Friends,
I came across this picture book at the library - School’s First Day Of School, by
Adam Rex.
The story is told through the perspective of the school. School has just been built and he’s nervous to have the students arrive. He confides his fears to his best friend, the janitor. Janitor offers him some support and encouragement before the new year begins. In the beginning, School doesn’t like the kids that have arrived. They’re noisy and messy. But the children slowly begin to win over School, especially one little, freckled-face girl.

I’ve never seen a school as a main character before and by the end of the book, I became quite fond of School. I especially liked the last page where Janitor is at the top of school and they have a conversation while watching the sun set together. Check it out. It’s a sweet story.

​Lesson Plan - Acorn’s Art - Chapter 3

1. What do you think of Acorn’s drawing of the chickadees? Answers will vary.
2. Why did Acorn drop his drawing and walk away? He didn’t think it was any good.
3. Who found the drawing? Button
4. What did Button call the drawing? A work of art
5. Have you ever created something (a painting, a snowman, a birdhouse) and had it laughed at? How did that make you feel? Answers will vary. Mockery and unkind words often belittle people and make them give up.
6. How does it make you feel when someone sees value in what you do? Answers will vary. It makes me feel worthwhile. It builds my confidence.
7. What does ‘ potential’ mean? Someone’s or something's ability to develop, achieve or succeed.          

*Everyone is good at something. Everyone has potential. Looking for potential in others is a helpful and proactive practice. It encourages them and helps them to succeed.