided in the writing resource. Guide the students to think about what their alien school might look like, the subjects they would learn, and how they would go about making new friends.
- Introduce Personal Narrative: Take this opportunity to introduce the concept of a personal narrative. Explain how they will be writing a story about their own experience as an alien on the first day of school, focusing on the sequence of events and emotions involved.
- Plan the Writing: Have students use the planning sheet from the resource or allow them to plan in their notebooks. Encourage them to outline the sequence of events for their story, from arriving at the alien school to making a new friend by the end of the day.
- Begin Writing: Once the planning is complete, students can start writing their narratives. Remind them to focus on expressing their ideas clearly and creatively. If students need help with writing stamina, you can refer to my post on building stamina with hourglasses.
- Craft the Alien Character: After the writing is finished, distribute the blank alien head template and construction paper. Have students follow the instructions in the resource to create and assemble their alien character, bringing their story to life with their own artwork.
Display these imaginative pieces in the classroom to celebrate the start of the school year and to remind students that everyone feels nervous sometimes, but with a little courage, they can make great friends!
Remember, you can pin this blog post for future reference.
Final Thoughts
“Jay’s First Day of Alien School” is a fantastic read-aloud that not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about bravery and friendship. I know I’m biased here since it’s my book, but I created it to help spark conversations in your classroom about the feelings and experiences that come with starting something new and not knowing anyone. And of course, we’re adding a curriculum element with a writing activity that will help your students get writing, giving you an opportunity to introduce the writing process, personal narrative, sequence of events, and more!
I can’t wait to hear how your students react to Jay’s adventure! Don’t forget to share their creative alien school stories with me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches. Let’s make this school year one filled with learning, bravery, and new friendships!
Here’s to a great start to the school year!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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