"Your own voice, once huge, now smaller"-- Jacqueline Woodson
This week we will explore the Jane Addams Children's Book Award winner, The Day You Begin. Jacqueline Woodson's poetic words come to life with lovely illustrations created by Rafael Lopez. The beautifully crafted characters and illustrations create a universe that I want to climb into to experience this charming world first hand.Woodson's children's book explores the dreaded first day of school after a long summer break. The characters navigate emotions children face when they aren’t sure what the new year will bring. Feelings of inferiority and otherness plague these youngsters as they interact with their peers during introductions, at lunch, and during recess.
Rigoberto, a student who has just arrived from Venezuela, struggles when students do not understand the language that is so precious to him
Angelina struggles with feelings of inadequacy when other students discuss their travels of summer, while she spent hers taking care of her sister.
When Angelina boldly discusses her summer experience, she and Rigeberto find common ground. Suddenly, the room that felt full so foreign became familiar. We are all encouraged to push past fear in order to discover the commonalities on which friendship grows.
In the Classroom
This story is an excellent introduction to exploring the commonalities between students as well as fears they may have entering a new school year. While activities need to be tailored to student interest and ability, I would recommend this story for students in 1st - 5th grade. While reading the story the teacher could ask questions that prompt the students to empathize with the characters. I would also create an interest survey or activity where students would be prompted to find another student that shares a similar interest or answer to a question. For earlier grades, a teacher might use this as a gentle introduction to story maps, by identifying the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
I love reading this book to my students at the beginning of the school year. It is an important book for students to think about the way others in the classroom may be feeling. When discussing summer activities or break activities, I try to be thoughtful of the way we discuss their breaks because not every student gets the same opportunities as others. It is a great book to teach students that every one is an individual and their experiences should be valued and celebrated.
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