First Day Jitters Book Activities: Fun & Easy!

Diving into the school year with a good book makes all the difference, especially when little ones are feeling a bit nervous! First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg tells the story of Sarah, who is very worried about starting at a new school, but it turns out that the teacher, Mrs. Sarah Hartwell, was nervous too! Understanding this common feeling can be explored further using engaging first day jitters book activities that make learning fun and easy. Scholastic offers a variety of resources and activity ideas, like printable worksheets, to complement the book and calm those butterflies. Teachers and parents can utilize these creative tools in the classroom or at home to create a supportive environment and foster a love for reading and new adventures.

Easing Back-to-School Anxiety with "First Day Jitters"

Do you remember that knot in your stomach the night before a new school year? The butterflies fluttering, the endless "what-ifs" swirling around in your head? Whether you were a student, a teacher, or a parent, that feeling of anticipation mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety is a shared experience.

The start of a new school year is often filled with excitement. But for many children (and adults!), it can also trigger feelings of worry and unease. New teachers, new classmates, new routines – it’s a lot to take in!

Fortunately, there are tools and resources that can help ease those back-to-school jitters. One such gem is the beloved children’s book First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg and illustrator Judy Love.

This delightful story tackles the universal feeling of anxiety in a clever and relatable way. It offers a gentle and humorous approach to a very real emotion.

First Day Jitters provides a perfect springboard for discussing feelings. It helps create a safe and supportive environment. This, in turn, makes it ideal for easing back-to-school transitions.

Why "First Day Jitters" Matters

This book isn’t just a fun read-aloud. It’s a powerful tool for educators and parents. It offers a unique opportunity to address anxiety head-on. It also helps to foster social-emotional learning (SEL) skills.

By exploring First Day Jitters, we can learn how to:

• Effectively address anxiety in children (and even ourselves!).
• Promote social-emotional learning (SEL) by building empathy and understanding.
• Facilitate a smoother back-to-school transition for everyone involved.
• Strengthen the classroom community by creating a safe space for sharing feelings.

Setting the Stage for a Successful Year

This book provides a framework for creating a more supportive and understanding classroom. By using First Day Jitters as a starting point, we can work together. We can ease anxieties, build connections, and set the stage for a successful and rewarding school year for all.

Why "First Day Jitters" Resonates: The Book’s Unique Appeal

So, what is it about "First Day Jitters" that makes it such a valuable resource? It’s more than just a cute story. It’s the unique blend of relatability, engaging storytelling, and its natural connection to social-emotional learning that truly allows it to shine. Let’s dive into why this book resonates with readers of all ages.

Relatability: A Universal Experience

One of the key reasons "First Day Jitters" is so effective is its universal relatability. The story doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that everyone experiences anxiety, even teachers!

Mrs. Hartwell’s nervousness is palpable, and children quickly realize they’re not alone in their feelings.

This is a powerful message that normalizes anxiety, helping children (and adults!) understand that it’s okay to feel nervous about new situations.

The book subtly reminds us that even those in positions of authority, like teachers, grapple with the same emotions.

This shared vulnerability creates a sense of connection and understanding, fostering a more supportive and empathetic classroom environment.

Read-Aloud Appeal: Engaging Storytelling

Beyond its message, "First Day Jitters" is simply a delightful read-aloud. Julie Danneberg’s writing is engaging, humorous, and perfectly paced for young audiences.

Judy Love’s illustrations further enhance the story, bringing Mrs. Hartwell’s emotions to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters.

The humorous twist at the end – revealing that the teacher is the one with the jitters – is a memorable moment that leaves children laughing and wanting to reread the story again and again.

This element of surprise makes the book more than just an anxiety-reducing tool, it transforms it into a cherished and fun experience.

The element of surprise turns the story into something treasured and re-readable.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Connection: Building Empathy

"First Day Jitters" naturally facilitates discussions about emotions and promotes social-emotional learning (SEL). The story provides a safe and accessible entry point for exploring complex feelings like anxiety, worry, and apprehension.

Through Mrs. Hartwell’s experiences, children can develop empathy and learn to recognize these emotions in themselves and others.

The book provides a framework for discussing healthy coping strategies, such as talking about feelings, taking deep breaths, and focusing on the positive aspects of new experiences.

By reading and discussing "First Day Jitters," educators and parents can help children develop the emotional intelligence they need to navigate challenging situations and build strong, healthy relationships.

Pre-Reading Activities: Setting the Stage for Engagement

"First Day Jitters" offers a springboard for discussing big feelings. But the magic truly happens when we lay the groundwork before opening the book. These pre-reading activities prime students to connect with the story’s themes, build anticipation, and explore the complex emotion of anxiety. These simple steps can transform a simple read-aloud into a powerful learning experience.

Igniting Curiosity with Title and Cover Predictions

Before diving into the story, use the title and cover to pique curiosity. Prompt students to make predictions:

• What does the title "First Day Jitters" suggest about the story?
• What are "jitters," and what do they feel like?
• Who might be experiencing these "jitters"?

Encourage students to closely examine the cover illustration. What details do they notice? How do the characters’ expressions hint at the story’s content? Facilitate a class discussion, allowing students to share their initial thoughts and hypotheses.

This activity not only generates excitement but also encourages critical thinking skills as students begin to analyze visual and textual cues. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here! The goal is to spark conversation and set the stage for active engagement.

Building Empathy through Personal Connection

The best stories resonate because they tap into our own experiences. Before reading, encourage students to connect with the themes of "First Day Jitters" on a personal level.

Ask thought-provoking questions:

• What new things have you tried before?
• What makes you nervous about starting something new?
• What are you excited about for the first day of school?

Create a safe space for sharing. Allow students to express their feelings without judgment. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel nervous or apprehensive. This helps normalize those feelings and creates a supportive environment.

By connecting to their own experiences, students are more likely to empathize with the characters in the story. They are more invested in the narrative and more receptive to the lessons it has to offer.

Expanding Emotional Vocabulary: Anxiety Unpacked

Understanding the language of emotions is crucial for self-awareness and empathy. Before reading "First Day Jitters," introduce or review vocabulary related to anxiety.

Discuss the meanings of words such as:

• Nervous
• Worried
• Apprehensive
• Anxious
• Uneasy

Encourage students to share examples of when they have felt these emotions. Use synonyms and antonyms to help them grasp the nuances of each word. For example, how is "worried" different from "scared"?

Creating a shared vocabulary around anxiety empowers students to identify and articulate their feelings. It also lays the foundation for future discussions about coping strategies and emotional well-being. A robust emotional vocabulary is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence.

Engaging Activities During the Read Aloud: Bringing the Story to Life

"First Day Jitters" is more than just a book; it’s an experience. Transforming storytime from passive listening to active engagement unlocks deeper comprehension and emotional connection. Let’s explore how to make your read-aloud of "First Day Jitters" a dynamic and memorable event for your students.

The Power of Expressive Reading

Voice inflection is your secret weapon. Reading isn’t just about reciting words; it’s about embodying the story.

Vary your tone, pitch, and pace to match the character’s emotions. Mimic Mrs. Hartwell’s initial apprehension with a hesitant voice. Then, shift to excitement as the surprise unfolds.

Encourage your students to listen for these changes. Ask them how your voice makes them feel during different parts of the story. This active listening builds comprehension skills and heightens the emotional impact.

Predict, Pause, and Ponder

Turn reading into an interactive guessing game with strategic pauses. Stopping at key moments before a big reveal invites students to become active participants.

Ask questions like, "Why do you think Mrs. Hartwell is hiding under the covers?" or "What do you think is making her so nervous?"

Encourage students to support their predictions with evidence from the text or their own experiences. This fosters critical thinking and strengthens their connection to the narrative.

Consider pausing when Mrs. Hartwell says "I don’t think I’m going to like my new school at all". Pause here and allow the students to make predictions about what will happen next.

This invites active listening and makes the story much more memorable for the students.

Checking for Comprehension: More Than Just Quizzes

Checking for understanding isn’t about testing; it’s about guiding students to deeper meaning. Thoughtful comprehension questions help them connect the dots and solidify their understanding of the story’s themes.

Move beyond simple recall questions ("What’s the name of the teacher?") and explore deeper concepts.

Ask questions like, "How does Mrs. Hartwell’s feeling change throughout the story?" or "Have you ever felt like Mrs. Hartwell? What did you do?"

This type of questioning promotes critical thinking and allows students to make personal connections to the text. This leads to a much more rewarding and engaging learning experience.

Remember that the goal is to encourage conversation and critical thinking skills. These activities will help to elevate a simple read-aloud into a memorable, engaging experience.

Post-Reading Activities: Deepening Understanding and Promoting Coping Strategies

"First Day Jitters" isn’t just a story to be read and set aside. The real magic happens when you use the book as a springboard for deeper reflection and practical application. Let’s explore some post-reading activities that can transform the story into lasting lessons about managing anxiety.

Stepping into Someone Else’s Shoes: Character Perspective

One of the most impactful ways to foster empathy is by encouraging students to consider different points of view. Ask students to write a journal entry or draw a picture from the perspective of Sarah Jane Hartwell or even Mrs. Burton (the teacher!).

What might they be thinking or feeling that the story doesn’t explicitly tell us? This exercise helps students understand that everyone experiences emotions differently and that it’s okay to feel nervous. Consider these points:

• Writing Prompts: Provide sentence starters like, "If I were Sarah Jane, I would…" or "As Mrs. Burton, I noticed…"
• Artistic Expression: Drawing allows students who struggle with writing to express their understanding visually.
• Sharing and Discussion: Create a safe space for students to share their perspectives and discuss any similarities or differences.

Taming the "Jitters": A Class Brainstorm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming when it’s an abstract concept. By breaking it down into specific "jitters," we can empower students to identify and manage their feelings. Create a class chart, either on paper or digitally, with two columns: “Types of Jitters” and "Ways to Cope."

Encourage students to brainstorm different kinds of anxieties they might experience – test anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety. Then, for each "jitter," brainstorm practical coping strategies.

This activity builds self-awareness and promotes a sense of agency over their emotions. Some points to consider:

• Collaboration is Key: Encourage a free-flowing brainstorming session where all ideas are welcome.
• Focus on Solutions: Guide the discussion towards practical and healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk.
• Living Document: Keep the chart visible and encourage students to add to it as they learn new coping strategies.

A Recipe for Resilience: "First Day Jitters" Recipe

This activity brings a playful, creative twist to understanding anxiety. Ask students to write a "recipe" for "First Day Jitters." What are the ingredients (feelings)? What are the steps (actions) that lead to those feelings?

This activity makes it less scary and more manageable. The second part of the activity is to have the students create a recipe for "Calming Down". The students can include ways to calm down from "First Day Jitters", or any kind of jitters.

• Ingredients: Encourage students to list feelings like nervousness, excitement, fear, and anticipation.
• Instructions: Have them describe the actions or situations that trigger these feelings, like waking up on the first day or walking into a new classroom.
• Creative Expression: Encourage them to have fun with it! Use metaphors, humor, and creative language to make the recipe engaging.

Talking it Out: Class Discussion on Coping Strategies

One of the most effective ways to normalize anxiety is to talk about it openly. Facilitate a class discussion about healthy ways to deal with anxious feelings. Some suggested topics:

• Breathing Exercises: Teach and practice simple deep breathing techniques that students can use anytime, anywhere.
• Positive Self-Talk: Encourage students to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
• Seeking Support: Emphasize the importance of talking to a trusted adult – a parent, teacher, or counselor – when feeling overwhelmed.
• Open and Honest Dialogue: Create a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences without judgment.

By engaging in these post-reading activities, you can transform "First Day Jitters" from a simple story into a powerful tool for promoting emotional well-being and building a more supportive classroom environment.

Extending the Learning: Connecting to Real-World Experiences and Resources

First Day Jitters isn’t just a story to be read and set aside. The real magic happens when you use the book as a springboard for deeper reflection and practical application. Let’s explore some ways to extend the learning beyond the classroom walls, connecting with students’ real-world experiences and providing them with valuable resources.

Building Bridges to Personal Experiences

The most powerful lessons are those that resonate on a personal level. Encourage students to connect the themes of First Day Jitters to their own lives.

This can be achieved through sharing circles where students feel safe and supported to talk about their own experiences with anxiety.

Emphasize that vulnerability is a strength, and that everyone feels nervous or apprehensive at times.

Remember: Creating a classroom culture of empathy and understanding is key to fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing.

Role-Playing: Practicing Coping Strategies in Action

Reading about coping strategies is one thing; practicing them is another. Role-playing provides a safe space for students to experiment with different techniques for managing anxiety.

Scenario Ideas

• A student is nervous about giving a presentation.
• A student is worried about making new friends.
• A student is feeling overwhelmed by homework.

Guide students through the role-play, prompting them to use the coping strategies discussed after reading the book.

This could include deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, or seeking help from a trusted adult.

By actively practicing these strategies, students will develop the confidence and skills they need to manage anxiety in real-life situations.

Partnering with School Counselors: A Collaborative Approach

School counselors are invaluable resources for supporting students’ social-emotional well-being.

Collaboration between teachers and counselors can provide comprehensive support for students struggling with anxiety.

Counselors can offer individual or group counseling sessions, provide additional resources for teachers and parents, and help create a school-wide culture of mental health awareness.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for guidance and support. Together, you can make a real difference in the lives of your students.

Engaging Parents: Reinforcing Lessons at Home

The learning doesn’t have to stop at the school gates. Encourage parents to reinforce the lessons of First Day Jitters at home.

Suggest they read the book together with their children, providing a safe and supportive space to discuss their feelings.

Parents can also help their children identify and practice coping strategies for managing anxiety.

Remember: Consistency between school and home is key to helping students develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Provide parents with resources and information about anxiety management to help them support their children effectively.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, these fun and easy first day jitters book activities will help calm those butterflies and make that first day a little brighter for everyone. Good luck, and happy reading!